Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz is publicly supporting Florida’s proposed Amendment 3, putting her at odds with the Florida Sheriffs Association and other law enforcement officials who warn the measure could reduce funding for police, fire rescue and other local services.
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Cordero-Stutz says Florida homeowners deserve meaningful relief from rising property taxes and argues voters should not have to choose between lower taxes and public safety.
“Voters should not be led to believe that saving money on their property taxes must mean fewer deputies or weaker public safety,” Cordero-Stutz said.
Amendment 3, which will appear on the November 3 ballot, would increase Florida’s homestead exemption for non-school property taxes from the current $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. It would also reduce the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%. The amendment requires approval from at least 60% of voters to take effect.
The measure has sparked a debate over how much property-tax relief homeowners should receive and how local governments would make up for the resulting loss of revenue.
The Florida Sheriffs Association has urged voters to reject the amendment, arguing that the reduction in local revenue could affect public safety.
The association has warned that Amendment 3 could strip billions of dollars from the primary source of funding for local public safety agencies.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has been particularly outspoken, calling the proposal a “train wreck” and urging voters to reject it.
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Cordero-Stutz, however, says local government agencies have a responsibility to look for efficiencies and make sure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.
Her position comes as Miami-Dade County officials prepare for the potential financial impact of the amendment.
County estimates put the initial revenue loss at approximately $386 million, with the shortfall projected to grow substantially in subsequent years.
The Sheriff’s Office itself is also facing significant budget demands. Cordero-Stutz recently sought additional funding for her department, which has a budget of roughly $1 billion, and has said the agency is short about 150 deputies.
The amendment has also become an issue in Florida’s governor’s race.
Democratic candidate David Jolly says he opposes Amendment 3, warning that the reduction in local revenue could create a financial crisis for some counties and affect law enforcement. He has proposed
alternatives, including allowing counties greater control over how homestead exemptions are structured.
Republican candidate Byron Donalds supports the amendment, saying Florida property owners need tax relief. At the WLRN Sunshine Economy Summit in Fort Lauderdale Wednesday, Donalds acknowledged that fiscally constrained counties could face challenges if the measure passes.
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Florida voters will decide the measure Nov. 3.