2026 Election Results: Florida Stays Red as Washington Turns Blue

Republicans sweep Florida’s governor and Cabinet races, retain the state House and Senate, and secure voter approval for expanded homestead exemptions—even as Democrats capture Congress.

Florida held its Republican line. Washington changed hands.

The November 3, 2026 election delivered Republicans another term of unified control in Tallahassee: Byron Donalds won the governor’s race, Republicans prevailed in all three Cabinet contests, and the GOP retained majorities in both legislative chambers. Nationally, Democrats won control of the U.S. House and Senate, creating a sharply different political environment for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term.

Florida voters also approved Amendment 3, the Republican Legislature’s property tax measure for 2026 election ballot, setting in motion larger homestead exemptions and tighter limits on assessment growth for qualifying non-homestead properties.

For businesses and local governments, the result is a consequential combination: continued Republican control of Florida government, a new gubernatorial administration, and property tax changes that will reshape local budget planning.

Republicans Sweep Florida’s Governor and Cabinet Races

Byron Donalds and running mate Bryan Avila defeated Democrats David Jolly and Gwen Graham, positioning Donalds to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis. Republicans also prevailed in the races for attorney general, chief financial officer and agriculture commissioner, with victories for James Uthmeier, Blaise Ingoglia and Wilton Simpson.

That preserves Republican control of Florida’s statewide executive leadership. It also begins a transition that businesses should watch closely.

Party continuity does not settle every policy question. The incoming administration’s appointments, agency leadership selections and first proposed budget will help establish its priorities—and reveal where its approach differs from its predecessor’s.

For organizations with pending regulatory matters, legislative proposals or state funding requests, those decisions deserve attention now.

GOP Retains the Florida House and Senate

Florida’s latest unofficial legislative projection shows Republicans holding 70 seats in the 120-member House, compared with 50 for Democrats. In the Senate, Republicans are projected to hold 25 seats, with Democrats holding 14 and one vacancy excluded from the projection.

Republicans therefore retain control of the legislative process, including committee leadership and the advancement of legislation and appropriations.

But statewide control does not make every district interchangeable. Businesses should examine changes within the delegations representing their facilities, employees and investments. Committee assignments and leadership decisions will further determine which lawmakers are positioned to influence specific issues.

The practical question for 2027 is which proposals can attract the support needed to move through both chambers and reach the new governor.

Amendment 3 Passes

With approximately 62 percent support, Amendment 3 cleared Florida’s 60 percent constitutional approval threshold. It increases the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while preserving the existing school tax exemption framework.

The amendment also lowers the annual assessment growth cap on qualifying non-homestead properties, including commercial and rental properties, from 10 percent to 5 percent for non-school taxes. People becoming Florida residents after December 31, 2026, face a five-year waiting period for the expanded homestead benefit.

For eligible homeowners, the larger exemption can reduce taxable value. For commercial property owners, the lower assessment cap can moderate future assessment increases. Actual tax bills will still depend on eligibility, assessed values and applicable rates.

For counties and municipalities, the same measure creates pressure on revenue.

Miami-Dade County has projected property tax revenue reductions of approximately $385.8 million in the budget year beginning October 2027 and $696.7 million the following year at current tax rates. Those estimates illustrate the scale of the fiscal decisions ahead.

Businesses pursuing infrastructure, development or public contracts should follow how local governments respond. Budget revisions could affect project schedules, procurement and service capacity.

Florida and Washington Enter Different Political Chapters

Nationally, Democrats’ capture of both congressional chambers ends unified Republican control in Washington. In Florida, Republicans retain the governorship and Legislature. Organizations operating across both levels of government will need strategies that reflect those different conditions. Federal initiatives may face new congressional scrutiny and negotiations.

Florida priorities will move through a Republican-controlled state government under a new governor. Election night established the political boundaries. Appointments, committee decisions and budget proposals will determine what can move within them.

For Florida businesses and local governments, the work of preparing for 2027 starts now.

Results and legislative projections are unofficial as of November 4, 2026, and remain subject to certification. This article adapts The Aleksander Group’s election memorandum and incorporates updated reporting and state legislative projections.