Florida Sheriffs Association is ‘significantly concerned’ about Amendment 3

Two months after it was placed on the November ballot, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) is weighing in on Amendment 3, the proposed property tax cut that, if enacted, could reduce local government funding by billions of dollars in the coming years.

The group is one of the most powerful when it comes to policymaking in Tallahassee. But it had remained silent on the amendment, designed to substantially reduce property taxes for Florida homeowners.

It weighed in on social media early Monday.

“The Florida Sheriffs Association is significantly concerned with Constitutional Amendment 3, which potentially allows Tallahassee to control your local budgets, creates longer law enforcement response times, limits communities’ abilities to provide road repairs and stormwater removal — these are a few things voters deserve to be aware of,” the organization said.

Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption for property owners by up to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. The research arm of the Florida Legislature estimates it would reduce revenue from property taxes by as much as $12 billion annually.

Representatives of local governments argue such significant reduction in revenues could make it challenging to pay for essential services.

The Florida House Republicans approved language during the legislative session that would ban local governments from reducing funding for services provided by law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders below the level in either fiscal year 2025-26 or 2026-27, whichever was higher.

However, the Senate never approved that proposal and it died during the session.

While the sheriffs’ statement could be considered ambiguous, two other major public safety associations in Florida have not been shy in telling Floridians exactly why they oppose the measure.

The Fraternal Order of Police said last week that Amendment 3 “creates far too much uncertainty about how local governments would continue to fund law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency medical services, and other critical public safety functions. Public safety should never become collateral damage with uncertain fiscal consequences.”

The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association said last month that providing  tax relief and reliable emergency services “are not mutually exclusive, but both require responsible long-term planning.”

Another prominent group who announced on Monday that they oppose the measure is 1000 Friends of Florida, a smart growth advocacy group.

“Legislators didn’t do their homework before they approved this tax proposal,” said Paul Owens, president of 1000 Friends of Florida. “If it passes, it will threaten our quality of life, the main reason Floridians build their lives and businesses here.”

Meanwhile, a Leon County judge is expected to rule soon about whether the proposed ballot language on Amendment 3 is acceptable or needs to be rewritten before it goes before the voters in November. Those challenging the measure say it’s replete with impermissible political rhetoric and would mislead voters about its true reach.

The title of the amendment labels it, “SAVE OUR HOMES FROM EXCESSIVE PROPERTY TAXES.” The summary for Amendment 3 says the amendment “benefits Florida taxpayers” by “ensuring funding for core services,” “protecting small businesses,” and “ensuring fairness for Florida residents.”