Florida Republican State Rep. Shane Abbott has a series of local town hall meetings scheduled to hear voters discuss the proposed constitutional amendment on homestead property taxes.
Abbott’s town halls aren’t one-sided. His office says local voters are airing their concerns, whether they support or oppose the amendment.
Abbott’s district includes the counties of Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Walton, and Washington. Analysts have said if the amendment is passed, it could hurt rural counties, especially in the north and northeast part of the state.
The original proposal by Gov. Ron DeSantis would have set up a state trust fund to look out for communities like the ones Rep. Abbott represents.
The Governor’s office knew smaller counties could be hit hardest by the tax shift because these communities have a much smaller property tax base than larger counties in South Florida.
It’s not just state elected officials holding these meetings but so are local county commissioners, city council and the sheriff getting involved.
Holmes County recently held a town hall where local elected officials and community members regarding the proposal and its potential impact.
If approved by at least 60% of voters on November 3, 2026, the amendment would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.
Jennifer Green from Liberty Partners has echoed the same concern about the smaller counties not being properly funded. The original idea of having the trust fund is no longer in place since it was shot down by the Florida legislature.
