Florida voters approved Amendment 3 on Tuesday, raising the homestead property‑tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028. The measure earned 62% of the vote, surpassing the 60% threshold needed for adoption, according to Jaxtoday.org.
Mayor Donna Deegan praised the outcome, stating, “The voters have spoken, and we respect their decision… We will continue to deliver lean, balanced budgets that bring return on investment and deliver city services that are efficient and responsive to every neighborhood in Jacksonville.” The mayor’s office added that the city will work with the City Council to adjust budgets in light of the new exemption.
Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland highlighted the homeowner benefit, noting, “Property tax relief means direct, predictable savings for homeowners. The people have spoken. The City Council will respond — and plan — accordingly.” However, the council’s auditor projects a $300 million annual revenue shortfall for the city by fiscal year 2028‑29.
State Rep. Dean Black, R‑Jacksonville and vice chair of the Select Committee on Property Taxes, said the amendment reflects clear voter demand for lower taxes and urged municipalities to reassess budgets, adding, “We listened to the people and we heard from them very clearly — property taxes are too high.”
Democratic council member Tyrona Clark‑Murray warned that reduced revenue will force tough choices, saying, “The fight between what people need and what we’re able to afford has just gotten harder.” Senate President Ben Albritton, R‑Wauchula, and Sen. Kathleen Passidomo also expressed concern that a one‑size‑fits‑all approach could strain local services.
Opposition to the amendment came from a coalition of firefighters, police, EMTs, and local officials who argued the cut could jeopardize essential services, especially in rural counties. Former state senator Jeff Brandes wrote on X, “Florida passed Amendment 3. The governor and the Legislature own what comes next. They have the responsibility to manage the fallout.”
Governor Ron DeSantis, who championed the amendment, posted on X, “Big win on Amendment 3 for Florida homeowners!” The amendment was crafted by the governor’s office and passed by the Legislature in a June special session, then placed on the ballot without requiring the governor’s signature.
Amendment 1, which would have increased the cap on the budget‑stabilization fund from 10% to 25%, failed with 40% of the vote. Amendment 2, proposing a $30 to $40 million tax cut for agriculture, fell short at 58.25%.
What’s next: Jacksonville’s City Council is slated to begin a comprehensive budget review in the coming weeks, evaluating which services may need adjustment to accommodate the projected $300 million revenue decline while preserving public safety and community programs.
Sources: jaxtoday.org
