State police union opposes Amendment 3 tax cut, warning of ‘uncertain fiscal consequences’

Florida’s second-largest police union isn’t backing a November ballot proposal to eliminate a significant share of property taxes.

In a new statement, the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) — which represents more than 24,000 law enforcement officers — said it opposes Amendment 3.

The measure, if passed with 60% support of voters, would increase the state’s homestead exemption for properties to $250,000 by 2028.

But there’s too much uncertainty, the FOP said, about how local governments would continue funding law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency medical services, and other public safety functions.

“Public safety should never become collateral damage with uncertain fiscal consequences,” FOP President Jeff Stinson said.

He added that the FOP and its members “understand the financial pressures facing homeowners” and support “thoughtful, responsible reforms that provide relief while protecting the essential services our communities depend on.”

“Our members stand ready,” he said, “to work with state leaders on solutions that provide safe, effective, and sustainable property tax reform without compromising the safety of Florida’s families.”

The FOP’s opposition, announced Friday, adds to a growing list of organizations, individuals and institutions concerned about Amendment 3’s fiscal implications. Florida Professional Firefighters also oppose the amendment, saying it lacks a “reliable plan” to fund emergency services, while the state’s business establishment has been largely mum about the issue.

State economists estimate the change would eventually drain approximately $11.86 billion annually from local government budgets, with counties losing $8.7 billion in revenue.

Miami-Dade County alone would face $445 million in cuts, while Hillsborough and Broward would see $353 million and $326 million shortfalls, respectively.

Smaller, rural counties dependent on homestead property taxes stand to lose a far higher share of their budgets. St. Lucie could see a 35% revenue loss, while Baker, Citrus, Clay and Hernando would each lose more than 30%. Flagler, Hernando, Sumter and Volusia, meanwhile, would each see at least two-thirds of homes potentially impacted by the proposed exemption hike.

Roughly 64% of voters would support Amendment 3, according to a Sachs Media poll in June. But that support collapses once the electorate learns about the fiscal impacts, falling to 45% — well below the supermajority needed for constitutional amendments — when respondents were told about the massive budget hole it could create in local budgets, University of North Florida pollsters found this month.

The FOP’s opposition comes as Gov. Ron DeSantis, who originally championed property tax relief, announced he would not campaign for Amendment 3, saying the Legislature-designed ballot question doesn’t match his original proposal.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, DeSantis’ predecessor in the Governor’s Mansion, initially expressed concern about the amendment’s impact on first responders, but ultimately backed the measure.

Three political committees have also mobilized against Amendment 3, and the Florida Democratic Party has formally opposed the measure.

Multiple lawsuits challenging the amendment’s legality have also been filed.

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A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics contributed to this report.