Where Miami-Dade officials stand on Florida's property tax referendum
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Miami's local elected officials are split on Amendment 3, the ballot measure that would increase the homestead exemption and drastically reduce property taxes across the state.
Why it matters: If approved by voters, the measure would bring relief to homeowners' tax bills — but would cost local governments billions.
- Supporters argue the measure would force local governments to tighten spending, while opponents say it will leave them scrambling to maintain necessary services.
State of play: The split falls mostly along party lines, with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava strongly opposed to the measure, while Republican leaders have banded around it.
What they're saying: Levine Cava recently said it "threatens everything from public safety and emergency response to our roads, parks, our libraries," the Miami Herald reported.
- She also launched a political action committee to fight the referendum.
Meanwhile, Miami Gardens Sen. Shevrin Jones and Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert have urged residents to vote no.
- And groups like the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Professional Firefighters have voiced their opposition to the measure.
Yes, but: Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz broke with the FSA, speaking publicly in support of the proposal, arguing it wouldn't affect public safety.
The other side: A handful of local Republican officials recently gathered at Versailles for a news conference in support of Amendment 3, multiple outlets reported. Those in attendance included:
- Miami-Dade Property Appraiser and former Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado
- Hialeah Rep. Alex Rizo
- Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez
- Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia
- Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago
The intrigue: Its once-biggest champion — Gov. Ron DeSantis — has taken a hands-off approach in recent months, underscoring the schism between elected officials across the state and locally.
The big picture: Miami-Dade County last month approved a $12.9 billion budget after offsetting a deficit of more than $400 million by increasing water and sewer fees and eliminating some positions, among other things.
- The county dipped into its strategic reserves to offset the gap, per WLRN.
What's next: The measure needs 60% of the vote to pass.