November property tax relief referendum impact
Summary
A constitutional amendment on the November ballot would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 (then $250,000 in 2028) while leaving school taxes untouched. Staff estimates Escambia County would lose about $43 million in year one and roughly $64 million in year two. A legal challenge to the ballot summary language is pending before the Florida Supreme Court.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
Estimated $43.2 million countywide reduction in year one ($40.1 million general fund, $3.1 million library), growing to about $64 million in year two.
Homesteaded homeowners would see substantially lower property tax bills if the measure passes.
County services — general government, libraries, and programs for the county's poorest neighborhoods — face major funding cuts, and non-homestead property owners would shoulder a shifted burden.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Committee of the Whole Workshop - Aug 6, 2026
The property tax relief referendum on the November ballot could squeeze the tourist development tax dollars pledged to the Bay Center project, adding uncertainty to the funding plan.
Committee of the Whole Workshop - Jun 17, 2026
A constitutional amendment on the November ballot would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 (then $250,000 in 2028) while leaving school taxes untouched. Staff estimates Escambia County would lose about $43 million in year one and roughly $64 million in year two. A legal challenge to the ballot summary language is pending before the Florida Supreme Court.
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