The "Save Our Homes" Amendment and the 2026 Residency Cutoff

Key Takeaways

• The ballot measure: The proposed constitutional amendment is called Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes. It must receive 60% voter approval in the November 3, 2026 election to take effect.
• The exemption amounts: For qualifying primary residences, the non-school homestead exemption would increase to $150,000 on January 1, 2027 and to $250,000 on January 1, 2028.
• The residency cutoff: If you establish Florida residency on or before December 31, 2026, you qualify for the expanded exemption timeline.
• The five-year rule: If you establish Florida residency on or after January 1, 2027, you remain on the current $50,000 homestead exemption structure for five years before qualifying for the larger exemption.
• What does not change: The amendment does not apply to school district taxes.

Thinking about relocating to Florida and making it your primary home? Let’s talk about how residency before December 31, 2026 could affect your homestead status, tax savings, and long-term ownership costs compared with moving after that deadline.

Florida homeowners may soon be voting on a proposal that could significantly reduce property taxes on homesteaded homes.

The amendment is called Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes. If voters approve it on November 3, 2026, it would change how non-school property taxes are calculated on qualifying homesteaded primary residences beginning in 2027.

This applies to owner-occupied primary residences, not second homes, vacation homes, or investment properties.

What the amendment would do

If the amendment passes:

• the non-school homestead exemption would increase to $150,000 in 2027
• that exemption would increase to $250,000 in 2028
• the expanded exemption would apply only to non-school levies
• school district taxes would remain under the current rules
• the amendment would create a path for additional future relief through later legislation

You can review the official proposal here: Save Our Homes proposal

You can also review the Florida House bill details here: Florida House bill details

The numbers you need to know

• Election date: November 3, 2026
• Approval required: 60% of voters
• Effective date if approved: January 1, 2027
• 2027 non-school exemption: $150,000
• 2028 non-school exemption: $250,000
• Residency deadline for earlier qualification: December 31, 2026
• Waiting period for later arrivals: 5 years

Calculate your potential savings here: Save Our Homes tax savings calculator

The December 31, 2026 residency cutoff.

If you establish Florida residency on or before December 31, 2026, you would be eligible for the expanded exemption timeline if the amendment passes.

That means:

• $150,000 non-school exemption beginning January 1, 2027
• $250,000 non-school exemption beginning January 1, 2028

If you establish Florida residency on or after January 1, 2027:

• you remain on the current $50,000 homestead exemption structure
• you must wait five years before qualifying for the larger exemption

That means two similar homes could have very different property tax bills based solely on when the owner established Florida residency.

What does not change

This amendment affects non-school ad valorem property taxes. It does not change every part of a tax bill.

School district taxes

The amendment does not apply to school district taxes.

Non-ad valorem fees

The amendment also does not reduce flat charges and special assessments such as:

• solid waste fees
• stormwater fees
• certain fire assessments
• community development district charges
• other non-ad valorem line items on a tax bill

Property taxes are part of the true cost of ownership.

For buyers in places like Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding areas, This amendment can change:

• long-term carrying costs
• after-closing monthly ownership costs
• the difference between buying before or after the residency deadline
• the long-term economics of making Florida your primary home instead of keeping residency elsewhere

Thinking about making a move? Let’s talk about what the December 31, 2026 deadline could mean for your specific situation.

Read the source material directly

Here are the official resources referenced in this article:

• Read the proposal
• Estimate your savings calculator
• Review the myth vs. fact page
• Review the Florida House bill details

Frequently asked questions

Is this law now?

No. It is a proposed constitutional amendment. It must receive 60% voter approval on November 3, 2026 before it takes effect.

Does this apply to second homes or investment properties?

No. The expanded homestead exemption is for qualifying primary residences.

What happens if I move to Florida after January 1, 2027?

You remain on the current $50,000 homestead exemption structure for five years before qualifying for the larger exemption.

Does this amendment reduce school taxes?

No. The amendment does not apply to school district taxes.

Final takeaway

If Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes passes:

• qualifying primary residences move to a $150,000 non-school homestead exemption in 2027
• that exemption increases to $250,000 in 2028
• people who establish Florida residency after January 1, 2027 remain on the current $50,000 structure for five years before qualifying for the larger exemption
• school district taxes do not change under this amendment

For anyone planning to relocate and make Florida their primary home, the timing of that move can directly affect homestead status, tax savings, and long-term ownership costs.

Caroline Sesi is a real estate advisor with KW Luxury Division, Keller Williams Realty Services, serving Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and the surrounding Palm Beach and Broward County communities. She helps people relocating to Florida get settled, with a background in new construction and a focus on finding clients the right place to call home. 

D: 561-657-9551 | W: CarolineSesi.com
Book a 30-minute consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/caroline-sesi