ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando’s first reading of the fiscal year 2026-27 budget began with a warning about Amendment 3’s potential impact on the city from Budget Division Manager Jason Wojkiewicz.
“While outright cuts to public safety are unlikely, as existing revenues are lost over several years, its unlikely we’ll be able to continue to grow police and fire staffing as we have,” he told the council. “As the city grows, that may result in slower 911 response times or less frequent patrols in your neighborhood.”
He also warned of delays in road care and less support for parks.
This year’s budget adds 44 police and fire first responders, but implements a hold on new positions across all other departments. It also establishes a Budget Stabilization Fund that will set aside this year’s savings in case Amendment three is passed.
Amendment 3 would save money on property taxes for millions of existing homestead property owners and future homeowners. It would increase the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. However, localities all over Florida say, because they will lose revenue, they might have to raise other taxes to make up the difference.
District 1 Commissioner Tom Keen called the proposed budget “really good” but voiced similar concerns about Amendment 3, like the fact that more than 60% of people in Orlando rent their home, a statistic shared in Wojkiewicz’s presentation.
“Renters won’t get a break with this Amendment 3, they’re probably going to pay more,” he said.
Wojkiewicz said Orlando may have to consider raising its millage rate, something the city hasn’t done in 13 years.