Amendment 3: Seminole County warns property tax vote could trigger budget cuts

Seminole County officials warn that a proposed expansion to Florida’s homestead exemption under Amendment 3 could force millions of dollars in budget cuts to local animal shelters and public clinics.Seminole County Commissioners and leaders discussed potential impacts during a recent workshop and budget presentation.What is Amendment 3?Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. It would then adjust for inflation after that.It also requires the Florida Legislature to "prescribe a uniform procedure for counties and municipalities, for their respective levies, to increase the homestead exemption up to full assessed value, and allows special districts, subject to referendum approval, to do the same."Florida residents would have to be homeowners by Dec. 31, 2026, to qualify, should Amendment 3 pass in November. Those who become residents after, would receive the current exemption, and would get the increased exemption un