The Florida State Fraternal Order of Police have released a statement opposing Amendment 3, a ballot initiative which would widely slash property taxes statewide over several years. Their police union, the second largest in Florida, joins Florida Professional Firefighters in raising concerns over public safety funding if property taxes are eliminated.
Concerns have arisen since the amendment was approved by the Florida legislature over the funding of emergency services if Amendment 3 passes. Local governments receive much of their revenue through property taxes, and so most municipalities would likely be forced to make significant budget cuts if the initiative passes. Some have worried this could affect law enforcement, EMS, and fire among other services.
“Public safety should never become collateral damage with uncertain fiscal consequences,” said FOP President Jeff Stinson on Friday. The text of Amendment 3 requires local governments to use the property taxes that would remain to fund public safety, among other necessities such as education and infrastructure. Stinson and the FOP believe there isn’t a clear plan to ensure law enforcement funding isn’t affected by the ensuing loss of revenues if Amendment 3 passes.
The amendment “creates far too much uncertainty about how local governments would continue to fund law enforcement, fire rescue, emergency medical services and other critical public safety functions,” Stinson continued.
The Florida legislature passed a bill placing Amendment 3 on the ballot earlier this year. It would require a 60% majority approval from Florida voters to be added to the state constitution. The initiative passed 75-26 in the state House and 30-9 in the state Senate.
Flagler County’s two state legislators, Senator Tom Leek and Rep. Sam Greco, both voted in favor of the ballot initiative. Gov. Ron DeSantis initially championed property tax relief, but has since said he wouldn’t actively support the measure in its finalized form.
