Florida pushes ballot measure to cut homestead taxes, shifting burden to Canadian owners

Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, is promoting Amendment 3, a ballot initiative that would dramatically expand the homestead exemption, eventually wiping out residential property taxes for most Floridians. The measure targets homes valued at $250,000 or less, which the governor’s office says comprise about 60 percent of primary residences. State analysts project a fiscal gap of roughly $12 billion each year, forcing counties to either cut services or raise revenue elsewhere.

DeSantis has singled out Canadian property owners, suggesting their non-homestead taxes could be increased by as much as 5 percent per year to offset the loss. Canadian snowbirds and investors, who hold an estimated $60 billion in Florida real estate, have expressed anger, with some planning to sell and leave the state. Opponents, including the Vote No on 3 coalition, argue the shift will hurt local economies, depress home values, and reduce funding for essential services such as police and emergency response.