Palm Beach County leaders caution that Amendment 3, which would increase Florida’s homestead exemption, could result in service cuts, layoffs, and higher fees if approved by voters in November.
Palm Beach County officials are warning that Amendment 3, a proposal to increase Florida’s homestead exemption and reduce property taxes for homeowners, could lead to significant revenue losses and impact essential services.
County Administrator Joe Abruzzo outlined the options the county would face if the amendment passes.
“There’s really only two ways to manage this. It’s either cut the budget, and I show them what that means to our first responders and all related county departments, and then the millage increase, or a combination of the two,” Abruzzo said.
During a workshop meeting, officials discussed the potential impact on Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, which could lose an estimated $100 million in its first year and $130 million in its second year. The department is considering a fee-based funding system to address the shortfall.
Residents shared their concerns about the proposal.
“We need them to keep the city going, and you know if an accident happens, or some fire at any house, and officers are there for securing the population. We need them,” said resident Jean Theodore.
“I think slower response times, of course, who’s for that? No one is for that. But I think it comes down to maybe better management and more fiscal responsibility,” said resident Cynthia Binnall.
Abruzzo also explained that the proposal could shift more of the tax burden to commercial properties and apartments, potentially affecting consumers.
“Publix, for instance, if their rent goes up because they rent, they don’t generally own. Then that gets passed on to the consumer — food prices, things of that nature. So, the consumers logically would be paying more as the rents go up in those commercial properties where people consume items,” Abruzzo said.
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