Politics
Last Call for 10.27.26 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
— First Shot —
Amendment 3 may promise homeowners a tax cut, but opponents warned Florida business leaders Tuesday that the savings could reappear as higher rents, new fees and slower emergency response times.
At the 2026 Future of Florida Forum in Orlando, Florida Apartment Association Executive Vice President Chip Tatum said renters already carry a disproportionate share of the property tax burden because rental properties don’t receive homestead exemptions.
“Landlords don’t win many popularity contests, but data centers might be less popular than us, and I’m very excited by that,” Tatum quipped, although a recent analysis might threaten that.
The center-right Tax Foundation says that if local governments raise millage rates to offset lost revenue, the tax bill for a single apartment home could increase by more than $400 annually by 2028, and renters would likely shoulder the added cost.
Meanwhile, Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said reduced property tax collections could mean fewer public safety personnel and slower responses to 911 calls.
“That’s not a scare tactic,” Adkinson said. “That’s a practical reality of losing that funding.”
The proposal would raise the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 while lowering the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%.
A University of North Florida poll released last week found 50% support and 35% opposition — short of the 60% needed for passage.
Florida Realtors and the National Association of Realtors have poured more than $21 million into the Vote Yes on 3 campaign. The Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida State Fraternal Order of Police and Florida Professional Firefighters are among many groups urging a “no” vote.
— Evening Reads —
—“The Donald Trump PAC that’s attacking a Democratic House candidate” via Zachary Groz of The American Prospect
—“Trump administration awards Florida $193.7M for rural healthcare” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix
—“Chamber Forum: Rick Scott says government has priced working families out of the American Dream” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics
—“Chamber Forum: Mark Wilson says work on Florida 2040 Blueprint begins next year” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics
—“Sabato’s Crystal Ball moves Senate race, CD 13 in Democrats’ direction” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
—“In Florida’s gubernatorial race, a choice between new climate policy or the status quo” via Amy Green of Inside Climate News
—“Florida ACA insurance premiums jump again as residents plead for action” via Joe Mario Pedersen of Central Florida Public Media
—“Orange County teachers face healthcare uncertainty as District’s dispute with their union drags on” via McKenna Schueler of Orlando Weekly
—“Second ‘Miller Lake’ lawsuit claims Volusia County fails to properly manage stormwater” via Molly Duerig of Central Florida Public Media
—“Data center backlash is uniting America” via Lauren Feiner of The Verge
—“Coding without college” via Janis Fontaine of Stet News
— Quote of the Day —
“The rich are doing fine. The poor and the middle class are getting their butts kicked.”
— U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, on the current state of the U.S. economy.
— Put it on the Tab —
Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy-hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.
Order Mark Wilson a 40 oz to Freedom as the Florida Chamber sets its sights on 2040; that’s a Sublime vision.
A Crystal Ball for Ashley Moody after Sabato downgraded her race; apparently, “Safe Republican” was a limited-time offer.
A Cuba Libre for Angie Nixon, whose fellow Democrats identified a dictatorship without needing a boarding pass.
— Breakthrough Insights —
— Tune In —
Rays need win to stay alive
For the Tampa Bay Rays, tonight’s task is simple: win or go home.
With the Milwaukee Brewers leading three games to none, Game 4 of the World Series (8 p.m. ET, FOX) could be the last baseball game of 2026 unless the Rays can beat the National League champions.
After losing the first two games in Milwaukee, the Rays returned to Florida hoping to use their home-field advantage. Instead, the Brewers unleashed an eight-run fifth inning on Tampa Bay, chasing former Brewer Freddy Peralta from the game and turning a 2-0 lead into a 10-run advantage. The Rays didn’t score until the bottom of the ninth, when Yandy Diaz drove in the lone Rays run of the game.
Now, with their backs against the wall, the Rays will send Griffin Jax to the mound to try to keep the season, and the team’s hopes for a first World Series crown, alive.
Jax has pitched twice in the preseason. He came out of the bullpen in the Divisional Series against the New York Yankees, pitching two innings of one-hit ball in a 4-3 Rays’ win. In the American League Championship Series, he allowed three runs in four innings of a 3-2 loss at the Cleveland Guardians.
If the Rays can extend the series, Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday evening at Tropicana Field.
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Peter Schorsch publishes Last Call, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.
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