NewsSuncoast SearchlightJune 24, 2026Manatee
Florida Voters to Decide on Major Property Tax Exemption Changes
Florida voters will decide in November whether to significantly increase homestead exemptions, which would reduce property taxes for many homeowners but potentially lead to new service fees. The plan aims to lower tax bills by raising exemption thresholds through 2028, though critics warn it could complicate local government funding and shift costs to residents.
Read the full story at Suncoast SearchlightWhy It Matters
If passed, this amendment will change the amount of property value exempt from non-school taxes for Florida homeowners, potentially lowering annual tax bills while restricting how local governments fund services like roads and fire protection.
Key Facts
- The proposed amendment would increase the non-school homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 starting next year.
- The exemption is scheduled to increase further to $250,000 in 2028.
- The amendment restricts how local governments can spend property tax revenue and limits their ability to replace lost funds.
- School taxes are excluded from the proposed homestead exemption increases.
- Critics warn that local governments may shift to 'non-ad valorem' fees—charges for specific services like fire or police—which do not qualify for homestead exemptions.
- In a sample calculation for a $300,000 home in unincorporated Manatee County, estimated savings would be approximately $1,117 in 2027 and $1,756 in 2028.
- The actual tax savings depend on the specific millage rates of the homeowner's local tax district.
- Homes assessed below the $150,000 or $250,000 thresholds will not receive the full potential exemption amount.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who supports the amendment as a way to help middle-class hom”personGabriela Szymanowska“Author of the article.”organizationSuncoast Searchlight“The news organization publishing the report.”personScott Tussing“Director of communications for the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s Office.”organizationFlorida Policy Project“A non-partisan organization that analyzed the potential tax impacts.”locationManatee County“The county used as a case study for tax savings calculations.”personEmily Andersen“Suncoast Searchlight reporter and photographer.”personJeff Brandes“Former Republican State Senator and president of the Florida Policy Project.”