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St. Petersburg Renters Oppose Florida Homestead Tax Amendment 3
While state leaders and realtors support raising property tax exemptions, local tenants argue the measure fails to address housing affordability for renters.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Florida voters will decide on November 3 whether to approve Amendment 3, a measure aimed at raising the homestead exemption for primary residences during the midterm political cycle. The proposal has drawn sharp contrasts in local opinion, with state leaders and law enforcement agencies urging approval while many city officials and tenants oppose it.
Conflict Between Homeowners and Renters
Lacey Lingelbach, a renter living in downtown St. Petersburg, is among those actively opposing the amendment. She argues that reducing property taxes for homeowners does not translate into lower housing costs for renters. "We get no direct benefit from this amendment," Lingelbach said. "This doesn't necessarily make landlords have to decrease their rent for us. They're going to want to keep on profiting off of us."
Lingelbach has been working with the Democratic Socialists of America St. Pete chapter to mobilize opposition against the proposal. She specifically questions a provision requiring Florida residents to live in the state for five years or more before seeing reduced tax bills starting in 2027, noting it offers little immediate relief to current tenants.
Realtors and Law Enforcement Push Back
In contrast, Florida Realtors CEO Margy Grant supports the measure, arguing that lowering taxes on non-homesteaded properties could persuade landlords to keep rents steady or reduce them. "It also has a reduction on the cap for taxes on commercial and rental properties," Grant said. The realtors' group has spent $18 million on its campaign, emphasizing community advocacy alongside sales, as we reported in Florida Realtors Invest $10 Million in Support of Property Tax Amendment 3.
However, local government leaders have warned voters against approving the amendment because property taxes are collected by city and county governments rather than the state. Many law enforcement agencies have also opposed the measure due to potential impacts on local funding sources. If Amendment 3 receives 60% approval, it will go into effect in January.
