Florida TaxWatch President and CEO and former Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp issued a cautionary statement Wednesday, warning that the anticipated passage of Amendment 3 represents only the beginning of Florida’s broader property tax conversation. He urged local governments to refrain from undermining voter-approved tax relief by increasing alternative fees and charges.
The watchdog organization released its statement as unofficial election results indicated that the constitutional measure had surpassed Florida’s required 60% approval threshold. With an estimated 96% of ballots counted, Amendment 3 secured 4,863,797 votes in favor, representing 62.0%, compared to 2,980,524 votes in opposition, representing 38.0%.
“The 2026 mid-term election was clearly a pocketbook election,” Kottkamp said. “With the passage of Amendment 3, Florida voters are telling local governments they need to tighten their belt just as families are doing every day.”
Kottkamp expressed concern regarding how city and county officials might respond to the anticipated decline in tax revenues.
“This is not the end of the discussion on property taxes. It is the beginning,” Kottkamp said. “The real question is how local governments respond to the passage of Amendment 3. Will they truly tighten their belt and reduce services, or will they simply increase fees and other taxes to offset the loss of revenue – and at the same time diminish the tax savings voters thought they were voting for.”
Formally designated the Homestead Tax Exemptions, Property Assessments, and Spending Restrictions Amendment, the measure introduces significant changes to Florida’s local property tax framework. Under its provisions, the homestead exemption for non-school district taxes will increase to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with subsequent adjustments indexed to inflation beginning in 2029. New state residents will receive a reduced exemption during their first five years of residency.
The amendment also lowers the annual assessment increase cap for non-homestead properties , including commercial properties and rental units , from 10% to 5% for non-school district taxes. Furthermore, it places restrictions on how local governments may allocate property tax revenue, limiting expenditures to public safety, education, infrastructure, flood control, local bond obligations, government operations, and employee pension funds.
Kottkamp noted that Florida TaxWatch delivered analysis throughout the campaign through its Florida Property Tax Resource Center, providing guidance to homeowners, renters, and local officials. He also highlighted forthcoming state-level reviews, noting that the organization was the first to recommend that tax matters be examined by the constitutionally mandated Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which is scheduled to begin meeting in 2027.
“We believe tax reform is needed, and Florida TaxWatch will continue to advocate for property tax reform that is lasting and equitable for all Floridians,” Kottkamp said.
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