DeSantis, GOP celebrate as Amendment 3 on track to pass
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Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida GOP declared victory for Amendment 3 on Tuesday night, as the measure that lowers homeowners' property taxes statewide appeared to clear the threshold for passage.
Why it matters: Homeowners get much-needed relief, but local governments will now need to fill the funding gap and address the billions in projected revenue loss.
Driving the news: The measure sat at 62% support with more than 95% of votes in, according to a New York Times tracker based on Associated Press data. It needed 60% support to pass.
What they're saying: DeSantis in a post on X called the outcome a "Big win… for Florida homeowners" while the state GOP called it an "incredible VICTORY."
Catch up quick: The amendment increases the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 by 2027 and then to $250,000 by 2028.
- It also limits how local governments spend tax revenue to areas such as public safety, education, infrastructure and debt obligations.
- DeSantis initially said he wouldn't campaign for Amendment 3 after the Legislature didn't pass his full proposal.
- He hosted events to garner support for the measure, but he didn't launch an ad blitz as he did for previous initiatives.
Between the lines: Opponents of the amendment, including the Florida Sheriffs Association, warned that losing property tax revenue would threaten public safety and strain local government services.
- Also at risk is funding for hospitals, nonprofits, parks and libraries.
- Supporters argued local governments needed to learn to balance their budgets more efficiently.
What we're watching: Whether local governments and bedroom communities that rely heavily on property taxes will cut or start charging for some services.
- It's also possible governments could raise taxes on non-homestead properties, which some warn could shift the tax burden to renters and commercial property owners.