According to Ground News, Governor Ron DeSantis recently hosted a roundtable discussion in Miami to advocate for property-tax relief and promote Amendment 3. This proposed constitutional amendment aims to expand homestead exemptions and establish a pathway toward eventually eliminating non-school property taxes on properties designated as primary residences. The event, held on October 21, 2026, underscored the governor's commitment to addressing the financial pressures faced by homeowners across Florida, including those in Miami-Dade County.
Potential Savings for Miami-Dade Homeowners
The implications of Amendment 3 for local residents could be substantial. As reported by Ground News, the proposal has the potential to save an average Miami-Dade homeowner approximately $2,500 per year, should it be fully implemented. This estimated annual saving highlights the practical impact such a measure could have on household budgets in a region where housing costs are a significant concern. For families navigating the complexities of the local real estate market, from first-time buyers in areas like Hialeah to long-time residents in Coconut Grove, a reduction in property tax burdens could offer meaningful financial breathing room. The roundtable specifically addressed these broader property-tax concerns and the financial strain many homeowners experience.
Understanding Amendment 3's Scope
Ground News reports that Amendment 3 is designed to expand existing homestead exemptions, which reduce the taxable value of a primary residence, thereby lowering the property tax bill. Beyond this expansion, the amendment seeks to create a mechanism for removing non-school property taxes from homesteaded properties. It is important for residents to understand that, under the described framework, the plan would not eliminate school-related property taxes. This distinction means that while a significant portion of a homeowner's tax bill could be affected, the funding mechanism for local schools would remain separate from this proposed relief. Supporters of the proposal argue that by increasing homestead exemptions and removing non-school property taxes, the overall cost of owning a primary residence would be reduced, making homeownership more affordable.
The Path to Voter Approval
For Amendment 3 to become law, it requires approval by Florida voters, as it involves an amendment to the state constitution. This means the measure must achieve a 60% approval threshold to pass, making the level of public support critical to its success, according to Ground News. The governor's appearance in Miami was particularly timely, as the amendment campaign had been facing a polling challenge. Ground News indicated that a new poll showed Amendment 3 below the necessary 60% approval mark, prompting Governor DeSantis to become more directly involved in the campaign to build support.
Governor's Renewed Push for Tax Relief
Governor DeSantis used the Miami roundtable as a platform to emphasize his commitment to providing what he described as meaningful tax relief for Floridians. His participation represented a renewed push to garner support for the amendment ahead of the statewide vote. As reported by Ground News, the governor's involvement followed polling data that suggested the measure was short of the approval level needed for passage. The event served as part of a broader campaign effort in support of Amendment 3, aiming to inform and persuade voters about the potential benefits of the proposed changes to property taxation. The roundtable's focus remained squarely on the proposed property-tax changes and their potential effect on Florida homeowners, highlighting the financial pressures and the commitment to relief.
The Miami event on October 21, 2026, was covered through live online reporting by NTD and The Epoch Times, as detailed by Ground News. As the vote approaches, Miami-Dade residents will need to consider how Amendment 3 could impact their personal finances and the broader real estate landscape in communities from Brickell to Coral Gables. The outcome of this constitutional amendment will directly influence the cost of homeownership for many across the county, making the upcoming vote a significant decision for property owners.