What changed: Amendment 3 raises the Homestead Exemption from about $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028
Why timing matters: If you establish residency by December 31, 2026, you may get the bigger exemption without a waiting period. If you move in 2027, you’ll generally wait until your fifth year.
What it could cost to wait: About $9,500 in extra taxes on a $650,000 home.*
Keep reading to see how it works, what it could save you, and where in Florida you could land.
Florida's newly approved Amendment 3 could bring significant property tax savings for qualifying homeowners. Learn why establishing residency before December 31, 2026, could make a difference.
Florida's beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine and distinctive communities have long made the Sunshine State an appealing place to call home. Now, a change to Florida's property tax exemptions gives prospective homeowners another reason to consider their timing.
On November 3, 2026, Florida voters approved Amendment 3, expanding the Homestead Exemption for qualifying homeowners.
For those planning to relocate, establishing Florida residency before December 31, 2026, could mean accessing greater property tax savings sooner
Florida's Homestead Exemption helps qualifying homeowners lower their annual property taxes by reducing the taxable value of their primary residence.
Think of it as a discount on the value used to calculate certain property taxes—not a reduction in your home's actual value or a cash payment.
In 2026, eligible homeowners can receive up to $51,411 in exemptions for non-school property taxes. With the approval of Amendment 3, qualifying homeowners may receive substantially larger benefits:
2027: Up to $150,000 in exemptions
2028: Up to $250,000 in exemptions
2029 and beyond: Expanded exemptions adjust for inflation.
Why Does Moving Before December 31, 2026 Matter?
Moving to Florida? When you move could make a big difference in how much you pay in property taxes.
Under Amendment 3, qualifying homeowners who establish Florida residency by December 31, 2026, could receive bigger property tax savings sooner.
What if you wait until 2027?
You can still qualify for Florida's traditional Homestead Exemption once you meet the requirements, but you'll generally have to wait until your fifth year of qualifying for homestead to receive the expanded benefits.
Here's an example if you move in 2027:
2028–2031: Receive the traditional exemption, based on a $50,000 starting amount with applicable inflation adjustments.
2032: Generally become eligible for the expanded exemption.
That's four years of potentially higher property taxes!
What could waiting cost you? On a home assessed at $650,000, establishing Florida residency before December 31, 2026, could mean approximately $9,500 in property tax savings over five years compared with waiting until 2027.*
Illustrative example only. Based on a representative Florida property tax scenario with a non-school millage rate of 10 mills held constant, an assessed home value of $650,000, and homestead beginning in 2027 for a buyer who established Florida residency by December 31, 2026, versus 2028 for a buyer who moves in 2027. Covers 2027–2031. Excludes school taxes, special assessments, HOA fees and inflation. Actual taxes and savings will differ.
Make your move before the new year and get a head start on potential savings! Buy and close on your new Lennar home by November 30, 2026, and use December to settle in and take steps toward establishing Florida residency before year-end.
Find Your Place in Florida With Lennar
With move-in ready homes available throughout Florida, Lennar offers opportunities to make your move sooner. Explore everything from low-maintenance condos and villas to spacious single-family homes and luxury residences, with thoughtfully designed floorplans and communities that complement the way you want to live.
Each region offers something distinctive, from the natural springs and small-town charm of North Central Florida to Orlando's celebrated attractions, the Gulf Coast lifestyle of Southwest Florida and the international energy of Miami. Discover the destinations, experiences and Lennar communities that make each part of the Sunshine State unique.
Northwest Florida: Pensacola, Destin & the Emerald Coast
Famous for its sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-green waters, Northwest Florida captures the easygoing spirit of the Emerald Coast. From Pensacola and Perdido Key to Destin, Santa Rosa Beach and Panama City Beach, residents enjoy boating, fishing, beach days and Southern hospitality. Beyond the shoreline, peaceful countryside and charming small towns offer another side of Panhandle living.
Discover Lennar communities such as Yellow River Plantation in Laurel Hill; Cross Creek in Freeport; Crossings at Freeport; Riverbend Run in Southport; Lost Key in Perdido Key; offering a relaxed setting with access to the region's beaches and outdoor recreation. Northwest Florida offers opportunities to enjoy everything from coastal adventures to quiet inland retreats.
North Central Florida: Gainesville, Ocala & Florida's Natural Springs
Crystal-clear freshwater springs, scenic rivers and charming small towns define North Central Florida, a region celebrated for its natural beauty and Old Florida character. Explore Gainesville's vibrant university culture, the historic charm of Alachua and the outdoor adventures of High Springs and Lake City. In Ocala, rolling hills, picturesque horse farms and world-class equestrian facilities offer a distinctive countryside lifestyle, complemented by a charming downtown, scenic trails and nearby natural springs.
Discover Lennar communities such as Pioneer Ranch in Ocala, Trailhead Landing in Alachua and Tara Serena in Gainesville, offering access to outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and entertainment. With its blend of equestrian heritage, small-town hospitality and natural beauty, North Central Florida offers a refreshing connection to the outdoors.
Northeast Florida: Jacksonville, St. Augustine & Palm Coast
Rich in history and coastal character, Northeast Florida blends Southern charm with Atlantic beaches, scenic waterways and championship golf. Discover Jacksonville's dining and entertainment, stroll through the historic streets of St. Augustine or explore Amelia Island, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast and Flagler Beach.
Lennar communities such as Diamond Springs in Jacksonville, Russell Retreat in Green Cove Springs and Stillwater | Active Adult 55+ in St. Johns, featuring championship golf and resort-style amenities, offer a variety of new-home opportunities. From historic destinations to boating and coastal recreation, Northeast Florida offers a distinctive mix of experiences for every stage of life.
Central Florida: Orlando & Clermont
From world-famous attractions to scenic lakes, charming downtowns and rolling countryside, Central Florida is known for its entertainment and year-round recreation. Enjoy Orlando's theme parks, shopping and dining, explore the welcoming downtowns of Winter Garden, Clermont and Mount Dora.
Discover Lennar communities such as Wellness Ridge in Clermont, Ranches at Lake McLeod in Eagle Lake and The Glades at Crossprairie in Saint Cloud. Whether you're drawn to lakeside adventures and peaceful neighborhoods, Central Florida offers a variety of settings to enjoy life in the Sunshine State.
Central East Florida: Space Coast, Melbourne & Palm Bay
Home to Kennedy Space Center and Florida's celebrated Space Coast, Central East Florida combines aerospace innovation with the relaxed character of Atlantic beach living. Watch rockets launch, catch the waves at Cocoa Beach, kayak through scenic waterways or explore the coastal communities of Cape Canaveral, Melbourne, Palm Bay and Vero Beach.
With beautiful beaches, wildlife preserves and a growing aerospace industry, the region offers a distinctive blend of adventure and everyday convenience. Explore Lennar communities such as Riverwood at Everlands in Palm Bay, Emerald Lakes in Palm Bay, Meridian at Mayfair in Melbourne and The Parks at Edgewater in Edgewater
Central West Florida: Tampa Bay, Wesley Chapel & Parrish
The energy of Tampa Bay meets the beauty of the Gulf Coast in Central West Florida, a region known for professional sports, waterfront culture, vibrant arts and beautiful beaches. Enjoy Tampa's dining and nightlife, explore St. Petersburg's galleries and museums or unwind along the sandy shores of Clearwater, Anna Maria Island and the surrounding Gulf Coast.
Beyond the coastline, communities in Zephyrhills, Land O' Lakes, New Port Richey and Parrish offer a suburban lifestyle with access to the greater Tampa Bay area. Discover Lennar communities such as Rye Ranch in Parrish, Prosperity Lakes in Parrish, Two Rivers in Zephyrhills, New Port Corners in New Port Richey, Connerton in Land O' Lakes and Angeline in Land O' Lakes.
Southwest Florida: Sarasota, Fort Myers & Naples
Known for its beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, championship golf and resort-inspired living, Southwest Florida offers a vibrant blend of coastal beauty, outdoor recreation and laid-back elegance. Explore Sarasota's thriving arts and culture, the beach towns of Venice, the communities of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, and the tropical waterfront destinations of Fort Myers, Sanibel Island and Naples.
From boating and waterfront dining to golf, wellness and year-round outdoor adventures, the region embraces a lifestyle centered around enjoying every day. Discover Lennar communities such as Calusa Country Club in Lakewood Ranch, Wellen Park Golf & Country Club in Venice, Webb's Reserve at Babcock Ranch in Punta Gorda, Willow in Punta Gorda and Kingston South in Estero.
Southeast Florida: Miami, Fort Lauderdale & Palm Beach
International culture, coastal elegance and vibrant city life set Southeast Florida apart. From the waterfront charm of Stuart, Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce to Palm Beach's upscale shopping, Fort Lauderdale's scenic waterways and Miami's celebrated arts, dining and entertainment, the region offers a dynamic mix of experiences.
Discover Lennar communities such as Veranda Preserve in Port St. Lucie, Glynlea Country Club in Port St. Lucie and Seagrove in Fort Pierce along the Treasure Coast, The Estates at Lotis Wellington in Palm Beach County and Breezewood in Miami. From peaceful coastal retreats to residences near vibrant city centers, Southeast Florida offers a variety of lifestyles.
Make Your Florida Move Before the New Year
Close by November 30, 2026. Make Florida Home by December 31.
For buyers already planning to relocate, closing on a move-in ready Lennar home by November 30 could provide the month of December to settle in and take steps toward establishing Florida residency before the year-end cutoff.
Explore available homes across Florida and discover how soon your next chapter could begin.
November 30 is a suggested closing target, not a legal deadline. Closing on a home does not automatically establish Florida residency or guarantee homestead eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida's Homestead Exemption
Can I qualify for Florida's Homestead Exemption if I'm moving from another state?
Yes. If you purchase a qualifying Florida home and establish it as your permanent residence, you may be eligible for the Homestead Exemption. You generally must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence on January 1 of the applicable tax year and apply through your county property appraiser.
Does buying a home in Florida automatically qualify me?
No. Simply purchasing a home doesn't automatically qualify you. The property must meet Florida's homestead requirements, including being your permanent residence.
Can I claim the Homestead Exemption on a vacation home?
Generally, no. Florida's Homestead Exemption is intended for qualifying primary residences, not second homes, vacation properties or investment properties.
How do I apply for Florida's Homestead Exemption?
Applications are submitted through your county property appraiser's office. The standard application deadline is March 1 of the tax year for which you're applying.
What's the difference between the traditional and expanded Homestead Exemptions?
The traditional exemption provides approximately $50,000 in reductions to the value subject to non-school property taxes, with the applicable amount adjusted for inflation. The expanded exemption increases that benefit to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 for qualifying homeowners. These are total exemption amounts, not additional amounts added to the traditional exemption.
Will I automatically receive the expanded Homestead Exemption in 2027?
Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on your residency status, homestead qualification and applicable law. Homeowners who were not Florida residents by December 31, 2026, generally become eligible for the expanded exemption in their fifth year of homestead eligibility, subject to constitutional limitations and implementation rules.
Disclosure
*Homestead exemption eligibility is determined by your county property appraiser and requires ownership and permanent residency as of January 1 of the tax year. The expanded exemption under Amendment 3 applies to non-school property taxes only. It does not reduce special assessments, such as CDD assessments, or HOA fees. Owners who were not Florida permanent residents on December 31, 2026 receive a $50,000 non-school exemption, adjusted for inflation beginning in 2028, until their fifth year of homestead exemption. Property taxes and exemptions are subject to change under Florida law, including the 2026 Florida Constitutional Amendment 3. The Legislature has not yet adopted laws to implement Amendment 3, and parts of it may be challenged in court. Any property-tax information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future tax liability, tax savings, or eligibility for any exemption. A change in ownership, property use, assessed value, applicable exemptions, or tax rates may affect the amount of property taxes owed. Buyers should independently verify their anticipated property-tax liability with the appropriate County Property Appraiser's Office prior to purchase. The buyer's future property taxes may differ substantially from the seller's current property taxes. Eligibility for homestead exemption and other tax benefits is subject to applicable Florida law and individual qualifications. For additional information, contact your county property appraiser.
Before making a decision to purchase based in whole or in part on tax treatment or tax benefits, customer should consult a qualified tax advisor. Lennar makes no guarantee of present or future market conditions. Forecasts, projections and other predictive statements should never be relied upon. You should consult your own accounting, legal and tax advisors to evaluate the risks, consequences and suitability of any real estate transaction. Scenes may be of locations or activities not on a Lennar property. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic preference. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2026 Lennar Corporation. Lennar and the Lennar logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. Seller's Broker: Lennar Realty, Inc.; Lennar Homes Coastal Realty LLC 000126776-0; Lennar Realty Inc. BO2034318. Construction License(s): CGC062343, CBC1257529, CBC038894, CGC1523282, CBC1260831, CGC1526578, CGC1535933, Lennar Homes, LLC. 22118, 1362626. Date 11/26
