Three Statewide Amendments on Florida's Nov. 3 Ballot: What Each One Does

Florida voters will decide three constitutional amendments on Nov. 3. Each needs at least 60% of the vote to pass. Here is what each would do, according to the ballot summaries published by the Volusia County Supervisor of Elections, along with the main arguments on each side.

Amendment 1: Budget Stabilization Fund

What it does: Raises the cap on the state's "rainy day" fund from 10% to 25% of general revenue collections. It requires annual transfers into the fund of the lesser of $750 million or the amount needed to reach 25%, unless certain conditions are met, and lets the Legislature withdraw money for critical state needs.

Supporters say: Larger reserves would protect the state in recessions and disasters and encourage fiscal discipline.

Opponents say: The amendment would lock revenue into reserves that could fund current priorities such as tax relief or education, and would limit future legislative flexibility.

Amendment 2: Farm equipment and agritourism property tax exemption

What it does: Exempts tangible personal property used for agricultural production or agritourism, located on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder, from property taxes starting with the 2027 tax year.

Supporters say: It lowers operating costs for farms and supports agriculture.

Opponents say: It reduces revenue for counties and cities with significant agricultural land, possibly shifting the tax burden to others. They also worry the Legislature could widen the exemption over time.

Amendment 3: Homestead exemption and non-homestead assessment cap

What it does: Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, raises the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes from $50,000 to $150,000, then to $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments starting in 2029. It also lowers the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5% for non-school levies, requires local governments to spend property tax revenue on defined core services, and gives new residents a smaller exemption for their first five years.

Supporters say: It gives homeowners direct relief and creates a path toward eliminating non-school homestead taxes.

Opponents say: It removes a major local revenue source with no replacement, which could lead to cuts, higher fees or higher millage rates on other property.

Local measures on the same ballot

Volusia voters will also decide five county charter amendments, along with city measures in Daytona Beach, DeBary, Deltona, Edgewater, Holly Hill and Port Orange. Your exact ballot depends on your address, and a sample ballot is available from the Supervisor of Elections.

Voting

Early voting runs Oct. 19 to 31, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at eight sites countywide. Election Day is Nov. 3. Call the Supervisor of Elections at 386-736-5930 with questions.

The Volusia Voice will continue its ballot coverage through Election Day.