Breaking: Florida Property Tax Law Passes - They Lied (Video)

In this 4 November 2026 published video, host Travis Spencer talks with Mitch Vexler about how Florida voters narrowly passed Amendment 3 with 62 percent support, amending the state constitution to dramatically expand homestead property tax exemptions and spark intense debate over local government funding. 

Opponents argue cities and counties will struggle to fund basic infrastructure, public safety, parks, and critical South Florida flood-mitigation and sea-level rise projects. Critics contend that local governments may have to rely on special non-ad valorem fees or shift a heavier tax burden onto non-homestead owners, renters, and businesses. Figures like Broward County Commissioner Steve Geller and former state lawmakers sharply criticized the campaign, arguing voters were promised relief without a realistic plan for how local services would survive the revenue drop. 

According to legislative summaries and various news analyses, the new law changes property taxes in specific ways. It raises the exemption on primary residences from roughly $50,000 ($51,400) to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. The expanded exemption applies only to non-school property taxes. Homeowners will still pay the portion of property taxes that funds local school districts, as well as certain non-ad valorem assessments (such as fire or solid waste fees). People who are not permanent Florida residents by December 31, 2026, must wait until their fifth year of homestead eligibility before receiving the expanded tax break. 

While supporters framed the amendment as “eliminating” property taxes or delivering massive across-the-board relief, critics, economists, and local officials pointed to several major caveats. 

Despite rhetoric suggesting Florida was ending property taxes, homeowners still owe school taxes, taxes on home value above $250,000, and special district fees. The amendment only directs the Legislature to study a process for eventually eliminating non-school homestead taxes. The Florida Legislature’s research arm estimated the measure will cut local tax revenues by $11.8 billion annually—a 30 percent revenue drop for counties and 13 percent for cities. Law enforcement leaders like Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and local officials warned this could force cuts to police, fire, libraries, and parks. Political analysts and economists noted in WFLA and The Conversation that local governments may raise non-ad valorem taxes, special assessments, or user fees to make up for lost revenue, and that the tax burden could shift toward renters, businesses, and non-homestead property owners. 

Proponents, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, real estate groups, and supportive homeowners, argued the measure was necessary to combat surging home valuations and rising living costs. Republican strategists and supporters estimate average homeowners will save between $1,000 and $3,000 per year once fully phased in. Supporters contend that local government budgets grew rapidly alongside inflated property values and that the amendment forces cities and counties to cut waste rather than rely on rising tax bills. 

https://youtu.be/OH9bEEbOrhE