Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, two of Florida’s most prominent conservative law enforcement officials, have strongly condemned Amendment 3 during a news conference in Lake Mary on Thursday. Describing the proposed property tax rollback as a "train wreck" and an "emergency," these leaders joined approximately two dozen sheriffs, police chiefs, and fire union representatives to voice their opposition ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The group argues that the amendment would severely undermine local services without providing adequate legislative safeguards.
Devastating Budget Cuts for First Responders
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma presented specific financial data during a meeting with county commissioners, warning that Amendment 3 could result in a $41 million decrease in operating revenues for his agency. This shortfall would likely force the loss of 300 jobs and delay responses to non-life-threatening 911 calls. "It would definitely, without question, have an effect on the quality of life," Lemma stated.
The impact extends beyond law enforcement. Seminole Fire Chief Matt Kinley estimated that his department would lose $119 million in annual revenues once fully implemented under the amendment's provisions. This loss could eliminate 175 positions, representing over 30% of the firefighting force. Consequently, response times for fires and medical emergencies involving strokes or heart attacks would increase, posing greater risks to life and property, a story we covered in Florida Realtors Invest $10 Million in Support of Property Tax Amendment 3.
Political Backlash and Legislative Concerns
Amendment 3, if approved by 60% of voters in November, would establish a $150,000 homestead exemption in 2027 and a $250,000 exemption in 2028. While the measure is backed by Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds, Governor Ron DeSantis, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and Senator Rick Scott, it faces intense criticism from local GOP officeholders, more context in Florida Realtors Invest $10 Million in Support of Property Tax Amendment 3.
Sheriff Woods, president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, criticized the proposal for stripping away the primary funding source for public safety without a replacement mechanism. He noted that lawmakers failed to create protections for law enforcement funding similar to those established for public schools. "It’s an emergency because it strips out the biggest source of public safety funds without a way to replace them," Woods said, according to France24.
Opposition groups, including a new ad campaign by the Florida Sheriffs Association featuring uniformed sheriffs from across the state, argue that tax savings will be offset by other fee hikes. Conversely, the pro-amendment campaign is funded by the Florida Realtors trade association, which has contributed $10 million to the effort. The group emphasizes affordability for homeowners struggling with rising costs.
