Miami-Dade sheriff pushes back on Amendment 3 warnings

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(The Center Square) – Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz is telling voters they don’t have to fear weaker public safety if they vote yes for property tax relief in November.

In a break from the stance several other public safety officials have taken on Amendment 3, Cordero-Stutz said voters had every right to consider the amendment based on its merits, not “fear or speculation.”

“Voters should not be led to believe that saving money on their property taxes must mean fewer deputies or weaker public safety,” the sheriff said on X Wednesday. “Tax relief and public safety are not competing priorities. Every government agency, including a sheriff’s office, has a responsibility to carefully examine its spending, identify efficiencies, eliminate unnecessary costs, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used wisely. We can respect taxpayers while continuing to provide strong and effective law enforcement. As sheriff, I will always protect the resources necessary to keep Miami-Dade safe. Public safety will remain my priority, and it should not be used to frighten voters away from Amendment 3’s property tax relief.”

Since the Florida Legislature passed the proposed constitutional amendment, local government officials and public safety leaders quickly voiced opposition. Many warned voters that their local public safety services would suffer if Amendment 3 passes.

Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, a member of the Florida Sheriffs Association, said during a press conference Wednesday that Amendment 3 does not protect voters.

“Police and fire protection make up the largest expense in 80% of Florida local budgets. Florida keeps growing, and that means more calls, fires and accidents. But funding to support public safety will be cut under Amendment 3. No Floridian wants slower 911 response times or longer waits for fire, police and medical services. That’s why Florida’s sheriffs have serious concerns about Amendment 3,” said Adkinson.

Bonifay Fire-Rescue Chief Travis Cook said reducing a “dependable revenue source” could jeopardize their ability to sustain staffing, equipment, and response times.

Other officials, including Florida Sheriffs Association President and Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, have raised similar concerns. Woods said he has “serious concerns” about what the amendment could mean for local resources.

Jeff Stinson, president of Florida’s Fraternal Order of Police, said the amendment lacked a clear and reliable plan forward should it pass.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has supported property tax relief from the start, applauded Cordero-Stutz for her statement Wednesday.

“Great leadership by Sheriff Rosie for calling out those who are fear-mongering regarding Amendment 3 (property tax reduction),” DeSantis wrote on X. “Taxpayers need relief and this can be done while continuing to support public safety (as Florida has been doing for years).”