Amendment 3 property tax homestead expansion
Amendment 3 on the November 2026 statewide ballot would raise the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes from about $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 then $250,000 in 2028. Jacksonville auditors project $200-300 million in annual property tax revenue losses starting in later years, prompting lean budgeting, contingencies, deferred downtown incentives, and warnings of potential cuts to police, fire, parks, and roads. Mayor Deegan, the Civic Council, JAX Chamber, and public safety groups oppose it over service impacts, while supporters prioritize homeowner relief; renters and businesses would see no direct benefit.
Should Jacksonville support Amendment 3 expanding the homestead exemption despite projected major property tax revenue losses?
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Sources
Jacksonville City Council — https://jaxtoday.org/2026/09/23/jax-council-approves-2b-budget/
preparations for potential major revenue losses
City auditors and Mayor Deegan — https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/sep/23/jacksonville-city-council-oks-lean-budget/
City auditors project ~$200–300 million annual property tax revenue losses for Jacksonville starting in later years (e.g., ~$300 million by FY 2028-29). This has driven “lean” budgeting... and opposition from Mayor Deegan, the Civic Council, JAX Chamber, and public safety groups
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Strongly oppose Amendment 3 to fully protect city revenues for services like police, housing, and infrastructure
- Oppose it and seek alternatives that shield essential services while offering limited homeowner relief
- Neutral; wait for final fiscal impact studies before taking a firm city position
- Support Amendment 3 for homeowner tax relief even if it requires some service adjustments or fee shifts
- Strongly support full homestead expansion and deeper cuts to city spending to match lower revenues