Amendment 3 passed. Moving to Florida? December 31, 2026: your residency timeline matters. Ann and Jamie Chauss, call or text 772-732-2800.

Florida Relocation | Amendment 3 Housing Impact

Moving to Florida? Amendment 3 Makes December 31 a Date to Review Now

By Ann & Jamie Chauss | Treasure Coast House Hunters | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
November 4, 2026

If Florida is already in your plans, now is the time to review your residency timeline. Amendment 3 has passed, and its December 31, 2026 residency cutoff could affect when you qualify for a larger homestead exemption.

The quick answer: The amendment raises the exemption for qualifying homesteads on non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. People who are not Florida residents by December 31, 2026 generally receive the larger benefit beginning in their fifth year of homestead exemption, subject to constitutional limits. Your closing date alone does not establish residency.

Election status: Florida's unofficial November 3 results show approval above the required 60% threshold. Certification and implementation details should be monitored.

LET'S PLAN YOUR FLORIDA MOVE.

Ann & Jamie Chauss
Treasure Coast House Hunters | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

Call 772-732-2800 Text Our Team Book a 30-minute phone consultation

What did Florida Amendment 3 change?

The larger exemption reduces the portion of assessed value subject to non-school property taxes. It is not a cash payment or a guaranteed reduction of a particular dollar amount. School taxes remain, and inflation adjustments to the larger exemption begin in 2029.

Tax year Expanded non-school homestead exemption
2027 Up to $150,000 for qualifying homeowners
2028 Up to $250,000 for qualifying homeowners
2029 onward Annual inflation adjustments

The amendment also lowers the annual assessment-growth limit for non-homestead property from 10% to 5% for non-school taxes. That limits assessment growth, not the final tax bill. The measure takes effect January 1, 2027.

Read the official amendment summary.

Do you have to buy a Florida home before December 31, 2026?

Not necessarily.

The amendment's Florida residency cutoff is separate from the date you purchase a home and qualify for homestead. A genuine move into a rental may therefore warrant discussion with your advisers; renting itself does not create a homeowner exemption.

A signed contract, a vacation property or a Florida mailing address should not be treated as automatic proof. Have the property appraiser confirm what evidence is required for your circumstances. Administrative details remain subject to implementation.

Start with the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser

According to the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser, homestead applicants must have qualifying ownership, make the property their permanent residence and meet Florida residency requirements as of January 1. The regular application deadline is March 1, and pre-filing is available.

Before changing your moving plans, contact the office to confirm your eligibility, required documentation and how Amendment 3 applies to your circumstances.

St. Lucie County Property Appraiser: 772-462-1000
View homestead requirements and application information

Three dates to keep separate

Date What it means
December 31, 2026 The amendment's Florida residency cutoff for the earlier route to expanded benefits.
January 1, 2027 For a 2027 homestead claim, generally have qualifying title and make the home your permanent residence by this date.
March 1, 2027 The ordinary deadline to apply for the 2027 homestead exemption.

St. Lucie County also accepts pre-filing and asks for residency documentation dated before January 1. Confirm your specific eligibility and filing process directly with the county.

St. Lucie County exemption requirements.

What should relocation buyers do right now?

1. Review whether a 2026 move is realistic.
Consider your current home, work, family, travel and financing. A tax deadline should inform the plan without forcing the wrong home purchase.

2. Ask your tax adviser about changing residency.
Discuss your departure from your current state, documentation and any benefits you currently claim there. Ask the Florida property appraiser how the amendment applies to your situation.

3. Request the document checklist now.
St. Lucie County lists a Florida driver's license, applicant and spouse Social Security information, residency and occupancy dates, and additional documents where applicable. Submit sensitive documents only through the appropriate official channels.

4. Build a complete ownership budget.
Compare estimated taxes after purchase, insurance, HOA dues, club costs and assessments for each home. Do not assume the seller's tax bill will become your bill.

5. Book a focused community and home search conversation.
Tell us your price range, target move date and must-haves. We can help identify homes worth touring and discuss resale versus new construction.

LET'S PLAN YOUR FLORIDA MOVE.

Ann & Jamie Chauss
Treasure Coast House Hunters | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

Call 772-732-2800 Text Our Team Book a 30-minute phone consultation

What this means for Port St. Lucie and Treasure Coast home searches

For buyers comparing PGA Village Verano, PGA Village, Valencia at Riverland, Astor Creek, Stuart or Palm City, the useful question is:

What will this particular home cost to own under my eligibility and timing?

Compare the full package: the home, community, location, fees and availability. Ask whether a resale can accommodate your moving schedule and whether a new-construction completion date fits your plan. Confirm dates with the seller or builder before relying on them.

We live in PGA Village Verano and have been residents since 2019. That firsthand perspective helps us discuss day-to-day community life as well as the home itself. Our role is to help you compare properties and plan the purchase; your tax adviser and property appraiser determine the tax and residency side.

Frequently asked questions about Amendment 3 and moving to Florida

Will everyone save the same amount?

No. Eligibility, assessed value, existing exemptions and local tax rates affect the outcome. Non-ad valorem assessments are not reduced by homestead exemptions, and other ownership expenses remain.

What if I become a Florida resident in 2027?

You generally start with the smaller exemption and become eligible for the larger one in your fifth year of homestead exemption. It is not simply five years after buying a home or visiting Florida. Verify implementation guidance for your situation.

Does this eliminate property taxes on my Florida home?

No. School taxes remain, and the amendment does not promise a zero tax bill.

Can Ann and Jamie help me compare communities before I travel?

Yes. Start with a 30-minute phone consultation to discuss your budget, timing and priorities, then organize a focused property search and visit.

Make your next move an informed one

If you were already considering a move, use this moment to get answers and clarify your options. You do not need to have every detail settled before speaking with us.

LET'S PLAN YOUR FLORIDA MOVE.

Ann & Jamie Chauss
Treasure Coast House Hunters | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

Call 772-732-2800 Text Our Team Book a 30-minute phone consultation

Know someone planning a Florida move?

Share this guide with them - and with the adviser helping them plan. The residency cutoff and the homestead filing deadline are different dates worth understanding together.

Official sources and verification

Prepared November 4, 2026. Election results are unofficial pending certification. Some linked guidance was issued before the election. Tax outcomes depend on individual eligibility, future rates, implementation and applicable constitutional requirements. This article provides general real estate information, not individualized tax or legal advice.