Seminole County officials warn that a proposed expansion to Florida’s homestead exemption under Amendment 3 could force millions of dollars in budget cuts to local animal shelters and public clinics.
Seminole County Commissioners and leaders discussed potential impacts during a recent workshop and budget presentation.
What is Amendment 3?
Big picture view:
Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. It would then adjust for inflation after that.
It also requires the Florida Legislature to “prescribe a uniform procedure for counties and municipalities, for their respective levies, to increase the homestead exemption up to full assessed value, and allows special districts, subject to referendum approval, to do the same.”
Florida residents would have to be homeowners by Dec. 31, 2026, to qualify, should Amendment 3 pass in November. Those who become residents after, would receive the current exemption, and would get the increased exemption until their fifth year.
Seminole County warns about lost revenue
By the numbers:
Seminole County officials warn that Amendment 3 could cut $119 million in total revenue, which represents a 21% hit to funds supported by property taxes.
Seminole County’s Emergency Management budget is $10 million and includes 72 full-time positions, which includes Animal Services staffing, E-911 and addressing divisions, and telecommunications.
That equals 54% of the total $10 million.
Animal Services falls under the Emergency Management budget. A 20% reduction, which is what the county states could happen if Amendment 3 passes, would equal $2 million in lost funds.
Officials said the cut would impact several programs and services under Animal Services, including its trap-neuter-vaccinate program for community cats and shorten stray hold times from five days to the three-day statutory minimum, threatening the shelter’s no-kill status, officials said during the meeting.
Community vaccine clinics, end-of-life pet services, and roadside wildlife removal could also be at risk of being eliminated, officials said.
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