Florida’s first responders are sounding the alarm on a ballot measure that could strip billions from local government budgets.
Many of them, like Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, are among the most recognizable conservatives in state politics.
“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,” the veteran lawman said during a news conference put on by Vote No on 3.
“This amendment is a train wreck, and if it passes, Floridians should expect fewer public safety resources and slower response times.”
The proposal would increase homestead exemptions to $250,000 by 2028, but that kickback for homeowners comes at a collective cost. Estimates are that $11.86 billion would be siphoned out of local budgets within five years of the property tax change, if it’s approved by at least 60% of voters this November.
Advocates for the amendment, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and Byron Donalds, are confident that service wouldn’t be reduced by the belt tightening.
But the people most in position to be affected, like Florida Professional Firefighters President Wayne “Bernie” Bernoska, are skeptical.
“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,” Bernoska said.
“Before we make a permanent change to our Constitution, 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.”
The proposal has shaken up the traditional left-right divides in Florida politics this election cycle. Organizations like the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the Florida Professional Firefighters are aligned with groups like Sierra Club Florida and the Florida Democratic Party.