Experts Discuss Amendment 3 and Property Tax Changes at News 6 Forum

News 6 Forum Sheds Light on Florida Amendment 3

As the November 3, 2026, general election approaches, Florida voters are preparing to decide on Amendment 3, a measure with far-reaching implications for property tax exemptions and local government budgets. News 6 recently hosted a live, one-hour primetime forum titled “A Community Conversation: Property Taxes”, where a panel of four experts answered pressing questions about the proposed property tax overhaul.

Meet the Panelists

The forum featured:

Rep. Ryan Chamberlain (R-Marion County), a state legislator
Amy Mercado, Orange County Property Appraiser
Caroline Melear, Director of Finance and Insurance at the R Street Institute
Harold Theus, Executive Director of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association

The experts tackled questions from both a studio audience and viewers at home about Amendment 3’s potential amendment 3 impact.

Amendment 3 Explained

Amendment 3, also known as HJR 1F, would significantly increase Florida’s homestead exemption for non school property taxes. Currently, homeowners benefit from:

An exemption for the first $25,000 of assessed value from all property taxes
A partial exemption between $50,000 and $75,000 of assessed value from non-school taxes

If passed, Amendment 3 would enhance the property tax exemption:

In 2027, the first $150,000 of assessed value would be exempt from non-school property taxes
In 2028, the exemption would rise to $250,000
After 2028, it would be indexed to inflation

This expanded homestead exemption would apply to longtime Florida permanent residents, while new residents would transition to the full benefit after five years. The amendment also proposes capping annual assessment growth on non-homestead properties, such as commercial and rental real estate, from 10% to 5%.

Restrictions on How Property Taxes Can Be Spent

Amendment 3 would not only alter the calculation of the florida property tax but also restrict how local governments can use property tax revenue. The measure proposes limiting future expenditures to:

Public safety (law enforcement, EMS, fire services)
Education and public schools
Infrastructure (roads, bridges, stormwater management)
Natural resource and flood control projects
Bond payments and debt servicing
Retirement benefits for local employees
Operations of county officers and commissioners

Municipal Concerns About Revenue Loss and Budget Cuts

Local leaders voiced significant concerns about the amendment 3 impact, particularly regarding local government revenue. In Orlando, officials have warned that if the amendment passes, there will be a hiring freeze for fiscal years 2027 through 2029 to address the anticipated property tax revenue loss. Mayor Buddy Dyer noted that the city’s property tax revenue already lags $58 million behind what is needed for public safety services, and further cuts could impact valued community programs.

Sanford faces a projected $15.3 million loss over two years, approximately a third of its property tax base and 18% of its total tax revenue. To address the potential shortfall, Sanford commissioners are considering the introduction of a fire assessment fee, though no decision has been made.

Statewide Revenue Impact and Voter Decision

Florida Tax Watch, a nonprofit research institute, estimates a statewide property tax revenue loss of over $45 billion during the first five years following implementation, including:

$4.93 billion in FY 2027–28
$8.71 billion in FY 2028–29
$9.65 billion in FY 2029–30
$10.71 billion in FY 2030–31
$11.83 billion in FY 2031–32

Orange County is projected to lose $2.82 billion over five years, while Seminole County could see losses of $913.7 million. Miami-Dade County tops the projected losses at $5.16 billion.

For Amendment 3 to take effect, at least 60% of voters must approve the measure on November 3. Voters concerned about voter approval amendment thresholds and impacts on municipal budget cuts are encouraged to learn more by watching the full News 6 special online.