Florida voters just changed how homes are taxed, and if you are thinking about buying, you may feel pressure to move fast. Take a breath. Here is the plain-English version of what changed, the one date worth knowing, and how the right local help can shorten your search so you find the right home without the stress.

• What passed: Florida voters approved Amendment 3 on Nov. 3, 2026. The homestead exemption, a property tax break on the home you live in, rises for non-school taxes from about $50,000 today to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, then adjusts with inflation. The $25,000 school tax exemption stays the same.
• What that can look like: A home assessed at $500,000 could eventually be taxed as if it were worth $250,000 for local, non-school taxes. Your actual savings depend on your local tax rates, and local governments have said they expect to lose revenue, so rates could change.
• Second homes, rentals, and commercial property: Starting Jan. 1, 2027, the most their taxable value can rise in a year drops from 10% to 5%.
• The date to know: The larger tax break is tied to being a permanent Florida resident on Dec. 31, 2026. If you already live in Florida, you are likely covered, so there is no need to rush a closing. If you are moving from out of state and become a resident after that date, you start with the current exemption of about $50,000 and step up to the larger one in your fifth year.
• The right home comes first: If the timing works and you can establish residency by Dec. 31, that is a bonus. If not, you have not traded the right home for a date on the calendar.
• Why scrolling falls short: Listing sites show you what is for sale. They cannot tell you which homes are priced fairly, which neighborhoods fit your life, or what may be about to come to market.
• How working with us shortens your search: Christine Pope has almost 10 years of experience selling homes in the Sarasota area, and Paul Pope is right there with her. We start with what matters most to you, such as your budget, your timeline, and the way you want to live. Then we narrow the long list of homes for sale to the few worth your time, using what we know about Sarasota's neighborhoods and what is on the market today. That means fewer wasted showings, faster answers on whether a price makes sense, and more time for the homes that fit.
• We keep the timeline in view: If Dec. 31 matters in your situation, we will help you plan around it and point you to the Property Appraiser or a tax professional for the residency details.

Ready to skip the scroll? Start with a conversation.

Tell us what you are looking for and when you would like to be settled, and we will map out a plan to find the right home without the guesswork. There is no pressure and no obligation. Call or email either of us today.

Christine Pope
941.685.5565 | [email protected]

Paul Pope
941.685.1156 | [email protected]

The Pope Team | Christine Pope & Paul Pope

General information only, not tax or legal advice. Confirm your situation with your county Property Appraiser or a tax professional.