NewsCreative Loafing Tampa BayOctober 28, 2026Hillsborough County
Governor Ron DeSantis campaigns for Florida Amendment 3 property tax cuts amid poll concerns
Photo: Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
Governor Ron DeSantis campaigned for Amendment 3 in Crystal River, advocating for a property tax cut for Florida homeowners as recent polls show support falling short of the required 60% threshold. State economists estimate the measure would reduce local government revenue by $5 billion in its first year and up to $12 billion annually, drawing strong opposition from local governments and law enforcement agencies over potential budget cuts.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa BayWhy It Matters
Voters will decide on a constitutional amendment projected to alter local government revenue streams by billions of dollars annually while reducing property tax burdens for .
Key Facts
- Governor Ron DeSantis announced an additional $100 million for Florida water resources across 45 projects while campaigning for Amendment 3.
- A St. Pete Polls survey showed Amendment 3 with 44% support, 39% opposed, and 17% unsure six days before Election Day.
- A University of North Florida poll found Amendment 3 receiving 50% support, both polls falling short of the required 60% passage threshold.
- State economists estimate Amendment 3 would reduce local revenue by $5 billion in its first year and up to $12 billion annually when fully implemented.
- Local property tax revenues grew from $32 billion in 2019 to $62 billion, according to data cited by the governor.
- The Florida Police Chiefs Association opposes the measure, citing concerns over funding for local police departments.
- DeSantis stated he would work with the Legislature to create a grant fund for fiscally constrained communities if the amendment passes.
- Political committees supporting Amendment 3 raised over $21.5 million, while two opposing committees raised a combined $1.3 million.
- More than 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“Conducted a poll regarding Amendment 3 support”PersonJennifer Cookie Pritt“Executive director of the Florida Police Chiefs Association”PersonWilton Simpson“Department of Agriculture Commissioner”OrganizationFloridians for Shared Prosperity“Political committee opposing Amendment 3”OrganizationFlorida Democratic Party“Opposes Amendment 3”locationTampa Bay“Region mentioned regarding potential grants for communities”OrganizationUniversity of Florida Election Lab“Source for vote-by-mail and early voting numbers”OrganizationFlorida Channel“Aired the governor's press conference”OrganizationVote No on 3 Florida“Political committee opposing Amendment 3”OrganizationFlorida Police Chiefs Association“Law enforcement group opposing Amendment 3”locationJacksonville“Location of a press conference held by the Florida Police Chiefs Association”locationCrystal River“Location of the governor's press conference”OrganizationRepublican Party of Florida“Endorsed Amendment 3”PersonAshley Moody“U.S. Senator participating in a roundtable discussion”OrganizationFlorida Realtors“Formed a political committee supporting Amendment 3”