Florida's "Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes" Amendment: What Every Homeowner and Buyer Needs to Know Before November 2026

On June 2, 2026, the Florida Legislature passed House Joint Resolution 1F (HJR 1F), titled "Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes," during a special legislative session called by Governor Ron DeSantis. The vote was decisive: 75–26 in the House and 30–9 in the Senate.

But here's the critical piece: this is not yet law. The Legislature's vote sends the measure to the November 3, 2026 general election ballot, where Florida voters will decide whether to ratify it. It requires 60% voter approval to take effect. If it passes, most provisions would begin January 1, 2027.

As of today, Florida's existing property tax laws remain fully in place. Nothing has changed yet.

If Florida voters approve HJR 1F in November, here is what changes for homestead property owners:

Year One (2027): The homestead exemption for non-school property taxes increases from the current $50,000 to $150,000.

Year Two (2028) and beyond: The exemption rises to $250,000, then adjusts annually for inflation going forward.

What this means in plain terms: For approximately 60% of homesteaded Florida homeowners, the expanded exemption would cover their entire assessed home value resulting in zero non-school property taxes owed. Homeowners with higher value properties would still owe taxes on the assessed value above the exemption threshold.

One important note on school taxes: School district levies are carved out entirely from this amendment. No matter how large the homestead exemption grows, homeowners will continue to pay the school district portion of their property tax bill, which typically represents roughly 40% of a total bill.

To take advantage of the homestead exemption now or under the expanded version you must meet the following criteria under Florida law:

1. Own real property in Florida as of January 1 of the tax year.
2. Occupy the property as your permanent, primary residence as of January 1. You may only have one permanent residence at a time.
3. File an application with your county property appraiser's office by March 1 of the year you are claiming the exemption. Missing this deadline means waiving the exemption for that year.
4. Be a Florida resident. You must make Florida your legal domicile.

If you already have a homestead exemption on file, it renews automatically, and you will receive a renewal notice each January. You do not need to re-apply each year  but you must notify your county property appraiser of any changes that could affect your eligibility, such as moving, changing how title is held, or establishing a second residence.

This is a detail worth paying close attention to if you are considering purchasing in Florida.

Governor DeSantis's proposal includes a provision designed to ensure the benefit goes to committed Florida residents: anyone who establishes Florida residency after the amendment is approved would be required to maintain that residency for up to five years before qualifying for the expanded homestead exemption.

Current Florida homeowners and those who establish residency before the amendment takes effect would not face this waiting period. This creates a genuine window of opportunity for buyers who have been on the fence about making Florida their primary residence.

If you are weighing a move to Florida  whether as a primary home, a retirement destination, or a seasonal to permanent transition the timing of your decision has real financial consequences.

Establishing Florida residency and filing for homestead exemption by January 1, 2027 would position you to benefit from the expanded exemption from the very first year it takes effect, provided voters approve the measure in November. Waiting until after the amendment is ratified could trigger the five year residency waiting period for the enhanced benefits.

The bottom line: the window to move, establish residency, and be grandfathered into full benefits from day one is open now  but it won't stay open indefinitely.

Until Florida voters approve HJR 1F on November 3, 2026:

• Property taxes remain fully in effect at current rates and exemption levels.
• The existing homestead exemption remains up to $50,000 (with an inflation adjusted additional exemption for values between $50,000 and approximately $100,000, which applies to non-school taxes only).
• The Save Our Homes assessment cap  which limits annual increases in assessed value to 3% or the CPI change, whichever is lower  continues to apply to existing homesteads.
• All real estate transactions proceed under the current system.

While the legislative framework is clear, there are still open questions that will be resolved through future general law: specifically, the Legislature is directed by HJR 1F to develop a schedule for full elimination of homestead property taxes beyond 2028. The amendment sets the trajectory; lawmakers will determine the final destination and timing.

There are also broader economic and fiscal questions being debated  including how local governments will replace lost revenue and what that means for public services. These are legitimate considerations for buyers evaluating neighborhoods, school districts, and infrastructure. We'll continue to monitor and report as clarity develops.

Florida's property tax landscape is changing  potentially in a historic way. Whether or not the November ballot measure passes, the conversation it has sparked has already made Florida a more compelling destination for buyers seeking to maximize their real estate investment over the long term.

Our team stays current on the legal, financial, and market developments that affect your purchase or sale. Whether you're buying a primary residence, a second home, or planning a full relocation, we'll make sure you understand the timing, the criteria, and the strategy that makes sense for your situation.

Have questions about Florida homestead exemption eligibility, timing your purchase, or how these changes might affect a property you're considering? We're here to help.

Contact Powers Realty Group, Inc. today. Milwaukee's Luxury Leader | Wisconsin's #1 Boutique Broker™

No, not yet. As of today, Florida property taxes remain fully in effect. The Florida Legislature passed a proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 1F) in June 2026, but it does not become law unless Florida voters approve it by at least 60% on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Any headlines suggesting taxes have already been eliminated are inaccurate.

If voters approve the amendment in November 2026, the expanded homestead exemption would take effect January 1, 2027, rising to $150,000 that year and $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments annually after that.

No. School district levies are specifically excluded from the amendment. You will continue to pay the school portion of your property tax bill regardless of the exemption amount. For most homeowners, school taxes represent roughly 40% of their total bill. For homeowners whose assessed value falls below the exemption threshold, non-school taxes would be eliminated but school taxes remain.

Yes. If you haven't already filed, you must apply with your county property appraiser's office. You must own and occupy the property as your permanent primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year, and the application deadline is March 1. Missing that deadline means losing the exemption for that entire year. Once approved, the exemption renews automatically.

No. If your homestead exemption is already on file and the amendment passes, the increased exemption will apply automatically to your property. No additional filing is required.

Timing matters significantly. The amendment includes a provision requiring anyone who establishes Florida residency after the amendment is approved to maintain that residency for up to five years before qualifying for the expanded exemption. Buyers who establish residency and file for homestead exemption before the amendment takes effect would not face that waiting period, potentially saving thousands of dollars annually from year one.

The homestead exemption applies only to your primary, permanent residence. Vacation homes, rental properties, and investment properties do not qualify for the homestead exemption or the expanded benefits under HJR 1F.

Your Save Our Homes cap which limits annual increases in your assessed value to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower and does not transfer automatically if you sell and purchase a new Florida home. However, Florida law does allow homeowners to "port" some or all of their accrued Save Our Homes benefit to a new homestead in Florida. Your county property appraiser's office can walk you through the portability process.

Florida's property tax structure remains exactly as it is today. The existing homestead exemption (up to approximately $50,000), the Save Our Homes assessment cap, and all current tax rates stay in place. The Legislature could revisit the issue in a future session, but nothing changes automatically if the ballot measure fails.

Yes, if you act in time. Purchasing a Florida property and establishing legal Florida residency before the amendment takes effect positions you to benefit from the expanded exemption from day one, without the five-year wait. If you're seriously considering a Florida purchase, this is a strong reason to move that timeline up rather than wait.

Our team at Powers Realty Group, Inc. is following this closely and can walk you through the financial and strategic implications for any property you're evaluating in our Florida markets. For tax specific advice tailored to your personal situation, we always recommend consulting a qualified Florida real estate attorney or CPA.

Florida's property tax landscape is changing potentially in a historic way. Whether or not the November ballot measure passes, the conversation it has sparked has already made Florida a more compelling destination for buyers seeking to maximize their real estate investment over the long term.

Our team stays current on the legal, financial, and market developments that affect your purchase or sale. Whether you're buying a primary residence, a second home, or planning a full relocation, we'll make sure you understand the timing, the criteria, and the strategy that makes sense for your situation.

Have questions about Florida homestead exemption eligibility, timing your purchase, or how these changes might affect a property you're considering? We're here to help.

Contact Powers Realty Group, Inc. today. Milwaukee's Luxury Leader | Wisconsin's #1 Boutique Broker™