November property-tax constitutional amendment
Summary
The 'Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes' amendment would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 then $250,000 and cut the non-homestead assessment cap from 10% to 5%. Nobody can yet say what it saves individual taxpayers, and Fire Rescue alone could lose $9.5 million the first year. Commissioners want detailed impact presentations before September.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 28, 2026.
Impact analysis
Fire Rescue estimates a $9.5 million loss in year one and $16.5 million over two years if it passes.
Potentially homesteaded homeowners, though savings vary and can't be calculated yet.
County services — especially public safety, which has no carve-out — could face major funding cuts.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Board of County Commissioners — July 28, 2026
Fire Rescue says the exemption hike could cut its budget $16.5 million over two years, forcing station closures, lost hazmat/dive/rescue teams, no trauma helicopter, or up to 116 layoffs. Commissioners want cuts elsewhere first, and Vargas wants a 10% across-the-board plan.
Board of County Commissioners — July 13, 2026
The 'Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes' amendment would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 then $250,000 and cut the non-homestead assessment cap from 10% to 5%. Nobody can yet say what it saves individual taxpayers, and Fire Rescue alone could lose $9.5 million the first year. Commissioners want detailed impact presentations before September.
Board of County Commissioners — June 9, 2026
A constitutional amendment headed to the November 2026 ballot could expand homestead exemptions and phase out property taxes. Martin County — 75% residential — could lose $42.5 million to $170 million, forcing cuts to libraries, parks, roads, and even the 65% of the budget that funds public safety. The Board will publish a neutral 'hot topics' analysis so voters understand the stakes.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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