Property Taxes

The councils and trusts, which have chapters in 14 Florida counties, are at risk of losing $278.1 million over the next two fiscal years if the measure passes. By the second year of having less local property tax, saving some services may mean cutting others.

In Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties, ballot referendums ask voters if they want to approve taxes that boost teacher pay, fund construction and pay for other programs.

Amendment 3 would reduce most property taxes on primary residences — but at a significant cost to local governments.

The Florida Realtors association is spending millions supporting Amendment 3 to provide property tax relief for eligible homeowners, but opponents are raising questions about the impact on home prices, first-time buyers and renters.

Albritton voted for the measure (HB 1F) in a special session in June, but throughout the public debate over the issue, he warned small, rural communities should be protected from any large slash in revenues.

How do nonprofits like United Way Suncoast benefit from the property tax system as it exists now? What happens to them if voters pass the controversial measure next month?

Backers of Amendment 3 say it would force local governments to cut bloated budgets and eliminate unneeded positions.

In Sarasota and Manatee counties, where law enforcement consumes the lion’s share of general fund spending, sheriffs say losses of the magnitude being projected could force them to reconsider services that extend beyond patrol and criminal investigations. Smaller police departments have even less room to maneuver.

Amendment 3 would dramatically reduce property taxes for homeowners by increasing the homestead exemption for non-school taxes from $50,000 to $150,000 next year before jumping to $250,000 in 2028.

Florida's water management districts depend on property taxes to fund about a third of their work preventing floods, securing the drinking water supply and conserving wetlands.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly lays out his plans to make Florida more affordable, tackle rising property insurance premiums and his opposition to Amendment 3.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds lays out plans to make Florida more affordable, tackle rising property insurance premiums and why he backs Amendment 3.