Ken Grant · Showtime Realty · Sarasota, Florida

Relocating to Florida? The Timing Just Got a Lot More Valuable

People have been moving to Florida for the sunshine for decades. Now the math is pulling them too. Florida voters just approved the biggest property tax cut in state history, on top of no state income tax and the strongest state economy in the country. If a move is on your radar, here is what changed and why acting before the end of 2026 matters.

New: Amendment 3 Passed — a Major Property Tax Cut

On November 3, 2026, Florida voters approved Amendment 3 with about 62% of the vote. For homeowners with a homestead exemption, the exemption on non-school property taxes jumps to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, then adjusts for inflation. For second homes, rentals and other non-homestead property, the yearly cap on assessment increases drops from 10% to 5%.

The timing catch: the full new exemption is tied to being a Florida permanent resident by December 31, 2026. Buyers who establish residency after that date start with a smaller exemption (up to $50,000) until their fifth year of homestead. Closing and making Florida home before year-end locks in the full benefit.

Why Florida Keeps Winning Movers

No State Income Tax

Florida has no personal income tax, and that protection is written into the state constitution. Your paycheck, pension and retirement income are not taxed by the state.

The #1 Economy in America

U.S. News ranked Florida's economy #1 in the nation in 2025 for the third straight year, and CNBC has ranked Florida the #1 state economy three years running as well. Florida also leads the nation in new business formations.

#1 State for New Movers

Since 2020, Florida has gained more net movers from other states than any state in the country: over 890,000 more people moved in than out (U.S. Census Bureau). Florida also welcomed the most new residents from abroad in 2025.

Beaches and Warm Weather

The Sarasota Gulf Coast pairs roughly 255 days of sunshine a year with beaches like Siesta Key, ranked among the best in America. Winter here means the lanai, the boat and the golf course, not the snow shovel.

Homestead Protections

Beyond the new Amendment 3 exemption, Florida's Save Our Homes cap limits assessed-value increases on your primary home to 3% a year, and Florida homestead law offers strong asset protection for your primary residence.

A Decade of Momentum

Florida's population has grown from about 21.5 million in 2020 to more than 23.4 million today. People are voting with their moving trucks, and the Sarasota area is one of the most popular landing spots on the Gulf Coast.

Ken Grant, REALTOR, Showtime Realty

Your Sarasota Relocation Guide: Ken Grant

Ken Grant is a Real Estate Consultant with Showtime Realty in Sarasota who helps out-of-state buyers land on the Gulf Coast, from first video tours to closing day. His motto says it: "You Only Live Once. Let Me Show You Where!"

Call or text Ken at (301) 520-1840 · [email protected]
Financing: Paul Deibler, Deibler Home Team at OriginPoint, (941) 724-8195

Start Your Florida Move

Tell us where you are moving from and when, and Ken will map out your options, including the Amendment 3 deadline.

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Sources: Amendment 3 results and text, Florida Division of Elections and Florida Department of Revenue bulletin PTO 26-21 (Nov 5, 2026); election results are unofficial until certified. Migration and population: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates. Economy rankings: U.S. News Best States 2025; CNBC America's Top States 2025. Tax benefits vary by household; this page is general information, not tax or legal advice.