If buying a home in Florida has been on your radar, there is a new property tax change you definitely need to know about.

Florida voters considered Amendment 3 in the November 3, 2026 election, and the first set of unofficial statewide results shows 61.98% voting in favor. Florida constitutional amendments require 60% approval, so the measure is currently above the required threshold while the election process moves toward final certification.

And for current Florida residents and people planning a move to the Sunshine State, the timing could be VERY important.

What Does Florida Amendment 3 Do?

Amendment 3 significantly increases the Homestead Exemption for qualifying Florida homeowners on non-school property taxes.

Under the amendment, qualifying homeowners who meet the residency requirements could receive:

• Up to a $150,000 Homestead Exemption beginning January 1, 2027
• Up to a $250,000 Homestead Exemption beginning January 1, 2028
• Inflation adjustments to the exemption beginning in 2029

These increased exemptions apply to non-school ad valorem property taxes.

That is a substantial increase from Florida's existing Homestead Exemption, which can currently reduce a qualifying home's taxable value by as much as $50,000.

Why December 31, 2026 Matters

Here is the part that Florida homeowners and future Florida residents really need to pay attention to.

The amendment distinguishes between people who maintain permanent Florida residency as of December 31, 2026, and those who establish Florida residency beginning in 2027.

People who maintained permanent Florida residence by December 31, 2026 and establish or will establish Homestead may qualify for the increased exemption schedule.

For someone who does not become a Florida resident until after that cutoff, the increased exemption generally would not become available until the fifth year of Homestead eligibility. Until then, the homeowner would receive the existing exemption available to qualifying homesteaded properties.

That makes the end of 2026 an important date to understand if you have already been considering relocating to Florida.

Does This Mean You Have to File Homestead by December 31?

No, and this is an important distinction.

December 31, 2026 is tied to the residency provisions of Amendment 3. It is not the normal deadline for submitting your Homestead Exemption application.

Florida homeowners generally file their Homestead Exemption application with their county property appraiser by March 1 of the tax year for which they are claiming the exemption.

Your individual eligibility can depend on ownership, permanent residency, Homestead qualification, and your specific circumstances, so homeowners should always confirm their eligibility directly with their county property appraiser.

Thinking About Buying a Florida Home Before the End of 2026?

This is where things get interesting for buyers.

If you have already been planning to move to Florida, particularly Central Florida, Amendment 3 gives you another reason to understand the timing of your purchase and residency.

And let's be clear: I would never recommend buying a home simply for a tax benefit.

But if you are already planning to move to Florida, buy near Walt Disney World, relocate for work, retire here, or finally make Central Florida HOME, knowing about this December 31 residency provision could be incredibly important.

There are only a few weeks left in 2026, which means buyers who want to purchase and establish their Florida residence before year-end need to start looking sooner rather than later.

Why Central Florida?

This is one of the reasons I love helping people relocate to Central Florida. You have so many different lifestyles within a relatively small area.

Want the charm and Disney magic of Celebration?

Looking for beautiful neighborhoods, new construction, great amenities, and easy access to Disney in Winter Garden?

Want luxury and location in Windermere?

Need more space and value in Clermont or Davenport?

There truly is something for almost everyone, and you can live close enough to Walt Disney World that fireworks, spontaneous park nights, and weekend trips to Disney Springs become part of everyday life.

Not a bad place to call HOME!

Ready to Make Florida Home?

If moving to Florida has already been part of your plan, now is the time to start having the conversation.

Between finding the right neighborhood, understanding property taxes, reviewing HOA and CDD fees, navigating Florida insurance, and making sure your purchase timeline works for your, there is a lot more to buying here than simply finding a beautiful house online.

That is where having a local Realtor who actually lives and works in the Disney area makes a difference.

If you are thinking about buying in Celebration, Winter Garden, Windermere, Clermont, Davenport, Kissimmee, Orlando, or anywhere around Walt Disney World, let's talk.

You may be closer to living the Florida lifestyle than you think.

Ready to live where everyone else vacations?