Florida voters decide on property tax cut Amendment 3

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 15:20 · Archive

Florida voters are deciding whether to approve Amendment 3, which would sharply cut property taxes for many homeowners.

Florida voters are deciding whether to approve Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment that would cut property taxes by raising the homestead exemption for non-school taxes from about $50,000 today to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with adjustments for inflation thereafter. The amendment would also slow annual tax growth on rental properties, second homes and commercial buildings from 10% to 5%, and newcomers to Florida would receive smaller exemptions initially.

Governor Ron DeSantis promoted the plan's benefits, saying most people would see two-thirds of their property tax bill returned to them once fully implemented. Florida Realtors, the state's largest trade association, have invested more than $18 million in the campaign for Amendment 3. Chief executive Margy Grant told News 6 that the association represents almost a quarter of a million people and that the scale of spending reflects Florida's size and the need to educate voters.

Opposition to the amendment has come from law enforcement and fire departments. Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young, a Democrat, and Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison, a Republican, both argued the tax cuts would reduce funding for essential services. Young said the amendment "will take deputies off the street", whilst Harrison warned that his county might have to reduce patrols from three officers to two, creating safety and backup issues. Ryan Crawford, South Walton Fire District fire chief, said any proposal must answer how essential services would continue to be funded.

Some voters also expressed concerns about the broader effects. Ralph Scott and Judy Thompson, both Duval County residents, worried that property owners would benefit while other residents bore higher costs. Scott said the proposal robbed the working class, whilst Thompson noted that although property owners welcomed the amendment, the savings might come at a higher cost for average citizens elsewhere.

How it is being reported

• ‘You’re robbing me’: Duval voters challenge Amendment 3’s promise of property tax reliefFor homeowners who qualify, Amendment 3 could mean more money left in their pockets. But the proposal also has Jacksonville weighing the potential cost to its own budget — and how that could affect decisions about the city’s future, including downtown development.News4Jax · 30 Oct, 14:33
• Florida first responders urge voters to say no to property tax amendmentFirst responders made their pitch to Tallahassee voters Thursday about why they should vote against Amendment 3.WCTV · 29 Oct, 20:51
• Florida Realtors are spending $18M to pass Amendment 3. News 6 asked them whyFlorida voters are deciding right now whether to approve Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment that would sharply cut property taxes for many homeowners.Clickorlando · 29 Oct, 19:51

In this story: Florida Realtors · Ron DeSantis · Margy Grant · Morris Young · Mike Harrison · Florida · Gadsden County · Jacksonville

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log