Chambers of Commerce Across Florida, Jacksonville Civic Council, Orlando Economic Partnership
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (October 1, 2026) – Florida business leaders are urging voters to reject Amendment 3, the proposed property tax overhaul. A change this sweeping, they argue, needs thorough analysis, a clear plan to replace lost revenue, and protections for both residents and businesses.
“Business will see increased taxes and fees to make up the shortfall of revenue that funds critical services like police, fire, roads, stormwater, libraries and parks. While some residents will get a tax break, the burden will shift to others, namely small and local businesses,” said Edie Ousley, spokesperson for Vote No on Amendment 3.
Adding their voices to a powerful list of organizations opposing Amendment 3 are:
Seminole County Chamber of Commerce:
“We heard from many members who are significantly concerned about their economic future if this passes. While our membership includes many large employers, those with the most concerns were the small businesses and nonprofit organizations that simply could not withstand such a dramatic change in our tax structure. Of course, our chamber wants tax relief for our businesses and residents, and we certainly hope the Florida Legislature will revisit this issue carefully and diligently to provide relief. This proposal is simply too drastic and too sudden, and the effects could seriously hurt Seminole County’s high standards for our quality of life.” — Rebekah Arthur, president & CEO, Seminole County Chamber
Miramar-Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce
Weston Florida Chamber of Commerce:
“The Chamber recognizes that Amendment 3 would offer meaningful relief to Florida homeowners. We do not oppose the goal of reducing the property tax burden on Florida residents. Our opposition is rooted in a structural deficiency in the amendment, which proposes a major reduction in local government revenue without establishing a mechanism to account for that loss. Without a defined path to replace lost revenue, the financial burden falls directly on our local governments, which fund fire protection, emergency services, road maintenance, permitting, code enforcement, and economic develop programs through the very property tax revenue this amendment would eliminate. We believe that structural reforms of this magnitude require comprehensive analysis, a defined revenue replacement framework, and a transition plan that protects both residents and the business community before being submitted to voters. Amendment 3 does not meet that standard.” – Board of Directors, Miramar-Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce
“As the voice of the Tampa Bay business community, we oppose Amendment 3 as an approach to addressing property tax reform and affordability challenges in Florida. While Florida’s property tax system warrants thoughtful, comprehensive review and reform, Amendment 3 does not provide a responsible or sufficiently defined path to achieving meaningful relief. We believe this is the right question, but the wrong solution.” – Tampa Bay Chamber and Ybor Chamber joint statement
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce:
“When revenue declines, communities must still fund essential services. Local governments and special districts may be forced to increase fees, reduce services, defer infrastructure investments, or shift more of the tax burden to commercial, industrial and rental properties. Higher permitting fees, increased operating costs, delayed development reviews, and reduced economic development programs could make our region less competitive…This is not a question of whether property tax reform should occur. It is a question of whether Florida should make permanent constitutional changes before completing the careful analysis such a significant decision deserves…Property tax reform is simply too important to rush.” – Janna Lhota, Chair, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
“The Greater Sarasota Chamber agrees that Florida’s property tax system deserves serious examination. Homeowners are feeling the pressure of rising housing costs and taxes. Those concerns should not be dismissed. However, while the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commer supports lower taxes and a lower tax burden, it must result from thoughtful property tax reform and meaningful efforts to address affordability in Florida. But we also believe major changes to Florida’s tax structure should be carefully analyzed, fiscally responsible and transparent about who ultimately pays the bill…Amendment 3 is the wrong approach to property tax reform.” – Sarasota Chamber statement
“The Jacksonville Civic Council opposes Constitutional Amendment 3, which would sharply reduce services that Jacksonville’s residents rely on every day, including parks, libraries, roads, and drainage. Police and fire leaders from across Florida have voiced major concerns about the strain Amendment 3 would place on public safety. Our analysis supports their conclusion that the proposed amendment could lead to longer police and fire response times and impair our ability to recruit and retain the first responders we rely on to keep our community safe…We believe thoughtful tax reform can effectively address affordability concerns for residents as well as provide a supportive environment for business growth, while at the same time protecting public safety and vital public services.” – Jacksonville Civic Council statement
“The Orlando Economic Partnership is significantly concerned with Constitutional Amendment 3 and its potential negative impacts on essential services provided by local government, as well as other adverse impacts on issues important to voters, including public safety, transportation, economic growth, and housing affordability. While tax reform may be needed at all levels of government, OEP believes the proper forum for policymaking of this magnitude should be through the Florida Legislature, not an amendment to the state’s constitution.” – Bob O’Malley, Chief External Affairs Officer, Orlando Economic Partnership
Florida’s business community joins a broader coalition of organization opposing Amendment 3, including: Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, Florida Professional Firefighters, Florida State Fraternal Order of Police, Florida Sheriffs Association, 1000 Friends of Florida, Florida Rural Economic Development Association, Florida Recreation and Park Association, Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents, American Planning Association Florida Chapter, Florida Library Association, Florida Association of Special Districts, Federation of Manufactured Homes Owners of Florida, and the League of Women Voters, the Florida Economic Development Council, Orlando Economic Partnership, the American Public Works Association Florida Chapter, and others.
For more information, visit VoteNoOnAmendment3.com
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