TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Property tax relief or the possibility of less funding for public services?
That is the question posed to Florida voters this Election Day on Amendment 3, which, if passed, would cut property taxes for homeowners.
“I voted no. I did,” said Lakeland voter, Rob Pearce. “The folks that have the big homes, they got money. They don’t need any more help.”
“I don’t want to risk getting any of the wonderful benefits that we receive here in the city of Lakeland and I certainly do not want to see any of our emergency services compromised,” said Cynthia Plemmons, a voter in Lakeland.
A voter named Kathy said she feels the same way.
“It funds so many public things that we need those funds for law enforcement and all our public service,” she said.
News Channel 8 spoke to voters about Amendment 3 outside the Lake Mirror Center, a polling location in Lakeland on Election Day.
“Any relief, I don’t care if it’s 10%. I would be happy,” said a voter named Pamela who voted yes on Amendment 3. “Because I want to see our property taxes go down. I’m a senior citizen and I still feel like it should be passed that senior citizens over the age of 65, whether they own their home or not, should be free from property tax.”
“I actually voted for it but I’m not convinced I did the right thing,” said a voter who did not share his name. “Most of the research I’ve read and found said to do it. It’s going to save us money.”
If passed, Amendment 3 would increase the non-school property tax exemption for homestead properties to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R – Florida) has championed the issue.
“If they aren’t having to pay more money to local government just to live in their primary residence, that money is doing to do better in the economy,” he said.
According to the Governor’s office, local governments are projected to collect nearly $60 billion in property tax revenue this fiscal year.
Local government and law enforcement officials, from Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, oppose the amendment, urging residents to vote no.
They say it would lead to cuts to budgets and fewer services.
“We are ringing all the alarms at the fire stations,” said Sheriff Judd. “Amendment 3 slashes and cuts and burns.”
In order to pass, Amendment 3 requires the support of at least 60% of voters.
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