Here\u2019s how Florida\u2019s latest property tax proposal works<\/a>]<\/p>\nWhile some appreciate the reminder, others believe the city has gone too far.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s probably a bit overkill on some of the advertisements,\u201d resident Jeff Mason said.<\/p>\n
According to information provided to News 6, the city spent $10,837 on the design, production and installation of 140 signs, including replacements for two that were vandalized.<\/p>\n
The signs were paid for through the city\u2019s general operating budget.<\/p>\n
City officials said the campaign includes several types of signage, including stake signs, sandwich boards, pole banners and custom banners. They were installed at key public locations throughout Winter Garden to increase visibility and community awareness.<\/p>\n
The signs have also generated criticism online, with some residents questioning their timing ahead of the vote on Amendment 3.<\/p>\n
Still, not everyone sees the signs as a problem.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like the signs there because it shows a lot of work done,\u201d resident Isabell Dalglesh said.<\/p>\n
City says signs are about transparency, not influencing voters<\/p>\n
In a response to questions from News 6, Winter Garden officials said the city is committed to transparency and helping residents understand how their tax dollars support essential services.<\/p>\n
The city confirmed that it paid for the entire signage campaign, including design, production and installation.<\/p>\n
Officials said the purpose is to educate residents about how property taxes fund services that contribute to their quality of life, including public safety, parks, roadways and other essential city operations.<\/p>\n
City Manager Jon C. Williams emphasized that Winter Garden is not taking a position on Amendment 3.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal of the \u2018Thank You Residents\u2019 signs is simply to raise awareness about the essential City services that property taxes support,\u201d Williams said in a written statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWinter Garden is not advocating for or against Amendment 3; rather, we want residents to clearly understand what their property tax dollars fund so they can make an informed decision. We appreciate the community conversation the signs have generated, as increased awareness is exactly what we intended.\u201d<\/p>\n
UCF political expert says signs could help educate voters \u2014 or backfire<\/p>\n
John Hanley, an associate lecturer in political science at the University of Central Florida, said the signs could have different effects depending on how residents interpret them.<\/p>\n
Hanley said it\u2019s not unusual for local governments to identify projects and services funded by taxpayer dollars, and such efforts can help with civic education.<\/p>\n
However, he acknowledged that some voters may view the campaign as an attempt by city leaders to justify government spending.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor a certain type of, I think, cynical voter, you know, this might serve as a bit of a negative,\u201d Hanley said. \u201cFor other voters, I think it might provide a valuable piece of information.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hanley said one of the biggest issues surrounding the property tax debate is that many voters may not fully understand how much local governments spend to provide essential services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere might be a lack of information about, you know, what the taxes go for,\u201d Hanley said.<\/p>\n
He pointed specifically to the non-school portion of property taxes, noting that much of that revenue supports public safety.<\/p>\n
Hanley said that lack of understanding can create a blind spot for voters who are weighing potential tax savings against the services they receive.<\/p>\n
What would Amendment 3 mean for homeowners?<\/p>\n
Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption on non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.<\/p>\n
The proposal would provide additional property tax relief to eligible homeowners who use their properties as primary residences.<\/p>\n
However, Hanley said renters and owners of second homes would not directly benefit from the same exemption.<\/p>\n
He also raised concerns that reducing property tax revenue could place additional financial pressure on local governments.<\/p>\n
Hanley said communities such as Winter Garden and Winter Springs, which rely heavily on residential property taxes, could be affected more than cities with larger commercial or industrial tax bases.<\/p>\n
People in Winter Garden weigh savings against essential services<\/p>\n
For Mason, the possibility of paying less in property taxes is appealing as families continue dealing with higher everyday expenses.<\/p>\n
\u201cSavings, pricings are up on everything if there is a chance to save a little bit somewhere,\u201d Mason said.<\/p>\n
Dalglesh, however, emphasized that maintaining city services requires funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need property taxes we need that money doesn\u2019t come for free,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The debate highlights a question facing voters: whether potential savings for homeowners outweigh the possibility of reduced funding for local services.<\/p>\n
For now, Winter Garden officials maintain that the signs are intended to inform residents rather than influence their decisions at the ballot box.<\/p>\n
And despite the criticism, the city says the community conversation surrounding the signs is exactly what it hoped to generate.<\/p>\n
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