SPECIAL NOTICE: Florida Amendment 3 (2026) Could Change Your Tax Bill

SPECIAL NOTICE | Florida Amendment 3 (2026) Florida's 2026 Amendment 3 could change homestead exemptions, non-homestead assessment limits, and local property-tax rules. It does not mean every homeowner's whole tax bill disappears. I'm Karen Lawell, Realtor with Counts Real Estate Group, here in Northwest Florida. This is a nonpartisan explanation for current residents, people considering a move, renters, and second-home owners. I cover the proposal, the arguments for relief, concerns about local services, and the questions no one can answer with certainty yet. Research current through October 3, 2026. This is a proposal, not an enacted constitutional change. The election is November 3, 2026. At least 60% of votes cast on the amendment must favor it; its stated effective date, if approved, is January 1, 2027. Publication check, October 4, 2026: the official ballot wording and Bay County projection were rechecked. The recording retains its October 3 research date. Important distinctions: $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 are proposed non-school exemptions of assessed value, not cash payments or guaranteed tax savings. Under the proposal, newcomer eligibility for the larger amount begins with the fifth year of exemption, subject to the current ballot's federal-constitutional qualification. The wording does not settle every household's eligibility or documentation question; future guidance and court decisions could affect its application. The 10%-to-5% change concerns covered non-homestead assessment growth, not a cap on total tax bills or rent. School district levies are excluded from those changes. Separate assessments, insurance, and association dues can remain. Buying a home can trigger reassessment. Ask about your own homestead eligibility and any portability rather than relying on the seller's tax bill. Read the sources and compare the arguments: Official current ballot language: https://constitutionalinitiatives.dos... Substantive enrolled amendment (its last pages contain the original ballot wording, which was subsequently replaced): https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill... Florida Chamber resource center: https://www.flchamber.com/amendment3/ Supporting perspective, Florida Realtors: https://www.floridarealtors.org/advoc... Critical perspective, Florida Policy Institute: https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/v... ITEP's September 29 analysis: https://itep.org/impact-of-amendment-... Bay County's projections and possible responses: https://www.baycountyfl.gov/829/Under... Find your county property appraiser: https://floridarevenue.com/property/P... Official election dates: https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-vote... Examples in the video are hypothetical, not a property-specific estimate. Budget projections are not adopted service closures. This video is general information, not tax or legal advice, and is not a recommendation to vote either way. Future legislation, court decisions, and local budgets may change the practical outcome. Questions about relocating to Panama City Beach, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, or 30A: Karen Lawell, Realtor | Counts Real Estate Group Call/text: 850-517-8528 Email: Karen@nwflbeachhomes.com Contact: https://karenlawell.countspcb.com/con... #SpecialNotice #FloridaAmendment3 #FloridaPropertyTaxes CHAPTERS 00:00 Lower taxes, not tax-free 00:32 What your vote means 01:07 How the exemption works 01:59 Moving to Florida: unknowns 03:16 Owners, buyers and renters 04:06 Local services and tax rates 04:53 The debate on both sides 05:53 What we can't promise