By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix
In Summary:
Sierra Club Florida says Amendment 3 could limit local governments' ability to finance seawalls, tree trimming, and other storm-hardening projects. The amendment would increase the homestead exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. State economists estimate the measure could reduce recurring local property tax revenue by nearly $12 billion annually.
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The Sierra Club has become the latest organization to announce opposition to Amendment 3 on the November ballot, saying that if passed, it “will effectively gut the budgets of local governments in Florida.”
Related: Florida Sheriffs Association is ‘significantly concerned’ about Amendment 3.
The Republican-controlled Legislature placed the measure on the ballot in June. If approved, Amendment 3 would constitute one of the most significant changes to property taxes in the state in more than a generation. The measure would increase the homestead exemption for all non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, then adjust for inflation.
It would reduce revenues to local governments by up to $12 billion annually beginning in 2031, according to legislative analysts.
Sierra Club Florida said in a written statement that approval of the proposed constitutional amendment would reduce local governments’ abilities to prepare for stronger and wetter storms — and could undercut programs building sea walls, trimming trees, and other storm-hardening preparations, “dramatically, leaving communities unprotected from the effects felt during the annual hurricane seasons.”
“In order to make up this revenue, local governments are likely to charge their residents fees to raise the revenue necessary to fund parks and public spaces as well as storm-hardening preparation,” the group says.
Numerous organizations have similarly opposed the amendment, including several law enforcement agencies. However, statewide advertising opposing the measure has been limited so far.
In the meantime, the Vote Yes on 3 political campaign has just been boosted by a $10 million contribution from the Florida Realtors, independent journalist Jason Garcia reported over the weekend. The committee was formed in the last week of August with little fanfare.
Key Points:
- Sierra Club Florida is the latest organization to announce opposition to Amendment 3.
- The group argues that reduced local revenue could weaken hurricane preparation and storm-hardening programs.
- The amendment would increase the homestead exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.
- State economists project recurring local-government revenue losses approaching $12 billion annually.
- Florida Realtors contributed $10 million to the political committee campaigning for Amendment 3.
