Property Taxes

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.

One thing all Florida voters will get to decide on Nov. 3: Whether to reduce property taxes. On this episode, we examine the possible effect on fire rescue services and community growth planning.

Amendment 3, if voters say "yes", would increase the homestead property tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027, and it would rise to $250,000 in 2028. The 10 percent cap on annual assessment increases for non-homestead properties would be lowered to 5 percent.

As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months.

Florida’s Amendment 3 could save homeowners money on property taxes. But a new report warns it could also mean less funding for programs serving children and families.

Florida voters could get a major property tax cut through Amendment 3. But local governments warn the lost revenue could mean fewer services.

The move by the Realtors means Amendment 3 will get considerable backing, amid an heavy pushback from a variety of groups opposed to the measure.