Amendment 3 could save homeowners thousands in taxes each year — but it comes with a cost

As early voting gets underway in Florida, one proposal to consider on the ballot would lower property taxes, but the seemingly simple move comes with huge ramifications. The advertisements for Amendment 3 are everywhere across the Sunshine State. You can t control rising costs, but you can control the cost of your government. Amendment 3 lowers your property taxes, said an advertisement. Property taxes fund public safety, period. Slash that funding, and the politicians will slash deputies, firefighters and 911, said an advertisement sponsored by the Florida Sheriff s Association. Back in June, both houses of the Florida Legislature voted to put Amendment 3 on the ballot. If approved, the measure would fundamentally change property taxes in Florida. The measure significantly raises the homestead exemption. Primary homeowners currently get a $50,000 exemption, which lowers their bill. Under this measure, the exemption goes up to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in