DeSantis Pledges State Aid as Opposition Grows to Florida’s Amendment 3

Overview

• Amendment 3 would raise the homestead property tax exemption to $150,000 next year and $250,000 by 2028 and would limit how local governments can spend remaining ad valorem revenue.
• Governor Ron DeSantis has said he will call a special legislative session and provide targeted help for fiscally constrained rural counties if voters approve the amendment, arguing the state budget can absorb the impact.
• A broadening Vote No coalition that now includes planning, engineering, fire marshal and public‑safety groups warns the amendment would force cuts or deferred investment in policing, fire response, roads, stormwater and hurricane recovery.
• Official estimates show steep local losses that grow as the measure phases in, with state analyses projecting initial billions in lost county revenue and longer‑term state budget deficits that raise questions about a sustainable backstop.
• Voter information is evolving: a new Florida Tax Watch online tool maps county and municipal impacts and polling shows support rises with friendlier ballot language but falls when voters are told of the estimated local budget cuts.