Florida Amendment 3 Could Raise Property Taxes for Canadian Snowbirds

Florida's snowbirds, particularly Canadians, may soon face higher property taxes if voters approve Amendment 3 on November 3. The measure aims to increase the number of resident homes exempt from property taxes, shifting the burden to non-resident owners. While the amendment does not explicitly target Canadians, it removes their eligibility for the primary tax break, effectively raising their share of property taxes.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been vocal about the need to focus tax relief on permanent residents. In June, he stated, "I don’t want to give Canadians a tax cut." The proposed amendment would raise the non-school homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and then to $250,000 in 2028, costing about $12 billion annually. Local governments, which rely on property taxes, would need to find new revenue sources, potentially from tourists.

However, economists warn that the measure could backfire. Canadians have already started selling their Florida homes due to the weak Canadian dollar and political tensions. Higher taxes on secondary homes could accelerate this trend, ultimately reducing tax revenue as Floridians move into those homes and qualify for the exemption.