Property tax debate reaches Okaloosa County as local governments prepare residents for Amendment 3
Destin, Florida – A property tax question headed to Florida voters in November could eventually change how much money stays in homeowners’ pockets, and how much reaches local governments.
With those stakes in mind, Okaloosa County and municipalities across the county are joining forces on a public education campaign designed to explain what property taxes pay for before residents cast their ballots.
The effort centers on Amendment 3, a proposed constitutional amendment placed on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot after the Florida House and Senate approved House Joint Resolution 1-F, Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes, on June 2.
If approved, the measure would increase the homestead exemption on primary residences to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. School district property taxes would not be covered by the higher exemption.
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County and municipal public information teams plan to distribute material through social media, public speaking engagements and a dedicated Okaloosa County property tax website. The site brings information from multiple sources together in one place, including explanations of how local property tax revenue is collected, spent and invested.
Officials say the goal is to connect the numbers on a tax bill with services residents use — including police and fire protection, roads, infrastructure, parks, libraries and stormwater management.
“Having all of the necessary information ahead of the upcoming election is important for all voters,” Okaloosa County Administrator John Hofstad said. He also encouraged residents to become involved as the county moves through its annual budget approval process.
Local leaders are also highlighting the potential consequences for municipal budgets.
“An informed community is an empowered community,” Crestview Mayor JB Whitten said. “It is important that residents understand the relationship between tax revenue and the services they have come to expect from their local government.”
Mary Esther City Manager Jared Cobb pointed to stormwater management as one example of an everyday service supported by property taxes, while Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks said eliminating a revenue source does not eliminate the underlying cost of providing services.
Niceville Mayor Dan Henkel said the proposal could have “far-reaching consequences for local governments” if it receives the 60 percent voter approval required for passage. Leaders in Cinco Bayou, Fort Walton Beach and Valparaiso similarly raised questions about how communities would replace lost revenue and what alternatives could mean for residents.
The joint campaign is intended to give voters those details before Election Day rather than tell them how to vote. Registration, ballot and other election information is available through the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections.
