Florida Voters Decide Three Amendments On Property Taxes And Budget Reserves While Georgia Votes On Three Of Its Own

Florida amendments on property taxes, farm equipment and the state’s savings account are on every ballot in the state on Tuesday, November 3, and Georgia voters will weigh three constitutional amendments of their own.

According to NBC Miami, each of the three Florida amendments needs at least 60 percent of the votes cast on that measure to pass. Amendment 1 would raise the cap on the state’s budget stabilization fund, a reserve account for tough budget years, from 10 percent to 25 percent of general revenue collections. It would also set new rules for moving money in and out of the fund, including withdrawals for critical state needs.

Amendment 2 would exempt certain tangible personal property on agricultural land from property taxes when the property is used for farming or agritourism. If approved, it would first apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2027.

Amendment 3 is the largest change for homeowners. It would raise the homestead exemption, a reduction in the taxable value of a primary home, for non school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments after that. It would also lower the annual cap on assessment increases for non homestead property, such as rental and commercial property, from 10 percent to 5 percent, and require cities and counties to use property tax revenue for specified purposes. NBC Miami reported that the changes would take effect January 1, 2027.

In Georgia, Ballotpedia lists three statewide measures, all referred to voters by the Georgia legislature. Amendment 1 would raise the maximum acreage of agricultural and timber land that can receive a conservation use property tax classification from 2,000 acres to 4,000 acres. Land with that classification is taxed at 40 percent of its value. Amendment 2 would require that probate judges be elected on a nonpartisan basis, meaning candidates would not appear on the ballot with a party label. Amendment 3 would allow the legislature to create a Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund and dedicate revenue to it.

Georgia’s early voting period ended Friday, so voters there who have not yet voted can do so on Election Day. Voters in both states can confirm their ballot, polling place and hours with the Georgia secretary of state’s office, the Florida Division of Elections or their county election office.

The Florida amendments and Georgia amendments will be decided by the votes cast Tuesday, and unofficial results are expected that night before officials certify the final count.

Dee Dee Henderson

Dee Dee Henderson is a Poli Alert journalist covering national politics, elections and the policies that hit closest to home for Black communities, from voting rights and the economy to the courts. She reports the facts first and isn't afraid to say what they mean, and her commentary pieces are clearly labeled as opinion. Her midterm coverage breaks down deadlines, ballot measures and the races that will decide who holds power in Washington.

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