Florida police and fire unions oppose Amendment 3 property‑tax relief plan

The Florida Fraternal Order of Police and the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association have formally opposed Amendment 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would raise homestead property‑tax exemptions to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Both groups argue the measure would cut local‑government property‑tax revenues by an estimated $5 billion in its first year and up to $11.8 billion annually after five years, threatening funding for law‑enforcement, fire‑rescue, emergency medical services and other essential public‑safety functions.

A University of North Florida poll shows Amendment 3 could clear the 60 % threshold needed for passage if voters remain unaware of its fiscal impact. When respondents were informed that the exemption would deprive local governments of roughly $11.9 billion in revenue, support fell well below the needed level. The poll highlights that counties reliant on homestead property taxes—such as St. Lucie, Clay, Baker, Citrus and Hernando—could lose more than 30 % of their revenue, while larger urban counties like Miami‑Dade and Hillsborough would see hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts.

Governor Ron DeSantis, who campaigned on property‑tax relief, has indicated he will vote for the amendment but has not taken a leading role in championing it. The Florida Democratic Party also opposes the measure, while the state Republican Party has not issued a formal stance.