Broward Health could lose $100.4 million in revenue over three years if Florida voters approve Amendment 3, according to a new report from the Florida Policy Institute. The nonprofit estimates Memorial Healthcare System in Brobard’s neighbor Miami-Dade and Broward could lose $2.2 million over the same period.
The measure, which appears on the Nov. 3 ballot, would raise the property tax exemption for primary residences. The taxable value of a home would drop by an additional $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Supporters say it would lower tax bills for homeowners, but the report warns that less property tax revenue could mean longer wait times, reduced access to care and changes to hospital services.
Janna Lhota, board chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, said the North Broward Hospital District would see a 17% reduction in total tax impact in the second year, while South Broward would see a 21.3% impact. Lhota said both systems serve as safety-net hospitals that treat patients regardless of their ability to pay, and she questioned whether they would cut services or shift costs to insured patients.
Walter Rasor, a Broward Health patient for decades, said he plans to vote against the amendment but worries about older residents who depend on local services. He said he has not seen specifics from hospitals about what cuts they would make.
It remains unclear which services, if any, would be affected. Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System declined to comment when CBS News Miami asked what patients could expect if the amendment passes.
