TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida’s Attorney General’s Office is close to finalizing new wording for a proposed constitutional amendment to gradually eliminate property taxes.
Amendment 3 plans to phase out property taxes, potentially saving the average homeowner about $3,000 annually.
The amendment faces criticism from opponents, who say removing property taxes could cause budget issues for local governments, potentially leading to cuts in services like law enforcement, fire protection, and public programs.
DeSantis said the revised ballot language is designed to address concerns raised by a judge who found the original wording could be misleading to voters.
“It addresses what the judge said, even though we don’t necessarily agree with the legal analysis,” DeSantis said. “It’s fine. It’s going to be a very good summary, very straightforward. People are going to know they’re going to get tax relief.”
Critics remain skeptical of the proposal.
State Rep. Rob Long, D-Delray Beach, called the measure a “shell game,” arguing it would create funding shortfalls for local governments.
“The governor is going to blow a hole in your city or county’s budget and then blame the city or county for trying to patch it up,” Long said.
Opponents can challenge the revised ballot language in court. Another rewrite might jeopardize the amendment’s place on the November ballot, risking voters’ chance to decide this year.
The revised language is expected to be released once it is completed by the Attorney General’s Office.
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