There will be two amendments about property taxes on this year’s Florida ballot. Amendment 2 exempts “tangible personal property” that is left on agricultural land from property taxes.
What the Amendment says:
Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to exempt tangible personal property habitually located or typically present on land classified as agricultural, used in the production of agricultural products or for agritourism activities, and owned by the landowner or leaseholder of the agricultural land from ad valorem taxation. If approved, this amendment would first apply for tax years beginning January 1, 2027.
What that means:
Equipment kept on land used for farming or agritourism, such as tractors and harvesting machines, would be exempt from property taxes. The amendment could save farmers money, but could also reduce local government revenue. The state estimated the amount of revenue lost to be about $31 million in Fiscal Year 2027-28.
Supporters:
- State Sen. Jay Collins (R)
- State Sen. Keith Truenow (R)
- State Rep. Daniel Alvarez (Nonpartisan)
- State Rep. Webster Barnaby (R)
- State Rep. Tom Fabricio (R)
- State Rep. Johanna López (D)
- State Rep. Michael Owen (R)
- State Rep. Michelle Salzman (R)
- State Rep. Taylor Yarkosky (R)
- Florida TaxWatch
- Florida Farm Bureau
Supporters argue:
The amendment supports farmers and secures the future of agriculture in Florida. “By eliminating the burdensome multiple taxation of agricultural production, we can pave the way for sustained growth and resilience within our agricultural sector, strengthen and secure our food supply chain, support our hardworking farmers, and safeguard our state and nation's well-being,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson.
Opponents:
- State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D)
- League of Women Voters of Florida
- Florida Education Association
Opponents argue:
The bill would have a $30 million impact on local governments. State Rep. Anna Eskamani said the amendment benefit mostly large agricultural businesses. “There could be a more targeted approach to support smaller business owners and farmers, but this approach is not targeted enough to earn my support,” she said.
A 'yes' vote would:
Exempt farming equipment typically left on agricultural land from locally assessed property taxes.
A 'no' vote would:
Maintain the local government’s authority to tax farming equipment found on agricultural land.
Amendment 2 must receive at least 60% approval to become part of Florida’s Constitution.
