This November, Floridians will be asked to pass a property tax amendment that would be added to the state constitution if it is approved by at least 60% of voters.
Property taxes are the primary source of funding for local governments and support services. Those services include fire, police, EMS, road maintenance, flood control, parks, libraries, garbage collection, and county veteran and senior programs. They also fund special districts such as the Children’s Services Council, the South Florida Water Management District, and portions of our hospital district’s budgets.
Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. It also requires the Legislature, through general law, to establish a schedule for the full elimination of non-school property taxes, which would result in a significant budget deficit. Unlike the previous proposals, this amendment does not protect fire and public safety services, does not affect schools, and does not require the Legislature to backfill local government budgets.
Critics fear there will be a cost shift to businesses and renters, even though the amendment language reduces the annual assessment increase cap from 10% to 5%. There are concerns that this amendment will lead to a reduction in services, forcing cities and counties to raise other taxes, increase millage rates, or create new fees. Firefighters, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Florida Sheriff’s Association, and other groups have taken a stand against this. Concerns have also been raised by Florida TaxWatch, The Wall Street Journal, and elected officials on both sides of the aisle.
We can all agree that Floridians need financial relief and that there is some level of waste in government programs. However, I believe that we should have thoughtful and responsible tax reform. The Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission is required to meet every 20 years to address this issue, and our next Governor will convene them in 2027—just three months away. We should allow the Commission to make recommendations and create an amendment that meets the needs of all Floridians without jeopardizing our public safety and quality of life.
It is an honor to serve you, and we are here to assist with any issues or concerns. Feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected] or our office at (954) 872-1770. You can also reach me on my personal cell at (954) 668-3662.
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