Florida Democrats Launch Campaign Against Property Tax Amendment, Call Proposal a ‘Scam’

Nikki Fried speaks during a Florida Democratic Party news conference opposing Amendment 3, the proposed property tax constitutional amendment.

The Florida Democratic Party has formally announced its opposition to Amendment 3, the proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly expand Florida’s homestead property tax exemption, calling the measure a “scam” that could jeopardize funding for essential local government services.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said Monday that the amendment would shift financial burdens onto local communities while disproportionately benefiting wealthier property owners.

“Amendment 3 is bad for our cities and towns, bad for our rural counties, and just plain bad for Florida,” Fried said in a statement.

She argued the proposal would reduce local tax revenue needed to fund public services, including fire rescue, emergency medical services, hospitals, parks, libraries, road maintenance, and disaster preparedness.

“This is a scam that would either raise other taxes on working families or rob their communities of essential services,” Fried said.

Democrats See Political Opportunity

Democrats hope opposition to the amendment could resonate with suburban and moderate voters ahead of the November election, particularly after recent polling suggested support for the proposal declines when voters are informed about its potential impact on local government finances.

A recent survey conducted by the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab found the amendment received approximately 45% support when respondents were told local governments could lose an estimated $11.86 billion in future revenue.

Because constitutional amendments require 60% voter approval to pass in Florida, the poll suggests the measure could face significant challenges if opponents successfully frame the debate around local government funding.

Some Counties Could Face Larger Financial Impact

Several studies cited during the legislative debate indicate the amendment’s impact would vary widely across Florida.

Counties with relatively small commercial tax bases and greater reliance on homestead property taxes could experience the largest proportional revenue reductions.

Among those projected to face the steepest impacts are:

St. Lucie County
Clay County
Baker County
Citrus County
Hernando County

Larger counties would absorb the greatest losses in total dollars.

According to estimates from the Florida Association of Counties, potential annual revenue reductions beginning in Fiscal Year 2028-29 include:

Miami-Dade County: approximately $445 million
Hillsborough County: approximately $353 million
Broward County: approximately $326 million
Duval County: approximately $277 million
Orange County: approximately $253 million

Legal Challenge Adds Another Front to the Debate

The proposed amendment is also facing a legal challenge that could influence how voters view the measure before Election Day.

A lawsuit filed earlier this year argues that the ballot language for Amendment 3 does not adequately explain its potential impact on local government finances and could mislead voters. The case remains pending as supporters and opponents continue campaigning ahead of the November election.

The legal dispute adds another layer to an already contentious debate over the proposal. While supporters argue the amendment would provide meaningful long-term property tax relief for Florida homeowners, critics contend it could significantly reduce revenue for counties and municipalities that rely on property taxes to fund essential services.

Republicans Continue Debate Over Amendment

While Republican leaders broadly support reducing property taxes, some have acknowledged concerns about the current proposal.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds has expressed support for expanding homestead protections but has also questioned whether additional safeguards are needed for Florida’s 29 fiscally constrained counties.

Donalds has also warned that local governments could seek alternative fees, assessments, or other revenue sources if property tax collections decline significantly.

What Amendment 3 Would Do

If approved by voters, Amendment 3 would:

Increase Florida’s homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027.
Raise the exemption to $250,000 in 2028, with future increases tied to inflation.
Keep the current $25,000 school tax exemption unchanged.
Allow new Florida homeowners to begin with a $50,000 exemption, reaching the full exemption after five years.
Cap annual assessment increases on non-homestead property at 5%.
Preserve portability so homeowners can transfer homestead benefits when moving to another primary residence.
Limit local government spending primarily to public safety, infrastructure, schools, pensions, debt service, and constitutional offices.

The amendment is expected to become one of Florida’s highest-profile statewide ballot questions as supporters argue it would provide meaningful long-term tax relief, while opponents contend it could significantly reduce local government revenue and lead to service cuts or alternative tax increases.