Florida's Amendment 3 Passed: What It Means for Space Coast Homeowners, Sellers and Buyers | November 4, 2026

Florida voters approved Amendment 3 on November 3. For Space Coast homeowners it means a larger homestead exemption on most property taxes starting in 2027. For sellers and buyers, it changes the tax numbers people will run before they make an offer next year.

Statewide, Amendment 3 received 61.98% of the vote, above the 60% every constitutional amendment needs, according to unofficial results from the Florida Division of Elections. Brevard County voters approved it with about 61%(159,272 yes to 101,851 no).

What passed

• The homestead exemption for non-school property taxes rises to up to $150,000 in 2027 and up to $250,000 in 2028, then adjusts for inflation beginning in 2029.
• School taxes keep the existing $25,000 homestead exemption.
• For non-homestead property, such as second homes, rentals and commercial property, the yearly cap on assessment increases for non-school taxes drops from 10% to 5%.
• People who are not Florida residents on December 31, 2026 start with the existing exemption when they qualify. The larger exemption begins with their fifth year of homestead exemption.
• Save Our Homes, portability and existing personal exemptions are unchanged.
• The amendment takes effect January 1, 2027. The Brevard County Property Appraiser says it would first appear on the August 2027 TRIM notice and the tax bills mailed in November 2027.

For context, the 2026 homestead exemption is up to $51,411: $25,000 that applies to all taxes plus $26,411 that applies to non-school taxes.

What it means for sellers

I see Amendment 3 as a presentation question more than a pricing shortcut. A buyer who plans to homestead will run a different tax estimate in 2027 than they would have this year, and the listing should help them do that clearly.

Your current tax bill reflects your exemptions and your Save Our Homes history. A buyer's bill will not, because assessments can reset after a sale. That is why I would rather show buyers how to estimate their own taxes than lead with yours. If you own a second home or a rental on the Space Coast, the lower 5% cap may slow future assessment growth, but it limits assessed value, not tax rates.

"Buyers will run new tax numbers in 2027. The listing should make that easy."

What it means for homeowners staying put

If your Brevard home already has a homestead exemption, more of its assessed value will be shielded from non-school taxes starting in 2027, with a larger step in 2028. How much that changes your bill depends on your assessed value, your existing exemptions and the millage rates local taxing authorities set each year. The exemption does not reduce non-ad valorem assessments.

The Legislature and local governments still have implementation work to do, so I would treat any savings estimate as preliminary until the property appraiser updates its tools.

What it means for buyers

Residency timing matters. Buyers who are Florida residents by December 31, 2026 can qualify for the larger exemption when they buy and apply for homestead. Buyers who become residents later start with the existing exemption and move to the larger one in their fifth year. If you are relocating to the Space Coast, ask how that applies to you before you set your budget.

This is a general overview, not tax or legal advice. For your own property, check with the Brevard County Property Appraiser or a tax professional.

Seller takeaway

Amendment 3 does not change what makes a Space Coast listing strong: accurate facts, prepared documents and presentation that earns attention. It does change the questions buyers will ask in 2027. I would rather answer them in the listing than in the middle of a negotiation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Amendment 3 take effect?

January 1, 2027. The Brevard County Property Appraiser says the change would first show on the August 2027 TRIM notice and the tax bills mailed in November 2027. The larger $250,000 non-school exemption begins in 2028.

Does Amendment 3 lower school taxes?

No. The larger exemption applies to non-school taxes. School taxes keep the existing $25,000 homestead exemption, so most homeowners will still see school taxes on their bill.

I am moving to the Space Coast in 2027. Do I get the larger exemption right away?

Not under the amendment as written. People who are not Florida residents on December 31, 2026 start with the existing exemption when they qualify, and the larger exemption begins with their fifth year of homestead exemption. Implementing legislation may add details, so confirm with the property appraiser.

Does Amendment 3 help second homes and rentals?

Indirectly. The yearly cap on assessment increases for non-homestead property drops from 10% to 5% for non-school taxes. That can slow assessed-value growth, but it caps assessed value, not tax rates, and school taxes remain based on just value.

If you are thinking about selling a Space Coast home in the year ahead, request a confidential listing consultation or email info@spacecoastdustin.realtor. I will walk you through how buyers are likely to read your property, taxes included.

Sources

• Florida Division of Elections, 2026 General Election amendment results (unofficial)
• Florida Division of Elections, Amendment 3 results by county (unofficial)
• Amendment 3 ballot title, summary and full text
• Brevard County Property Appraiser, Amendment 3 FAQ
• Florida Realtors, "Florida voters approve Amendment 3," Nov. 4, 2026

Period: November 3, 2026 general election, unofficial results as of Nov. 4, 2026; exemption amounts for tax years 2026 to 2029. Geography: Florida statewide; vote count also Brevard County. Verified Nov. 4, 2026.