Florida voters will decide Amendment 3 on Election Day, and the measure could bring property tax relief for homeowners while cutting into local government budgets. WSVN reported the debate on Oct. 30 with residents on both sides.
The proposal would raise the current homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028. It includes inflation adjustments and a possible path to full elimination of the exemption. Critics say it would hurt public safety, parks, libraries, transportation, animal control and public hospitals.
Broward’s Children’s Services Council is among the groups that could feel the impact. The council is funded by a property charge of 45 cents per $1,000 of taxable assessed value, approved by voters in 2000 and 2014. The roughly $150 million a year pays for aftercare, summer camps, swimming lessons, food assistance and programs for pregnant women and young people with special needs. WSVN reported that the funds reach about 200,000 Broward children each year.
Council president and CEO Cindy Arenberg Seltzer said the council has no other major revenue source to replace the money. Bills cited in the report were about $58 in Plantation and $120 in Hollywood for the year.
Residents interviewed for the story were split. North Miami Beach resident Bruce Lamberto said elderly neighbors need relief and that government should cut costs first. Norma Szubartowski, 80, of the same neighborhood, said her Social Security income is tight and every dollar of tax matters.
The amendment needs 60% voter approval to become part of the state constitution. Once in place, changing it would require another statewide vote.
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