Marion County estimates Amendment 3 will cut its property tax revenue by $49.6 million in fiscal 2027 and $38.1 million in fiscal 2028, about $87.7 million combined. No budget decisions have been made, and the county says millage changes may be considered. Homesteaded owners still get the larger exemption starting in 2027.
Last week I wrote that Amendment 3 passed but that no one had published a Marion County dollar figure yet. Now we have local numbers, and they matter for anyone buying, selling, or holding property in Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, Summerfield, or Marion Oaks.
What happened
Amendment 3 passed 69.06% to 30.94% in Marion County and 61.98% to 38.02% statewide, the Ocala Gazette reported. It takes effect January 1. For the 2027 tax year it raises the homestead exemption on non-school taxes from $50,000 to $150,000, then to $250,000 for 2028. It also cuts the yearly assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%.
The county's estimate
A Marion County flier titled "Proposed Property Tax Amendment 3," cited by the Gazette, estimates:
- $49.6 million less revenue in fiscal 2027 and $38.1 million less in fiscal 2028, or $87.7 million combined.
- By service over those two years: about $42 million from law enforcement and detention, $10 million from fire rescue and EMS, and $35 million from countywide services.
- Services that could be affected include the Sheriff's Office, Marion County Fire Rescue, Parks and Recreation, and the public library system.
The flier says millage adjustments "may be considered as a potential revenue recovery strategy." In a statement to the Gazette, the county put the loss at about $90 million over the next two fiscal years, against an estimated $317 million in property tax revenue for that period. It said no final decisions have been made and there is no established timeline.
A second, larger projection
WKMG News 6 reported on November 10 that state leaders project Marion County will lose a little more than $78 million next year and more than $630 million over five years. The same report projects a City of Ocala shortfall of nearly $7 million next year and more than $57 million over five years. These figures do not match the county's flier, and the reporting does not explain why. Treat both as estimates until the budgets are written.
The Sheriff and the special session
Sheriff Billy Woods told WCJB he expects his budget to drop by $61 million over the next two years. He said his law enforcement taxing unit is 98% funded by property tax and that he does not want to cut deputies. Gov. Ron DeSantis said he plans a special session of the Legislature to implement the amendment. No dates have been set.
Meanwhile, a new fire station opened
The same WKMG report covered the opening of Ocala Fire Rescue's Fire Station 8 on the city's northwest side near I-75. It is the first new city fire station in five years and the first in 36 years to open with both an engine and a rescue unit. At the February groundbreaking, WUFT reported a $4.6 million public investment and plans for at least 15 dual-certified firefighter EMTs. Growth keeps adding demand for services even as revenue tightens.
What it means for buyers
- Florida residents buying a home to homestead still get the bigger break. The exemption on non-school taxes rises in 2027 and again in 2028. Your total bill also depends on the millage rate, which is not set yet.
- Do not budget on the best-case tax number. Have your lender run the payment with the current tax bill.
- Relocating buyers should confirm eligibility. The reporting I covered last week described a waiting period for new residents. Ask the Marion County Property Appraiser or a real estate attorney how it applies to your move date.
- Look at the area you are buying in. For a ZIP-level look at how taxes work, see my 34482 property tax guide or the full Ocala ZIP code guide.
What it means for sellers
- Buyers will ask about 2027 taxes. Give them the current bill and point them to the property appraiser. Do not promise a future number.
- Price on comparable sales, not tax headlines. The budget gap does not change what similar homes near you sold for this fall.
- If you are moving within Florida, plan the timing. Ask the property appraiser or an attorney how your current homestead benefit carries to your next home before you set a closing date. For pricing and prep, see my Ocala seller page or sellocalahome.com.
What it means for investors
- Rentals and second homes get no homestead exemption. Your change is the lower 5% cap on yearly assessment growth for non-homestead property.
- Rate risk sits with you. If local governments recover lost homestead revenue through millage, non-homestead owners pay that rate on a larger share of value. The county has said only that millage changes may be considered.
- Underwrite with today's taxes plus a cushion. Revisit every hold after the 2027 budget hearings, and have a CPA review how the change affects your numbers.
What I'd do this week
- Homeowners: confirm your homestead exemption is on file with the Marion County Property Appraiser.
- Buyers: ask your lender to show your payment with the current tax bill, not a projected one.
- Sellers: pull your most recent tax bill so you can hand it to buyers on day one.
- Investors: add a tax cushion to every pending deal and note the 2027 budget hearings on your calendar.
- Everyone: watch for special session dates from Tallahassee and for Marion County budget workshops.
Frequently asked questions
How much will Amendment 3 cost Marion County?
A Marion County flier cited by the Ocala Gazette estimates revenue reductions of $49.6 million in fiscal 2027 and $38.1 million in fiscal 2028, or $87.7 million combined. WKMG reported a separate state projection of a little more than $78 million next year and more than $630 million over five years. The estimates differ, so watch the county's own budget numbers.
Will Marion County raise the millage rate because of Amendment 3?
No decision has been made. The county's flier says millage adjustments may be considered as a potential revenue recovery strategy, and the county told the Ocala Gazette there is no established timeline for budget decisions. Rates are set in the summer budget hearings, so that is the time to watch.
Does Amendment 3 lower the property tax bill I am paying now?
No. The amendment takes effect January 1, and the larger homestead exemption applies starting with the 2027 tax year. It covers the first $150,000 of assessed value for non-school taxes in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. The bills Marion County owners are paying this fall are not affected.
What is the special session on Amendment 3?
Gov. Ron DeSantis said on November 4 that he plans to call a special session of the Legislature to pass a law implementing Amendment 3, WCJB reported. No dates have been set. What lawmakers decide could shape how local governments make up lost revenue.
Where is Ocala's new Fire Station 8?
Fire Station 8 opened on Ocala's northwest side near Interstate 75, according to WKMG. It is the city's first new fire station in five years and the first in 36 years to open with both an engine and a rescue unit. WUFT reported it as a $4.6 million public investment.
Sources
- Ocala Gazette: Amendment 3 passes, now what? (Nov. 8, 2026)
- WKMG News 6: Ocala Fire Rescue opens first station with engine and rescue unit in 36 years, but Amendment 3 clouds budget future (Nov. 10, 2026)
- WCJB: DeSantis plans special session for Amendment No. 3; Marion County sheriff plans for budget cuts (Nov. 4, 2026)
- WUFT: More than turning dirt: New Ocala fire station supports growing community (Feb. 19, 2026)
This article is general information, not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice, and no guarantee of any tax amount, rate, or outcome. Budget estimates may change and implementation details are still pending. Talk with the Marion County Property Appraiser, a CPA, a real estate attorney, a lender, or an insurance agent about your own situation.
Cristian Gonzalez, REALTOR, eXp Realty
FL License #3633800 · Ocala, Marion County, Florida · Published November 11, 2026