GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Alachua County homeowners could see a larger share of their home’s value shielded from some property taxes beginning next year following Florida voters’ approval of Amendment 3.
The measure, which received approximately 62% support in the Nov. 3 election, expands homestead exemptions and lowers the cap on annual assessment increases for qualifying non-homestead properties. It cleared the 60% approval threshold required for a constitutional amendment.
For local property owners, the key questions now are how much relief they may receive, when they will qualify and what happens next.
The Alachua County Property Appraiser’s Office says implementation details are still coming — and residents should continue following existing homestead exemption application procedures and deadlines.
What changes for homeowners?
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the homestead exemption will increase from $50,000 to $150,000 for property taxes other than school district levies. The maximum exemption will rise to $250,000 in 2028, followed by annual adjustments for positive inflation beginning in 2029.
The expanded exemption will not apply to school district property taxes.
Actual savings will vary based on a property’s value, the owner’s eligibility and applicable millage rates.
“As Florida enters a new chapter in property taxation, our responsibility remains ensuring the fair, accurate, and consistent administration of property assessments and exemptions,” Alachua County Property Appraiser Ayesha Solomon said.
“Our Office is committed to helping property owners understand these changes and providing timely information as implementation guidelines become available.”
Residency timing matters
The amendment sets different eligibility timelines based on when a homeowner establishes permanent Florida residency.
- Residents who maintained permanent Florida residency before Jan. 1, 2027, may qualify for the expanded exemption, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.
- Residents who establish permanent residency on or after Jan. 1, 2027, will generally remain eligible for the existing $50,000 exemption for four years. They may qualify for the expanded exemption in their fifth qualifying year of receiving a homestead exemption.
Additional guidance is expected to clarify how the changes will be administered.
A lower assessment cap for other qualifying properties
Amendment 3 also reduces the annual assessment increase limitation for qualifying non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%, excluding school district levies.
That change limits assessment increases; it does not mean every affected property owner will receive a 5% reduction in their tax bill. As with homesteaded properties, the effect will depend on property values, eligibility and applicable tax rates.
What should property owners do now?
For now, the Property Appraiser’s Office says no immediate action is necessary solely because Amendment 3 passed. Property owners should continue using existing homestead exemption application procedures and meeting current deadlines.
More direction is expected from Tallahassee. Gov. Ron DeSantis has indicated he intends to convene a special legislative session in December to address implementing legislation. The Florida Department of Revenue is also expected to issue updated guidelines, forms and procedures.
“Our priority is to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to provide the accurate, accessible, and responsive service Alachua County residents deserve,” Solomon said.
The Property Appraiser’s Office will provide updates through its official website and public communication channels as implementation details become available.
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