TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) announced its opposition to Amendment 3 on Friday, warning that the proposed property-tax cut could threaten funding for law enforcement and other emergency services.
The statewide organization, which represents more than 24,000 law enforcement officers, said it supports meaningful property-tax relief for homeowners but believes the proposal lacks sufficient safeguards for police, fire rescue, emergency medical services and other essential local services.
In a written statement Friday, the organization said it supports meaningful property-tax relief for homeowners but believes the current proposal creates too much uncertainty about how counties and cities would continue paying for police, fire rescue, emergency medical services and other public-safety responsibilities.
“Public safety should never become collateral damage with uncertain fiscal consequences.”
Police and firefighter groups join opposition
The Florida FOP’s announcement places another major public safety organization in the opposition column.
The Florida Professional Firefighters and Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association have also opposed the current proposal, arguing that Amendment 3 does not provide a dependable source of replacement revenue for local governments losing property tax collections.
Their opposition strengthens the public safety argument against a measure that supporters have promoted primarily as an affordability and taxpayer-relief initiative.
What Amendment 3 would change
The Florida Legislature placed Amendment 3 on the November ballot by approving CS/HJR 1-F during its June special session.
If approved, the measure would:
- Increase the homestead exemption for most non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027.
- Increase the exemption to $250,000 in 2028.
- Tie future exemption increases to inflation.
- Reduce the annual assessment-growth cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%.
- Restrict how counties and municipalities may spend remaining property tax revenue.
- Require newer Florida residents to wait before receiving the full expanded exemption.
School district property taxes would remain outside the expanded exemption.
Amendment 3 must receive at least 60% support in the Nov. 3 general election. If approved, it would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Fiscal estimates drive public safety concerns
Legislative estimates project local governments would lose approximately $4.95 billion in property tax revenue during the first fiscal year affected by the amendment.
The projected annual reduction grows to approximately $8.78 billion in the second year and $11.86 billion by fiscal year 2031-32.
The Florida Association of Counties argues the effect would vary considerably because some counties depend more heavily on homestead property taxes than others. Public safety is currently the largest expenditure category in 55 of Florida’s 67 counties, according to the association.
Supporters counter that property tax collections and local government spending have grown too quickly and that cities and counties can protect essential services by eliminating waste and concentrating revenue on core responsibilities.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said he will vote for Amendment 3 while warning counties against cutting police, firefighters and other critical services.
Polling shows fiscal argument could determine outcome
A June Sachs Media survey found 64% support for Amendment 3 after 850 Florida voters were shown the ballot summary. The June 22-24 survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
A subsequent University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab poll found 61% initial support. That number fell to 45% after respondents received additional information about projected local-government budget losses.
The UNF survey included 848 likely Florida midterm voters contacted from July 8 through July 17. It used telephone interviews and online surveys and carried a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
Because the surveys used different questions and samples, they should not be interpreted as a direct trend line. Together, however, they demonstrate how the wording and fiscal debate could influence whether the amendment reaches Florida’s 60% constitutional threshold.
Opposition continues to expand
The Florida FOP joins several organizations and political groups already campaigning against the measure.
The Florida Democratic Party formally opposed Amendment 3 this month. Multiple political committees have also organized against it, while pending lawsuits challenge whether its ballot title and summary give voters a neutral and accurate explanation.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he will vote for the amendment but will not lead its campaign because the Legislature rejected portions of his original property tax proposal.
Why It Matters
The Florida FOP’s opposition places law enforcement funding at the center of the Amendment 3 debate.
Supporters must now persuade voters that local governments can absorb billions of dollars in projected revenue reductions without weakening public safety. Opponents, meanwhile, must convince homeowners that the promised tax savings are outweighed by the potential effect on police, fire rescue, EMS and other local services.
With Amendment 3 polling near Florida’s 60% requirement, which argument voters accept could determine whether one of the state’s most consequential property tax changes becomes part of the Florida Constitution.
Related Coverage
- Rick Scott Says He Will Vote for Florida Amendment 3, Warns Against Service Cuts
- Florida Democrats Oppose Amendment 3 Property Tax Proposal
- Amendment 3 Opposition Grows as Florida Tax Measure Faces Headwinds
- Florida Elections 2026: Candidates, Races and Ballot Measures
Sources
- Florida FOP statement reported by News From the States
- Florida State Fraternal Order of Police
- Florida Legislature — CS/HJR 1-F
- University of North Florida PORL poll and methodology
- Sachs Media Amendment 3 survey
- Florida Association of Counties Amendment 3 analysis
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The post Florida FOP Opposes Amendment 3, Warns Property Tax Cut Could Put Public Safety Funding at Risk appeared first on The Florida Pundit.
