Florida TaxWatch comes out as a ‘No’ on Amendment 3

Sep 18, 2026 3 min read

Florida TaxWatch has released The Florida Taxpayer’s Voter Guide for the 2026 Constitutional Amendment, coming out as a “yes” on Amendments 1 and 2 and a ‘No’ on Amendment 3, the amendment touted as property tax relief.

“In the guide, the taxpayer research institute and government watchdog provides an independent analysis and voting recommendation for the three proposed constitutional amendments that have been placed on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot by the Florida Legislature” a release from the nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute.

“Floridians deserve the facts before making decisions shaping the future of our state,” said Florida TaxWatch Board Chairman David Casey in a prepared statement. “Florida TaxWatch created this Voter Guide — providing clear, independent, and nonpartisan information regarding each of the three state constitutional amendments on the November ballot. Our role is not to tell voters how to vote, but to provide information in helping voters make informed decisions.”

“In deciding which proposed amendments to approve, voters are urged to consider the nature and purpose of a state constitution. A proposed amendment may very well be a good idea, but voters must ask themselves, ‘does it belong in the Constitution, or should the Legislature decide if it should be in statute?’ The constitution loses much of its significance as the foundation of government when the process of constitutional amendment is used as a substitute for legislation,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Jeff Kottkamp.

“Florida’s constitution should, above all else, clearly define the relationship between government and those that are governed. In so doing, there are certain principles that should be clearly articulated in our constitution, which Florida TaxWatch has thoughtfully reviewed. It is our hope that voters use this resource and other authoritative sources for information to make sound and informed decisions about these proposed amendments to the constitution of Florida.”

In analyzing each constitutional amendment, FTW offers explanations of a “yes” vote and a “no” vote, including a summary of the arguments for and against the proposed amendment, a detailed and thorough analysis of the proposed amendment, an overview of the fiscal impact, and a determination of its appropriateness as a constitutional amendment, given the belief that the contents of the Florida Constitution should be limited to matters that are essential or fundamental.

FTW’s voting recommendations for each amendment are:

Amendment 1: Ballot Stabilization Fund – YES

Amendment 2: Exemption of Tangible Personal Property on Agricultural Land From Taxation – YES

Amendment 3: Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments – NO

To learn more and access the comprehensive Taxpayer Voter Guide, visit https://floridataxwatch.org/the-florida-taxpayers-guide-for-the-2026-constitutional-amendments/

About Florida TaxWatch

As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, and the trusted “eyes and ears” of Florida taxpayers for more than 47 years, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on taxpayers and businesses. FTW is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled FTW to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the taxpayers it has served since 1979. For more information, please visit https://floridataxwatch.org/.

Source: Florida TaxWatch