JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville firefighters and police officers are urging voters to reject Amendment 3, saying the proposed property tax changes could reduce funding for public safety services.
A sign opposing the amendment has been placed near Interstate 10 and Interstate 95 by the Jacksonville Fire Fighters Association (JFFA) and the Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police (JFOP).
Recommended Videos
The proposed amendment would increase Florida’s homestead exemption for property taxes other than those levied for schools to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. The exemption would be adjusted for inflation after that.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has long supported cutting or eliminating property taxes, saying Floridians need tax relief. Critics, including sheriffs and firefighters’ groups, say the amendment could reduce local government revenue and threaten funding for police, fire departments and other emergency response services.
Kelly Dobson, president of the JFFA, said Jacksonville could lose $200 million in city funding in the first year and $300 million in revenue in the second year under the plan.
“Jacksonville, right, the city’s still growing,” Dobson said. “We build fire stations; we staff those with members. Staffing is a big, big push throughout the country for firefighters.”
Dobson said the amendment does not identify a reliable funding source to replace the lost revenue.
“JSO has their own issues with funding,” Dobson said. “We just don’t believe the plan that’s put forth does that. It doesn’t provide a funding source. That’s basically what it comes down to.”
The JFOP also opposes the amendment. In a statement, President Randy Reaves said the measure could put funding for Jacksonville’s police and fire services at risk.
“Many of our own members are property owners, and we support tax relief, but it must be thoroughly vetted and phased in responsibly,” Reaves said in the statement.
Dobson said firefighters are not opposed to tax relief but want a study and a plan that includes officials from across Florida.
“We think that a study needs to be done, coming up with a reliable funding source, and having everyone, all the players, from around the state at the table,” Dobson said. “We’re not against tax relief. We get it. We are people, too.”
Early voting in Duval County begins Tuesday, Oct. 20, ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3.
Under Florida law, proposed constitutional amendments must receive at least 60% support from voters to pass.
