Okaloosa County and municipal governments across the county are joining forces on a public information campaign aimed at educating residents about an upcoming property tax ballot measure and its potential impact on local services.

• The effort comes ahead of the Nov. 3, 2026, vote on Amendment 3, which was placed on the ballot after the Florida Legislature approved House Joint Resolution 1-F, Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes, on June 2, 2026.

The proposed constitutional amendment would increase the homestead exemption for primary residences to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. School district taxes would not be subject to the increased exemption. Read more on the amendment

Public information staff from the county and its municipalities plan to distribute information through a dedicated website, social media and in-person speaking engagements. A website compiling resources from multiple sources has been launched at myokaloosa.com/okaloosapropertytax.

“Having all of the necessary information ahead of the upcoming election is important for all voters,” said Okaloosa County Administrator John Hofstad. “We are going through our annual budget approval process right now and welcome more community engagement at our upcoming budget workshop meetings.”

Fort Walton Beach City Manager Jason Davis said the budget impact on local government operations across the state would be severe if the measure passes.

• “For most of the state, the budget impact to local government operations will have substantial negative impacts, with at least two cities losing 100% of their funding,” Davis said. “Discussions statewide on how to address the shortfall include millage increases, a new tax of sorts, eliminating services, or some combination thereof.”

Davis encouraged residents to get involved in their local government ahead of the vote.

“Should this property tax approach be implemented, you could potentially wake up to a whole new taxing strategy or services you enjoy being eliminated,” he said. “Educate yourself, get invested in your community, and vote with a full understanding of the impact.”

Cinco Bayou Mayor Jean Hood said she is troubled by a lack of answers from state leaders about how local governments would replace the lost revenue.

“I’m personally concerned that no one in Tallahassee can answer simple questions regarding the impact of this hastily considered plan,” Hood said. “Our police and fire departments are funded by property taxes, as well as libraries, park maintenance, and road repairs, as well as other critical services.”

Niceville Mayor Dan Henkel said the amendment, which requires approval from 60% of Florida voters, could pose a threat to local governance.

“In my opinion, the proposal represents a significant challenge to Florida’s tradition of Home Rule, which grants municipalities and counties the authority to govern local affairs and make decisions that best serve their communities,” Henkel said.

Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks said the campaign is about making sure residents understand what their tax dollars pay for before they cast their ballots.

• “Every dollar in property taxes goes to work right here in Shalimar, funding the services our residents see and depend on every single day,” Franks said. “Eliminating them does not eliminate the cost. It simply shifts it.”

Valparaiso Mayor Joe Morgan raised concerns that alternatives to property tax revenue could disproportionately burden vulnerable residents, including military families and those on fixed incomes, through higher rents and increased fees.

Officials across the county are encouraging residents to review the materials compiled through the education effort and to participate in upcoming budget meetings. Voter information, including registration details and ballots, is available at voteokaloosa.gov.