Bryan Avila Promoted Amendment 3 at Tiger Bay
The lieutenant governor candidate urged Tampa voters to support a proposed increase in homestead tax exemptions.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you support increasing homestead property tax exemptions even if it may limit local government services?
Lieutenant governor candidate Bryan Avila visited Tampa on September 18 to advocate for Amendment 3, a measure he sponsored. The amendment, which will appear on the November ballot, seeks to raise the non-school homestead tax exemption to $250,000.
Why it matters
Avila is positioning the tax relief measure as a central campaign issue by arguing that individuals are better equipped to manage their finances than local governments. His push for the exemption comes as the campaign also highlights public safety concerns, specifically regarding the use of flock cameras by local law enforcement.
Amendment 3 proposes raising the non-school homestead tax exemption to $250,000. The measure was officially placed on the November ballot after receiving legislative sponsorship from Bryan Avila.
The players
Bryan Avila
He is a former state senator who is currently running for lieutenant governor on a ticket with Byron Donalds.
Byron Donalds
He is a candidate for governor who selected Bryan Avila as his running mate.
Tampa Tiger Bay Club
This is a non-partisan political organization based in Tampa that hosts forums for candidates and elected officials.
The details
Speaking at the Cuban Club in Ybor City, the former state senator discussed his transition to Byron Donalds' gubernatorial ticket following his resignation earlier in the summer. He emphasized that the proposed tax policy would directly benefit property owners by reducing their annual tax burden.
Timeline
Bryan Avila resigned from the state senate in the summer of 2026.
Avila addressed the Tampa Tiger Bay Club on September 18, 2026.
Amendment 3 is scheduled to appear on the ballot in November 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the measure frequently cite concerns regarding the resulting reduction in revenue for municipal services and local infrastructure funding. Critics of the broader tax strategy argue that such exemptions could place undue pressure on the budgets of local taxing authorities.
If Amendment 3 passes, homeowners would see a significant increase in their non-school homestead tax exemption, effectively lowering their property tax bills. Readers should evaluate how this change might influence the funding of local services in their own communities.
The takeaway
The proposed amendment reflects a broader ideological debate over fiscal responsibility and the role of local government. Voters should review the projected impacts on both their personal property taxes and local government services before the November election.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming ballot measures, visit the Tampa Elections section.
Live Poll
Do you support increasing homestead property tax exemptions even if it may limit local government services?
