Amendment 3

Despite months of warnings from local government officials that a proposed property tax cut could force deep cuts to public services, Florida voters passed Amendment 3 on Tuesday, forcing leaders across the Suncoast to make tough decisions in the coming years.

Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters Wednesday he’ll convene a special legislative session in the next two months to install the large property tax cut approved by voters Tuesday evening.

More than 62 percent of the Florida electorate said yes.

Florida residents voted to enact a large property tax cut Tuesday, but rejected two other measures on the ballot.

What will happen if Florida Amendment 3 passes? Experts and institutions weigh in.

As local governments across Florida brace for steep cuts to property tax revenue if voters approve Amendment 3, Sarasota County is putting some hiring on hold.

Each year, local governments set aside funds to support nonprofits providing critical services to vulnerable community members. Many nonprofits leaders across Sarasota and Manatee counties now fear those funds could be in jeopardy if voters advance the proposed property tax amendment on November’s ballot.

Amendment 3, which will appear on Florida’s November ballot and requires 60% voter approval to pass, would sharply expand the state’s homestead exemption and reduce the property tax revenue that counties and cities use to pay for police, fire rescue, roads, parks and other services.

The Alliance for the Arts and the Cape Coral Art Center are hosting a town hall meeting tonight to discuss art and culture issues impacting Southwest Florida. The town hall will focus on key priorities shaping the future of arts and culture in Southwest Florida, with a special emphasis on the arts in Cape Coral and the Amendment 3 ballot initiative that could impact local funding for arts programming and education.