The city of Miami Gardens has cut its budget in anticipation of new property tax exemptions under Amendment 3, a change that city estimates say could cost it nearly $9.8 million in 2027 and about $14.2 million in 2028.
City projections show average savings of $694 for homeowners in 2027 and $1,387 in 2028. Some residents say they will feel the difference right away. Lanette Jones, whose Miami Gardens home was last assessed at $129,000, said she expects to pay nothing to the city after the exemption takes effect. She voted against the amendment, though, because she expects fewer city services.
City Manager Cameron Benson told council members during a September budget hearing that the city chose a proactive approach. “What we’ve tried to do is put together a budget in anticipating that something may happen,” Benson said.
A CBS News Miami review of the city budget found that spending on special events fell from $9 million to $558,000. Jazz in the Gardens was eliminated entirely. The city also has a hiring freeze that excludes police positions, and the city manager’s office has not said whether the frozen jobs will return.
According to the city manager’s office, 1,400 homes already pay no property taxes. Councilman Wilson was traveling and unavailable for comment, and responses from the mayor and other council members were still pending.
