Florida voters will decide in November whether to approve Amendment 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that could change how much property tax revenue local governments collect.
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If approved, the amendment would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.
That could mean savings for some homeowners, but it also raises questions about how cities, counties and special taxing districts would make up for potentially lower property tax revenue.
A Fort Lauderdale viewer asked NBC6 how services such as police, fire and human services would be funded if Amendment 3 passes.
The amendment does not eliminate property tax funding for public safety.
In fact, its language specifically identifies public safety as one of the purposes for which counties and municipalities may use property tax revenue. Along with funding infrastructure, natural resources, bond debt service, employee retirement benefits, and certain administrative functions. Funding for schools is protected under this amendment.
However, the proposal could reduce the amount of property tax revenue available to local governments because of the larger homestead exemption.
That means the potential impact on individual services would depend on how each city and county responds to changes in its budget.
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Some services are funded through special taxing districts that collect property taxes separately from cities and counties, like the Children’s Services Council of Broward County.
Its programs include early learning, mental health services, after-school programs, family strengthening, and services for children with special needs.
The potential impact would vary from one community to another, depending in part on the number of homesteaded properties and the amount of property tax revenue affected.
Some local governments have already published estimates of how Amendment 3 could affect their property tax revenue and budgets.
Homeowners should check their city’s or county’s website for information specific to their community or contact their local government directly.
Amendment 3 would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, if approved by at least 60% of Florida voters.
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