Florida Property Tax Amendment 2026: What Gulf Coast Homeowners Should Know

If you own a home on Florida’s Gulf Coast — or you’re planning to — a proposed change to the state’s property tax system is heading to voters this November. Here’s a clear, no-spin breakdown of what it would do.

What the amendment proposes

The Florida Legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment. Because it amends the constitution, it bypasses the governor’s desk and goes directly to voters, requiring at least 60% approval to pass. If approved, the homestead exemption on the non-school portion of property taxes would increase to $150,000 on January 1, 2027, and $250,000 on January 1, 2028, with annual inflation adjustments thereafter.

What it means for people relocating to Florida

The proposal creates a five-year homestead exemption on the first $50,000 of assessed value for those who are not yet permanent Florida residents, phasing toward the full exemption after five years of residency. For anyone considering a move to the Pensacola, Escambia, or Santa Rosa County area, this is a meaningful part of the long-term cost picture worth factoring in alongside insurance and other ownership costs.

Changes for second homes and commercial property

Currently, assessed values on non-homestead properties can rise up to 10% annually for tax purposes. The amendment would lower that cap to 5% beginning January 1, 2027. The resolution also establishes a framework for local governments and school districts to consider further property tax reductions in the future.

Understanding it before November

This guide is informational — not a recommendation on how to vote. As a Realtor® licensed in both Alabama and Florida, my goal is to help the people I serve understand the real costs of homeownership on the Gulf Coast. If you have questions about how property taxes work here as part of a move, I’m glad to walk you through it.

Katie Ragland | Real Broker, LLC

Licensed in Alabama & Florida  •  linktr.ee/katieraglandrealtor  •  256-366-6974