A new report says Florida renters could end up paying more in property taxes if Amendment 3 passes, but the projected increase depends on local governments raising rates instead of trimming budgets.

The Florida Housing Coalition released the report, written by tax-policy analyst Jared Walczak. It estimates that if local governments raise property-tax rates to replace revenue lost under the amendment, annual taxes would rise by an average of $406 per apartment and $1,081 per single-family rental home in 2028. By 2031, the report puts the figures at $544 per apartment and $1,471 per single-family rental home.

Walczak said much of that cost could be passed on to tenants through higher rents. “Renters pay taxes; they just don’t write the check,” he said.

The estimates are modeled scenarios, not guaranteed outcomes. They assume rate increases intended to replace the lost revenue, subject to existing limits on those rates. The report acknowledges that local governments facing a shortfall could also cut spending, raise other taxes or fees, or combine approaches. How much of any increase reaches tenants would depend on rental-market conditions and local budget decisions.

Amendment 3 would raise the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments starting in 2029. School district property taxes would not change. Rental properties do not qualify for the homestead exemption.

The amendment also lowers the annual cap on assessed-value increases for non-homestead properties, including rentals, from 10% to 5%. Walczak’s report concludes that the modeled tax shift would outweigh that benefit.

Supporters say homeowners need relief too. “Everywhere you look, people are feeling the pinch of affordability, and Amendment 3 has the opportunity to return more money back to the taxpayer,” said Margy Grant of Florida Realtors.

The Florida Sheriffs Association opposes the amendment and warns it could squeeze funding for deputies and other public-safety needs. Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz disagreed in a statement posted on X. “Tax relief and public safety are not competing priorities,” she said. She urged government agencies, including sheriffs’ offices, to examine their spending and cut unnecessary costs while protecting essential law-enforcement resources.

Gov. Ron DeSantis supports the amendment. He said the Legislature did not include the grant fund he sought in the amendment, and he plans to work with lawmakers on assistance. “We will ensure that essential services continue, but we also recognize taxpayers need a break,” he said.

Florida voters will decide the measure Nov. 3. It needs at least 60% of the votes cast to pass.

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