Gainesville, City of; ad valorem tax for municipal purposes; provide homestead exemption

New city tax break for Gainesville homeowners

The law creates a $10,000 exemption from assessed home value for qualifying Gainesville residents who occupy their home as a homestead. It starts with tax years beginning January 1, 2027, only if more than half of referendum votes approve it. The city referendum is November 3, 2026; rejection automatically repeals the exemption on January 1, 2027. The break adds to other city homestead exemptions and covers city taxes, including taxes for municipal bond payments. It does not reduce state, county, or school taxes, and the remaining assessed value stays taxable. You must apply to the city or its designee, which must provide forms and verify eligibility. The exemption renews automatically while the home remains your homestead; you must notify the city when you no longer qualify. The city pays election costs, and its election superintendent must certify the results.