Florida's public hospital districts and health systems could lose millions of dollars if Amendment 3 passes in November, according to a report by the Florida Policy Institute (FPI), including some of those in South Florida.
FPI published a report on the losses in public hospital funding that would occur if Amendment 3 passes in November, increasing the non-school homestead tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and up to $250,000 by the year after.
FPI, which self-describes as an "independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization" that is "dedicated to advancing policies and budgets that improve the economic mobility and quality of life for all Floridians," says that some hospital systems in Florida that receive public funding could
"lose over half their revenue," with an aggregate estimated loss of $323.62 million statewide over the next three years.
"Under Amendment 3, Florida counties, cities, towns, villages, and special taxing districts — which include public hospitals, children’s services councils, water management districts, and more — would see a significant reduction in property tax dollars that currently go toward public services," according to FPI. "State economists predict that Amendment 3 would reduce local revenue by nearly $12 billion on a recurring basis."
FPI estimates that the impact of Amendment 3 on a recurring basis in Miami-Dade County would be a loss of $1.41 billion, a loss of $1.19 billion in Broward County, a loss of $1.06 billion in Palm Beach County and a loss of $38.7 million in Monroe County.
How much South Florida health systems are estimated to lose
FPI's report estimates that the Jackson Health System, located in Miami-Dade, would lose $63.7 million in funding over the next three years.
The North Broward Health District would lose an estimated $100.36 million over the next three years, while the South Broward Health District would lose an estimated $2.21 million during the same time frame.
The Healthcare District of Palm Beach County would lose an estimated $66.48 million over the next three years.
What is Amendment 3?
If Amendment 3 passes on Nov. 3, it would increase the non-school homestead tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and up to $250,000 by the year after.
Afterwards, it would adjust for inflation, and would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
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: South Florida hospitals face millions in cuts if Amendment 3 passes
