What Florida’s property tax vote means for Canadian snowbirds
State economists say the measure could cost local governments $12 billion a year and push more of the burden onto non-homesteaded properties.
- Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing Amendment 3 for next month's midterm election, which would dramatically expand homestead property tax exemptions for permanent Florida residents while allowing assessed values on non-homesteaded properties to rise up to 5% annually.
- DeSantis stated he wants 'Canadian tourists and Brazilian tourists subsidizing the state' to reduce taxes for Floridians; Canadians own an estimated $60 billion in Florida property and would not receive the same relief as residents.
- State economists project the change will cost about $12 billion annually, forcing local governments to make deep cuts or find new revenue; municipalities warn this could decimate law enforcement and 911 response times.
- Ousley describes the measure as a 'train wreck' and a 'tax shift,' warning of housing market shocks and a potential exodus of Canadians, who represent more than 70% of international demand in Cape Coral.
- The proposal exempts primary residences valued at $250,000 or less, covering about 60% of homesteaders according to the governor's office. Observers are monitoring Canadian-owned property inventory shifts as a key indicator of the measure's long-term viability.
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As Florida Residents Vote on Scrapping Property Tax, Governor Says Canadians Could Compensate
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says Canadian tourists and other visitors could help offset the loss of property tax revenue if Florida voters decide in November to increase tax exemptions for homeowners who use their properties as their primary residences. Americans will go to the polls on Nov. 3 for the midterm general elections, and Florida residents will vote on the proposed Property Tax Amendment 3 at the same time. The amendment requires approva…
What Florida’s property tax vote means for Canadian snowbirds
A Florida ballot measure would sharply increase property tax exemptions for many permanent residents while keeping non-homesteaded properties in the tax base. Gov. Ron DeSantis has explicitly said snowbirds, including Canadians, could continue paying property taxes as Florida homeowners receive relief.
Temporary residents, primarily Canadians, could face an increase in property tax, up to a maximum of 5% per year.
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