A newly formed political committee is launching an organized campaign to defeat Amendment 3, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to dramatically expand Florida’s homestead property tax exemption, arguing the measure would shift billions of dollars in tax burdens onto renters, small businesses and consumers.
The committee, Stop Unfair Tax Shifts, is chaired by former Leon County Commissioner Bryan Desloge, a Republican who served 14 years on the County Commission.
Desloge said the proposal could have significant consequences for local governments that rely heavily on property tax revenue to fund public safety, infrastructure, stormwater systems, emergency response and other essential services.
“The consequences of Amendment 3 will shift those bills, causing higher rent, more expensive everyday purchases, costlier first homes, and many small businesses that can’t absorb an increase in commercial property taxes,” Desloge said.
Amendment 3 Would Expand Homestead Exemptions
The constitutional amendment, approved by the Florida Legislature earlier this month, would significantly increase the state’s homestead exemption for primary residences.
If approved by at least 60% of Florida voters this November, the proposal would:
- Increase the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027.
- Increase it again to $250,000 in 2028.
- Index future increases to inflation using the Consumer Price Index.
- Exclude school district taxes from the expanded exemption.
- Reduce the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%.
Supporters, including DeSantis, argue the proposal provides long-term tax relief for Florida homeowners as property values continue climbing across the state.
Opponents Warn of Revenue Losses
Critics contend the amendment would significantly reduce revenue available to counties and municipalities.
According to estimates from Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, local governments could eventually lose approximately $11.86 billion annually in property tax revenue if the amendment is fully implemented.
Opponents argue those losses could force local governments to:
- Increase fees or other taxes.
- Reduce public services.
- Seek additional funding from the state.
Some counties with large residential tax bases—including St. Lucie, Clay, Baker, Citrus and Hernando—could experience the largest proportional revenue reductions.
Meanwhile, Florida’s largest counties would absorb the greatest dollar losses. Estimates suggest Miami-Dade County could lose roughly $445 million annually, followed by Hillsborough ($353 million), Broward ($326 million), Duval ($277 million) and Orange County ($253 million).
Legal Challenge Also Filed
The political campaign comes as Amendment 3 also faces a legal challenge.
A lawsuit filed in Leon County Circuit Court argues the ballot summary presented to voters is misleading and does not fully explain the amendment’s financial impact on local governments.
The committee has launched its public campaign but has not yet announced advertising plans or additional fundraising efforts ahead of the November election.
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Why It Matters
Amendment 3 is expected to become one of Florida’s most closely watched ballot measures in 2026. The proposal could substantially reduce property taxes for many homeowners while reshaping how counties and cities fund essential services. With organized opposition now forming and litigation already underway, the amendment is likely to become a major issue throughout the general election campaign.
Sources
Primary Sources
• Statements from Stop Unfair Tax Shifts Chairman Bryan Desloge.
• Text of Amendment 3 approved by the Florida Legislature.
• Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research fiscal analysis.
Supporting Sources
• Florida Politics reporting by The Florida Pundit.
• Previous Florida Pundit coverage of Florida property tax reform.
