A Leon County judge is set to decide whether Florida voters are receiving a fair and accurate description of Amendment 3, the proposed constitutional amendment that would dramatically expand the state’s homestead property tax exemption.
The lawsuit, filed by Save Our Voters From Misleading Ballot Language and two Florida voters, argues that the ballot title and summary approved by state lawmakers are politically biased and violate Florida law, which requires ballot language to be clear, accurate and neutral.
If successful, the lawsuit would require Attorney General James Uthmeier to rewrite the amendment’s title and summary before the November General Election.
Plaintiffs Challenge Ballot Language
The plaintiffs argue the current ballot title, “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” contains advocacy rather than neutral language.
Attorney Jamie Cole, who represents the plaintiffs, said voters deserve an unbiased explanation of what they’re being asked to approve.
“The ballot language is supposed to be neutral, and it’s supposed to be accurate,” Cole said. “The problem here is the language is neither.”
Cole previously challenged similar ballot language in 2007 involving another proposed property tax amendment. That challenge ultimately resulted in the amendment being removed from the ballot after the court found the language misleading.
“This language this time is far worse,” Cole said. “It’s even more misleading and more biased and more inaccurate.”
The lawsuit does not challenge the proposed property tax amendment itself.
Instead, the plaintiffs say voters should decide the issue using language that fairly describes the amendment without encouraging support or opposition.
“We’re not taking a position one way or the other,” Cole said. “We’re not doing this because we’re opposed to the property tax. That’s for the people to decide. But they need to decide fairly.”
Amendment 3 Would Expand Homestead Exemption
If approved by at least 60% of Florida voters this November, Amendment 3 would:
- Increase Florida’s homestead exemption to $150,000 beginning in 2027.
- Raise the exemption to $250,000 in 2028.
- Create a framework for future increases tied to inflation.
- Lay the foundation for broader property tax relief proposals in the future.
Supporters argue the amendment would provide meaningful tax relief for Florida homeowners as property values continue to climb.
Opponents contend the proposal could significantly reduce revenue available to counties and municipalities, forcing local governments to reduce services or increase other taxes and fees.
DeSantis Supports Amendment, But Wanted More
Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has spent more than a year advocating for property tax reform, said he supports Amendment 3 but acknowledged the Legislature’s version falls short of the broader reforms he originally proposed.
“I don’t think you’ll see me leading that on this particular proposal because while I support it, it’s not all that I was hoping to see,” DeSantis said.
The governor said he likely would have actively campaigned for the amendment had lawmakers adopted his original proposal.
The hearing is scheduled for July 29 in Leon County Circuit Court. The judge’s ruling will determine whether Florida voters see the current ballot language or a revised version when they cast their ballots this November.
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- Could Amendment 3 Become Florida’s Biggest Election Issue?
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- Read the Latest DOME Briefing
Why It Matters
Amendment 3 could become one of Florida’s most consequential ballot measures in 2026. Before voters decide whether to approve expanded property tax relief, the courts must first determine whether the language appearing on the ballot meets Florida’s legal standard for neutrality and accuracy. The outcome could influence not only this amendment but future constitutional ballot initiatives across the state.
Sources
Primary Sources
- Leon County Circuit Court lawsuit challenging Amendment 3 ballot language.
- Statements from attorney Jamie Cole.
- Remarks by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Supporting Sources
- Previous Florida Pundit coverage of Amendment 3 and Florida property tax reform.
