Bartow County; ad valorem tax for county purposes; increase homestead exemption

Larger tax exemption for Bartow County homeowners

The law raises Bartow County’s homestead exemption from $15,000 to $30,000 of assessed home value for county-purpose property taxes. It covers a resident’s qualifying homestead, and assessed value above $30,000 remains taxable for county purposes. The increase starts January 1, 2027, only with approval from more than half of votes cast on November 3, 2026. Without voter approval, or if the election is not held, the increase does not take effect. The act then automatically repeals on the 365th calendar day after the scheduled election date. The law also requires two-thirds approval in each chamber of the state legislature. Bartow County pays election costs, and election officials must publish the election call and ballot and certify results to the Secretary of State. A voter can ask a court to order compliance if the election official fails to carry out these duties.