I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the change of seasons!

As temperatures start to cool, I wanted to remind you that I’m helping clients buy and sell in Southwest Florida, too. I split my year between Elizabeth and Cape Coral, enjoying the places and people I love in both states.

With 20 years of real estate experience in Colorado and an established presence in Southwest Florida, I love helping clients explore what comes next—whether that’s a second home, a winter escape, or a full-time move.

I also recently attended a Florida Realtors webinar about a proposed property tax change worth watching. Florida voters will decide Amendment 3 on November 3rd. If approved, it would:

• Increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with annual inflation adjustments beginning in 2029.
• Lower the annual assessment increase cap for non-homestead properties, including second homes and rentals and commercial, from 10% to 5%.

Those exemption amounts reduce taxable property value; they aren’t dollar-for-dollar tax savings. School taxes would still apply.

If you’re considering a permanent move and thinking of waiting until next year, there’s a timing detail to understand: people who are not Florida residents by December 31, 2026, would receive the existing homestead exemption when they qualify, with the expanded exemption beginning in their fifth year of exemption, subject to federal constitutional requirements. The cutoff concerns residency—not simply purchasing a home.

This hasn’t passed yet, but it’s worth considering as part of your plans. We can connect with the county property appraiser to clarify how eligibility would apply to you.

If you’ve ever thought, “I love Colorado, but I could use a little less winter,” let’s talk! You don’t need to have everything figured out. Sometimes it starts with a few questions.

And if a friend or neighbor is thinking about trading snow for sunshine, I’d appreciate the introduction.

Thank you for trusting me over the years. It means so much to stay connected.   https://voteyeson3.com/

Dawna