Homestead exemption and property taxes
Property taxes provide a major share of Jacksonville/Duval revenue. Amendment 3 on the November 2026 ballot would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes stepwise to $150k then $250k, with city auditors projecting $200-300M+ annual revenue loss by 2028-29 that could force service cuts, fee hikes, or higher millage on non-homestead properties. Renters, businesses, and commercial properties receive no direct benefit. Mayor Deegan, Civic Council, Chamber, and first responders oppose it citing risks to public safety and services; supporters seek tax relief. Budgets have held millage steady amid lean conditions and large public-safety costs.
How should Jacksonville handle the proposed large increase in the homestead property tax exemption?
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Sources
City auditors project ~$200–300M+ annual revenue loss for Jacksonville/Duval by 2028–29, potentially forcing service cuts, fee hikes, or millage increases
Voters show strong support for cuts or elimination in polls, even knowing the impact
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Oppose exemption hikes and protect or raise revenue to fully fund services and public safety
- Keep current exemptions and avoid large revenue cuts that risk parks, roads, and response times
- Study the fiscal impact carefully before deciding on exemption changes
- Support moderate homestead relief while seeking efficiencies to offset some losses
- Strongly back the large exemption increase for homeowner tax relief despite service risks