Florida voters weigh $12 billion property tax cut against local service cuts

Florida voters will decide on Thursday whether to cut roughly $12 billion from local government budgets through a sweeping property tax change. Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 over the next two years. The measure aims to reduce the tax burden on homeowners who have seen property values rise sharply since the pandemic.

The proposal has drawn support from Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Realtors association. Margy Grant, CEO of Florida Realtors, said the group has spent $19.5 million on its campaign to pass the amendment. She argued that local governments have gained excess revenue from a real estate boom and that the tax cut will help residents stay in their homes.

Opponents argue the savings for a subset of homeowners will come at the expense of public services. Steven Johnson, an organizer with Florida Rising, said residents often ask who the affordability helps. He noted that Florida has no state income tax, making property taxes a primary revenue source for cities and counties.

Local officials warn that the loss of revenue will force cuts to essential programs. Mike Weinstein, Jacksonville's chief administrative officer, said the city's $2 billion budget relies heavily on property taxes. He estimated the amendment could cost Jacksonville $372 million over the next five years. Weinstein said services like mosquito control, road maintenance, and libraries would face immediate pressure.

The debate has extended to emergency services. The Florida Sheriffs Association warned that police and fire departments could suffer from reduced funding. In response, Sen. Rick Scott said every county has waste to cut and that the amendment would force local governments to eliminate inefficiencies rather than essential services. Grant dismissed these warnings as a talking point by the opposition.

Rachel Dues, a 54-year-old disabled veteran and notary, supports the measure but remains concerned about its long-term effects. She relies on food pantries and other community services to manage her budget. Dues said she initially welcomed the idea but now feels the proposal is a bait and switch that may harm renters and those who depend on social safety nets.

Maggie Fernandez, a 68-year-old homeowner in Jacksonville, is working to convince neighbors to vote no. She acknowledged she might see some tax relief but believes the cut will hurt people with fewer resources. On a recent evening, Fernandez made 111 phone calls as part of a voter outreach effort organized by Florida Rising.

Early voting is currently underway in Florida. The amendment requires a 60 percent supermajority to pass. Dues, who will vote with her niece, said she plans to explain to voters that the measure may lead to cuts in flood prevention, public transportation, and housing assistance. She noted that the commercials for the amendment do not mention these potential losses.

The state's Office of Economic and Demographic Research estimates the amendment will cut local revenue by nearly $12 billion on a recurring basis. In Jacksonville, the Florida Policy Institute calculated that the city could lose up to $372 million in the next five years. Weinstein said the city may have to channel resources toward a larger complaints department instead of fixing roads or clearing trash.