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NewsCreative Loafing TampaOctober 28, 2026Hillsborough County

Governor Ron DeSantis campaigns for Amendment 3 property tax cuts amid poll numbers showing trailing support

Photo: Creative Loafing Tampa

Governor Ron DeSantis campaigned in Crystal River for Amendment 3, a statewide ballot proposal to cut property taxes for Florida homeowners, as recent polls indicate the measure may fall short of the required 60% approval threshold. State economists estimate the proposal would reduce local government revenue by $5 billion in its first year and up to $12 billion annually once fully implemented. The governor argued local governments can absorb the reduction due to revenue growth since 2019, while opponents including law enforcement groups warn the measure will force severe budget cuts and impact local services.

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Why It Matters

Voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that could reduce local property tax revenues by billions of dollars annually, altering funding for local government operations and public services across Florida.

Key Facts

  • Amendment 3 is a statewide ballot proposal in Florida designed to cut property taxes for homeowners.
  • A St. Pete Polls survey showed Amendment 3 with 44% support, 39% opposed, and 17% unsure, falling short of the required 60% threshold for passage.
  • A University of North Florida poll found the measure getting 50% support, also below the 60% requirement.
  • State economists estimate Amendment 3 would reduce revenue by $5 billion in its first year and up to $12 billion annually when fully implemented.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis stated that local property tax revenues increased from $32 billion in 2019 to $62 billion, arguing local governments can absorb the financial change.
  • Opponents, including the Florida Police Chiefs Association, argue the measure will create severe budget shortfalls and impact funding for local police and services.
  • A political committee formed by the Florida Realtors has raised over $21.5 million to support Amendment 3.
  • Two opposing political committees, Floridians for Shared Prosperity and Vote No on 3 Florida, have raised a combined $1.3 million.
  • The Republican Party of Florida has endorsed Amendment 3, while the Florida Democratic Party opposes it.
  • Over 3.7 million Floridians have voted early or by mail, with registered Republicans holding a 1.2% lead over registered Democrats.

Who's Mentioned

PersonRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida campaigning for Amendment 3”OrganizationSt. Pete Polls“Polling organization that released a survey on Amendment 3”OrganizationUniversity of North Florida“University that conducted a poll on Amendment 3”locationFlorida“State where Amendment 3 is on the ballot”PersonWilton Simpson“Department of Agriculture Commissioner supporting Amendment 3”OrganizationFloridians for Shared Prosperity“Political committee opposing Amendment 3”OrganizationFlorida Democratic Party“Political party that opposes Amendment 3”locationTampa Bay“Region mentioned regarding potential grants for bedroom communities”OrganizationVote No on 3 Florida“Political committee opposing Amendment 3”PersonJennifer "Cookie" Pritt“Executive director of the Florida Police Chiefs Association opposing Amendment 3”OrganizationFlorida Police Chiefs Association“Law enforcement organization opposing Amendment 3”locationJacksonville“Location of a press conference held by the Florida Police Chiefs Association”locationCrystal River“Location where Governor DeSantis held a press conference”OrganizationRepublican Party of Florida“Political party that endorsed Amendment 3”PersonAshley Moody“U.S. Senator participating in a roundtable discussion supporting Amendment 3”