WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — Pasco County voters will see Amendment 3 on the November 3, 2026, General Election ballot, and the proposal could reshape how many Florida homeowners are taxed on their primary residence.

The measure is officially titled "Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments." It would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments after that.

For homeowners, the key point is that the larger exemption would apply to non-school taxes. It would not eliminate school taxes, and it would not erase every charge that appears on a property tax bill.

Pasco County says the existing $25,000 exemption would continue to apply to school millages. The county also notes that non-ad valorem assessments, including CDD fees, would still be collected. That distinction matters in Wesley Chapel, where many neighborhoods have CDD assessments, HOA costs or other community-related charges that are separate from the homestead exemption.

Amendment 3 would also reduce the annual cap on assessment increases for many non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%. That part may matter for businesses, rental properties and other non-homestead parcels, although school taxes would continue to be based on just or market value.

The amendment would need at least 60% statewide voter approval to pass. If approved, it would take effect January 1, 2027. Pasco County says the first impact would appear on August 2027 TRIM notices and on tax bills delivered in November 2027.

County officials are presenting the information as educational rather than as an endorsement or opposition. Pasco County says non-restricted funds, which come mainly from property taxes, help pay for services such as public safety, road construction and maintenance, parks, libraries, courts and other county operations.

That is why the amendment is not just a homeowner tax question. It is also a local government services question. If the exemption reduces taxable value for non-school property taxes, counties, municipalities and special districts would have to manage the impact through future budgets.

For Wesley Chapel residents, the practical takeaway is simple: Amendment 3 could lower certain homestead property taxes for qualifying homeowners, but it would not remove school taxes, CDD fees or all local charges. Voters should review their sample ballot, check their property tax details and understand which parts of their bill are school, non-school and non-ad valorem before deciding how to vote.

Key Points

Election date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Approval required: At least 60% statewide voter approval.

Homestead change: Up to $150,000 exemption for non-school taxes in 2027 and up to $250,000 in 2028.

School taxes: Not eliminated by the larger exemption.

CDD and other assessments: Non-ad valorem assessments would still be collected.

Effective date if approved: January 1, 2027.

First expected tax impact: August 2027 TRIM notices and November 2027 tax bills.

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