Florida’s beaches, parks, and waterways are treasured across the state. Local governments help make sure these are places we can enjoy now and in the future. As a nonprofit dedicated to protection and enjoyment of our coasts for all people, Surfrider Foundation opposes Amendment 3 because it would severely reduce local funding for services that keep our coasts and communities protected.
Amendment 3 would raise the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes, lower the annual cap on non-homestead assessment increases, and limit how local governments may spend property tax revenue. State economists estimate that local governments would lose about $5 billion in 2027-2028. By 2031-2032, the estimated statewide loss is nearly $12 billion annually. Reduced local funding does not lower the cost of services that communities rely on and local governments are expected to provide.
If Amendment 3 passes, Surfrider is concerned about severe impacts to local governments’ ability to manage public beaches and parks, lifeguards and ocean rescue, water quality, and resilience efforts.
Public Beaches & Parks – Maintenance, staffing, and improvements for public beaches, parks, and amenities are funded by property tax revenue. If local governments are facing drastic funding shortfalls, allocations for public beaches and parks will be impacted. This could mean reduced staffing capacity, access, and amenity maintenance. Some local governments will turn to new fees, like new parking fees at public beaches, to fill funding gaps.
Lifeguards & Ocean Rescue – In many coastal communities across the state, lifeguards and ocean rescue services are funded by property tax revenue. Severe cuts in available funding may cause reduced posts, pay, staffing hours, and impact the availability of lifesaving services on our beaches.
Water Quality – Pollution prevention, clean water initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades are funded by property tax revenue. Already under pressure from budget cuts and expanding development, regional water management will face serious challenges and difficulties if local budgets are slashed further. The health of important watersheds for coastal tourism, recreation, and ecosystem support – including Biscayne Bay, the Indian River Lagoon, Tampa Bay, and the St. Johns River – could be at risk.
Flooding & Resilience – Flood relief, stormwater management, emergency preparation and response, infrastructure upgrades, and matching funds for state and federal grants require stable local funding. With significant cuts to local revenue, it could be harder for cities and counties to take effective and timely resilience action.
Rising costs are a real concern for Floridians and must be addressed. But Amendment 3, passed during a short special session without comprehensive review of the impacts it would have on local communities statewide, is not the best way to address affordability challenges for all Floridians. In 2027, the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission is scheduled to review the state’s tax structure, budget, and government efficiency. This Commission is better positioned for a thorough examination of the issue and the impacts. The Commission has the authority to put proposals – like property tax reform – directly on the ballot for voters.
What Can You Do?
Review your local government’s budget to see how services you care about and depend on are funded in your community. Many local governments have specific pages about Amendment 3. Share what you learn with your family and friends.
Early voting is open now across Florida and election day is November 3, 2026.
For the protection of our communities and coasts, Surfrider Foundation opposes Amendment 3 and urges Floridians to vote NO.
Paid political advertisement paid for by Surfrider Foundation, 942 Calle Negocio, Ste. 350, San Clemente, CA, 92673, independently of any committee.