Florida's Amendment 3 passed — as a result, Miami-Dade County estimates that it could lose more than $300 million in revenue next year.
Amendment 3, which passed on Nov. 3, will increase the non-school homestead tax exemption
to $150,000 in 2027 and up to $250,000 by the year after. Afterwards, it will adjust for inflation, and will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. It passed with 61.98% of voters in favor.Prior to the vote, Miami-Dade County estimated that it would "collect approximately $385.8 million less in property tax revenue at current tax rates" starting in October of 2027 if Amendment 3 passed, according to the county's website. In October of 2028, it estimated that number would increase to $696.7 million.
Which Miami-Dade County services are currently supported by property taxes?
Currently, the county said that $743.7
million in Miami-Dade Fire Rescue property tax funding supports 73 fire stations and 2,533 firefighters, while $66.4 million in community services property tax funding helps support meals to "home-bound seniors" and to provide them with "help and support."
Additionally, the county said $31 million in animal services property tax funding "helps support" two animal shelters, spay and neuter services, as well as adoption events, and $128.5 million in library property tax funding helps support "50 library locations," "early reading, tutoring and technology programs" and "adult literacy and senior resources."
The county also says $130.8 million in parks property tax funding supports more than 300 parks and facilities, as well as senior centers, pools and nature, and $407.1 million in transportation and public works property tax funding supports Metrorail, Metromover and MetroConnect, and also "partially funds" 74 bus routes. The funding also supports the Special Transportation Service and road and bridge maintenance, according to the county.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What could Amendment 3 mean for Miami-Dade County?
