Florida Senate President Ben Albritton says he will vote against Amendment 3, the homestead property tax measure on the Nov. 3 ballot. He made the announcement in a statement posted on the Florida Sheriffs Association’s social media page, reversing his position from June, when he praised the Senate’s vote to place the proposal before voters.
Albritton said the amendment would eliminate up to 30% of resources for Florida’s rural counties, hurting law enforcement, emergency response and infrastructure. He said the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, scheduled to meet in 2027, is a better place to review a change of this size. The Florida Chamber of Commerce and Florida TaxWatch have made similar arguments.
If voters approve the amendment with at least 60% support, the homestead exemption for non-school taxes would rise to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. It also sets up a process for the Legislature to let counties and cities expand the exemption further, which could eventually erase non-school homestead property taxes altogether.
State economists estimate the measure would cut revenue by $5 billion in its first year and up to $12 billion a year once fully in effect. The Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police and the Florida Association of Professional Firefighters oppose it. Former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo also recently said she will vote no.
Albritton’s term as Senate president ends next month. He represents Charlotte, DeSoto and Hardee counties and parts of Lee and Polk counties.
