In yet another “big money” perversion of the 2026 midterm election, the Florida Realtors’ organization has made a $10 million donation to the Yes on 3 Political Committee. (“Florida Realtors’ $10M backs property tax cut,” Sept. 11). This is an obvious attempt to influence voters to vote for the passage of the Amendment 3 Homestead Exemption Act. While the Realtors claim that they are only trying to save people’s homes and money, their business model is to sell those properties at the highest possible price, with the highest commissions possible, with some exceptions.
So what is the real reason why the Realtors and the Florida Legislature are pushing so hard in support of the passage of Amendment 3? Could it be that local governments, once stripped of most of their operating revenue, won’t have the resources to help protect public lands from overdevelopment and safeguard natural resources, as they are doing now? Without such land use restrictions enforced by local governments, real estate developers could build anything, anywhere.
The state has had numerous opportunities to save taxpayers money, yet in my view, it has done virtually nothing to help reduce home insurance and energy costs. Property taxes allow local governments to provide the services and amenities that actually increase our property values.
Before you vote on Amendment 3, please ask yourself, “What is the real motivation for the Florida Realtors and state leaders to so vigorously promote voting yes on Amendment 3?” I am sure I know the answer, and it is not because they are looking out for our welfare.
— Chuck Weirauch, Casselberry
Public safety will suffer
So the Florida Realtors trade group is putting $10 million into supporting the property tax cut in Amendment 3 in order to give meaningful relief to home buyers. I wonder if they are also going to offer support to the homeowners who need help from the reduced public safety departments providing fire and police protection?
— Phillip Fettig, Orlando