Yes. I support Amendment 3, and I encourage residents to examine the numbers and make their own informed decision.
Amendment 3 would substantially increase Florida’s homestead exemption for non-school property taxes—providing meaningful property-tax relief to homeowners. For existing Florida residents, the exemption increases to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.
I understand the concerns about the impact on local governments. But in Winter Springs, I believe this represents a necessary fiscal course correction. Our City’s budget has grown substantially over the past decade, while residents have faced increasing costs for water, stormwater, trash, insurance, and nearly everything else. The City’s budget has grown from less than $50 million in 2018 to likely more than $100 million this coming year.
There are also potential offsets that deserve consideration. Putting property-tax savings back into homeowners’ pockets can generate additional consumer spending and sales-tax revenue. That is particularly important for Winter Springs because Penny Sales Tax revenue is an important funding source for infrastructure, including road resurfacing and stormwater rehabilitation projects.
Amendment 3 will require Winter Springs to become more disciplined about how we spend taxpayer dollars. I don’t view that as a crisis. I view it as an opportunity to prioritize essential services, infrastructure and public safety while finding efficiencies elsewhere.
I encourage every resident to study the amendment, look at the actual numbers, and make an informed decision. I’ve done that, and I’ll be voting YES on Amendment 3.