Judge Orders Rewrite of Florida Property Tax Amendment 3 Ballot Language Ahead of November Vote

Last updated: August 4, 2026

NewsWK — A Leon County circuit court judge has ordered Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to rewrite key portions of the ballot title and summary for Amendment 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly alter property taxes across the state.

Circuit Judge David Frank ruled that the phrase “Save our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes” functions as political marketing rather than an accurate legal description. In an 18-page ruling resolving consolidated lawsuits brought by former elected officials, Frank concluded that the summary improperly praised the proposal rather than neutrally presenting its legal provisions.

According to a report first published by the Florida Phoenix, Judge Frank wrote that “the proposed ballot title does not state the basic legal purpose of the amendment; it endorses it and diverts voters from its actual effect.”

The court also found fault with summary text claiming the measure protects small businesses and ensures funding for core services, noting that whether the amendment provides a net benefit is the core policy decision electors must determine for themselves.

Former Republican state Sen. Jeff Brandes, one of the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit, praised the decision. “This case was never about whether property taxes should be lower,” Brandes told the Florida Phoenix. “It was about whether government can market a constitutional amendment instead of honestly explaining it to voters.”

The ruling does not remove Amendment 3 from the ballot. Instead, state law requires the summary to be revised so voters in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and counties statewide see an objective explanation when casting their ballots in November.

If the state does not appeal the ruling, the Attorney General’s office has until Aug. 14 to correct the language. That deadline falls just four days before the August primary, after which local supervisors of elections finalize and print ballots for the general election.

Understanding the Scope of Amendment 3

Passed by the Florida Legislature earlier this year as HJR 1F, Amendment 3 represents one of the largest proposed shifts in state tax policy in decades. Projected financial impacts could reach up to $12 billion annually by 2031.

Under the proposal, existing homestead exemptions would remain intact through this year, but primary property owners would see expanded homestead exemptions of $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.

While supporters champion relief for homeowners facing rising property valuations, the measure has drawn scrutiny from organizations representing law enforcement, firefighters, and municipal governments concerned about long-term revenues for essential local services and public safety.