Florida public safety groups unite against Amendment 3, citing local government funding concerns – News4JAX

Florida public safety groups unite against Amendment 3, citing local government funding concerns  News4JAX

Jacksonville became ground zero on Wednesday for what some are calling an unprecedented political consensus amongst public safety associations across Florida. They all want voters to say No to Amendment 3. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville became ground zero on Wednesday for what some are calling an unprecedented political consensus amongst public safety associations across Florida. They all want voters to say No to Amendment 3, saying the proposed property tax changes could leave local governments without a reliable way to pay for police, fire and emergency services. WATCH: Press play above for a replay of Wednesday’s news conference “Tax relief should never come at the expense of public safety,” said Beau Boutin, vice president of the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police.

By far the most hotly debated amendment of this election cycle, Amendment 3 would expand the non-school homestead property tax exemption from $25,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. RELATED | Florida’s 3 statewide amendments: Here’s what your Yes or No vote would do But a state economic analysis predicts that passing the amendment could cost local governments, which rely on property taxes for their budgets, nearly $5 billion in the first year and $9 billion the next year, with an eventual recurring impact of nearly $12 billion. That drop in local government revenue is what