Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, along with a group of county constitutional officers, announced their endorsement of Amendment 3 on Monday. This proposal aims to increase the homestead exemption on property tax, despite warnings that it could cost the county approximately $445 million in annual revenue.
Cordero-Stutz was joined by Supervisor of Elections Alina García, Tax Collector Dariel Fernández, and Property Appraiser Tomás Regalado in expressing their support for the measure. These four elected officials, who assumed office in January 2025, are all Cuban-Americans.
Impact of Amendment 3 on Property Taxes
Amendment 3 proposes to raise the homestead exemption from the current $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and eventually to $250,000 in 2028, applicable exclusively to non-school taxes. This initiative was championed by Governor Ron DeSantis and received approval from the Florida Legislature during a special session in June, with predominantly Republican support.
Support and Opposition: A Divisive Proposal
García justified her support by highlighting the amendment's safeguards for essential services. "The key point is that public safety is prioritized, so this won't impact security," she stated, emphasizing fiscal responsibility: "We must learn to live within our means."
Cordero-Stutz took a stance that diverges from the Florida Sheriffs Association and other state law enforcement organizations, which oppose the measure, arguing it could cut security budgets. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, a prominent critic, directly questioned voters: "This state has nearly 24 million people. Do you want less security? Less protection?"
Economic Implications for Counties and Renters
The "Vote No on Amendment 3" campaign, represented by spokesperson Edie Ousley, warned, "Public safety will be the most affected, with cuts to services and infrastructure. This is simply a tax shift, not tax relief."
According to the Florida Association of Counties, Broward would lose over $300 million in the second year of the amendment's implementation. Statewide losses are projected to reach $3.6 billion in fiscal year 2027-2028 and $6.4 billion in 2028-2029.
The amendment also has direct implications for renters. An analysis suggests that rents could increase if the amendment passes, as rental property owners face higher tax burdens, potentially passing these costs to tenants. The Tax Foundation estimates that taxes on rental homes could rise by about $1,081 annually in 2028, a significant concern in Miami, where the median rent was approximately $2,957 per month in July of this year.
For homestead property owners, however, the projected savings in Miami-Dade would be around $1,500 annually.
Voter Sentiment and the Path Forward
The amendment is set for a vote on November 3, 2026, requiring a 60% majority to be added to the Florida Constitution. A mid-September poll by St. Pete Polls indicated only 44.9% support among likely voters, with nearly 25% undecided, suggesting the proposal currently falls short of the threshold needed for approval.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amendment 3
What is Amendment 3 proposing?
Amendment 3 proposes increasing the homestead exemption on property tax from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027, and to $250,000 in 2028, for non-school taxes.
What are the potential financial impacts of Amendment 3?
The amendment could result in a loss of approximately $445 million in annual revenue for Miami-Dade, with statewide losses projected to reach $6.4 billion by fiscal year 2028-2029.
How might Amendment 3 affect renters?
If Amendment 3 passes, rental property owners could face higher tax burdens, potentially leading to increased rents as property owners pass on costs to tenants.
What is required for Amendment 3 to be approved?
Amendment 3 needs to secure 60% of the vote on November 3, 2026, to be incorporated into the Florida Constitution.