TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (September 15, 2026) – Sheriffs, police chiefs, fire chiefs and professional fire fighters stood shoulder-to-shoulder today in sharing their concern that Amendment 3 is an emergency. Property taxes fund public safety. Slashing property taxes means politicians will slash deputies, firefighters and 911 emergency services.
“Public safety is the largest line item in over 80% of Florida communities, so it’s the first thing cut when tax revenue drops — slower 911 responses, fewer firefighters and Sheriff deputies on the road,” said Edie Ousley, spokesperson for Vote No on 3. “Amendment 3 will strip away millions in public safety funding, but the cost of squad cars, safety equipment, training and hiring deputies for a growing population doesn’t go away.”
WHAT PUBLIC SAFETY LEADERS ARE SAYING:
Florida Sheriffs Association President and Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods:
“Public safety is about people. It’s the deputy who answers your call, the dispatcher who picks up when you dial 911, and the men and women working around the clock to keep your family and your community safe. Florida’s sheriffs have serious concerns about what Amendment 3 could mean for the local resources that fund those critical services. Our responsibility is to protect the people we serve, and Amendment 3 does not protect you.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd:
“Amendment 3 doesn’t protect law enforcement, firefighters or emergency services, it defunds them. You can’t take billions of dollars out of local government and pretend it won’t affect the law enforcement officer who answers your 911 call, the firefighter responding to your home or the roads and stormwater systems your community relies on. This amendment is a train wreck, and if it passes, Floridians should expect fewer public safety resources and slower response times.”
Fire Chief Michael Tucker, Florida Fire Chiefs Association, 1st Vice President:
“Public safety cannot be an afterthought in property tax reform. Fire and EMS agencies are responsible for protecting Floridians every day, and they need predictable, sustainable funding to maintain staffing, stations, equipment, training, and emergency response. The FFCA supports tax relief, but we cannot support Amendment 3 in its current form because it reduces local revenue without providing a clear and sustainable plan to protect the essential services Floridians depend on.”
Jeff Stinson, President, Florida Fraternal Order of Police:
“The Florida Fraternal Order of Police supports thoughtful property-tax reform. However, permanent constitutional changes must include a clear and reliable plan to protect public safety. Promises that funding will somehow be replaced later are not enough.”
Wayne “Bernie” Bernoska, President, Florida Professional Firefighters:
“Florida families deserve meaningful tax relief, but they also deserve to know that when they call 911, help will be there. Nearly every fire department in our state relies heavily on property taxes. Before we make a permanent change to ourConstitution, Floridians deserve a reliable funding plan: one that is clear, realistic, and sustainable and explains how communities will continue to fund fire protection, EMS, and disaster response. We’re encouraging voters to know their fire service, understand how it is funded and what Amendment 3 will mean in their own community. That’s why Florida’s firefighters are asking Floridians to vote no on Amendment 3.”
Jennifer Cook “Cookie” Pritt, Executive Director, Florida Police Chief Association:
“Public safety is not a secondary service. It is the foundation that lets families feel secure; businesses thrive, and communities function. Any serious reform must spell out, in definitive terms, how the men and women who wear the badge will continue to have the resources they need. Hope and local discretion alone are not a plan. We live in these communities too and understand the pressure of rising costs on homeowners. We understand why people want tax relief. We want affordable homes and safe streets. We believe both are possible, but only if we plan carefully. We are opposed to moving forward without a clear, workable path that keeps communities safe. We believe Florida can achieve both meaningful tax relief and strong public safety. That only happens when the details are written down; the priorities are set, and every type of community is considered. Amendment 3 as written does not provide a plan for public safety funding.”
For information on how to get involved, visit www.VoteNoOnAmendment3.com.
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