Florida Amendment 3 does not wipe out school taxes

By JW, founder of Xessr

Updated: November 9, 2026

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Xessr is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney, and Xessr is not a law firm or property tax consultant.

Unofficial returns show Amendment 3 passing. State certification is set for November 17, 2026. The homestead exemption for school taxes stays $25,000. For other local taxes, the amount can be larger starting with the 2027 tax roll, and a new resident starts at a smaller amount. This change is not on the 2026 tax bills going out now. [1][2][3]

Last checked

Last checked: November 9, 2026. The vote totals below are the Division of Elections page labeled "1st Set of Unofficial Returns." They are unofficial until the Elections Canvassing Commission meets on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. [1][2]

What the unofficial vote shows

Amendment 3: Yes 4,922,400 (61.98%). No 3,019,415 (38.02%). Total 7,941,815. [1]

The school-tax exemption stays $25,000

For school district levies, the homestead exemption stays up to $25,000 of assessed value. School taxes can still show on the bill. [3][4]

Other local taxes, if you already live in Florida

If you qualify and you were a Florida resident as of December 31, 2026, the exemption for levies other than school district levies is up to $150,000 beginning January 1, 2027, and up to $250,000 beginning January 1, 2028. [3][4]

New residents

If you were not a Florida resident as of December 31, 2026, you get a $25,000 exemption on the assessed value for school taxes and an exemption of up to $50,000 on the assessed value for non-school taxes when you qualify. The larger non-school amount begins with the fifth year of the exemption, unless general law revises that rule. [3][4]

When it shows up on a bill

The change takes effect January 1, 2027, and first applies to the 2027 tax roll. It is not on the 2026 tax bills going out now. Those 2027 bills go out in late 2027. [3][5]

If you qualify and do not have the exemption yet

Apply with your county property appraiser. Form DR-501 is generally due by March 1 of the tax year. [6]

FAQ

Do school taxes go away under Amendment 3?

No. The homestead exemption for school taxes stays at $25,000. School taxes can still show on the bill.

Is Amendment 3 official yet?

No. The returns cited here are unofficial. State certification is set for November 17, 2026.

Sources

This guide is general information about a Florida ballot measure, not legal or tax advice. Xessr is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney, and Xessr is not a law firm or property tax consultant. The numbers here are unofficial until the state certifies them.

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