Amendment 3 passed with 62 percent of the vote, and it changes the math on both sides of the ledger. For homeowners, the homestead exemption rises to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, which means real savings on property taxes. For cities, those same dollars are the ones that pay for police, fire, parks, and road maintenance.
Southwest Florida is already feeling the ripple. Cape Coral projects a $31.1 million revenue loss based on state estimates and plans public discussions about the gap. Marco Island expects to lose $12 million over five years. Fort Myers Beach is putting a new “Budgeting for Outcomes” framework in place, while Sanibel and Naples say their reserves and existing budget processes give them a starting point. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is monitoring the situation as well.
A special legislative session is expected to address the amendment’s implications, so the final picture isn’t set. Until then, local governments are planning against estimates, and residents have a chance to get involved early. If you want a say in how your city closes the gap, now is the time to speak up. What services matter most to you in your community?
