Florida first responders warn Amendment 3 could slow 911 response

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(The Center Square) – Public safety officials in Florida are calling the property tax relief amendment a “trainwreck” and warning it will lead to slower 911 response times.

During a press conference Tuesday, leaders from first responder associations said they opposed Amendment 3, not because they were against tax relief, but because it doesn’t lay out a clear path forward if it passes.

“Any serious reform must spell out, in definitive terms, how the men and women who wear the badge will continue to have the resources they need,” said Executive Director of the Florida Police Chief Association Jennifer Cook Pritt. “Hope and local discretion alone are not a plan. We live in these communities too and understand the pressure of rising costs on homeowners. We understand why people want tax relief. We want affordable homes and safe streets. We believe both are possible, but only if we plan carefully. We are opposed to moving forward without a clear, workable path that keeps communities safe. We believe Florida can achieve both meaningful tax relief and strong public safety. That only happens when the details are written down; the priorities are set, and every type of community is considered. Amendment 3 as written does not provide a plan for public safety funding.”

Property tax revenue is a major source of local public safety funding. Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has championed property tax relief, said the state would help out local governments if the amendment passes, but the details of what that help would look like are unclear.

The governor has also been vocal about local government revenue ballooning, in some cases, almost doubling since 2019, arguing that it’s not a funding issue and rather highlights the need for responsible budgets.

"Nearly every fire department in our state relies heavily on property taxes,” said Florida Professional Firefighters President Wayne Bernoska. “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.”

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Amendment 3 would not protect public safety services but defund 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. This amendment is a trainwreck, and if it passes, Floridians should expect fewer public safety resources and slower response times,” Grady said.

The amendment requires 60% of the vote to pass. If approved, it would increase the homestead tax exemption for non-school taxes to $250,000 by 2028.