Florida Property Tax Reduction Gains Support, Yet Falls Short of Approval

A recent survey by Mason-Dixon for NBC6/Telemundo reveals that Florida's Amendment 3, a proposal aiming to decrease property taxes for primary homeowners, is backed by 55% of registered voters in the state.

However, the challenge is clear: the amendment requires at least 60% voter approval in the upcoming election on November 3 to be incorporated into the Florida Constitution.

Conducted between September 28 and October 1, the poll surveyed 625 registered voters, presenting a margin of error of ±4 percentage points. The findings indicate 26% opposition and 19% undecided voters, the latter group being crucial to crossing the threshold.

The Impact on Cuban-American Homeowners

For Cuban-American property owners in Miami-Dade and Hialeah, the amendment could bring substantial changes. It proposes to increase the homestead exemption from the current $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, applicable only to non-school taxes.

According to Florida TaxWatch, the average statewide savings would amount to approximately $1,035 in 2027 and $2,085 in 2028. In Miami-Dade, homeowners with a homestead could save around $1,500 annually.

Political and Demographic Divides

The debate over the amendment is sharply divided along party lines. Republican voters show strong support with 74% in favor and 13% against. In contrast, Democrats oppose it 43% to 36%. Independents back the amendment 43% to 29%, with a significant 28% remaining undecided.

Hispanic voters, particularly relevant to the Cuban-American community, approve the measure 58% to 31%, surpassing the state average. White voters support it 58% to 22%, while African American voters oppose it 42% to 33%.

Gender-wise, men favor the amendment 59% to 24%, whereas women support it 51% to 28%. All age groups show majority support, yet none reach the crucial 60% mark.

Economic Concerns and Local Politics

A significant 49% of amendment supporters cite high taxes as their main concern. On the other hand, 55% of opponents worry about potential cuts to local services—a key argument in Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's campaign against the measure. She warns of possible revenue losses between $390 million and $445 million annually for the county, potentially leading to the closure of up to 19 fire stations and 10 out of 51 libraries.

The debate also affects renters, as the Tax Foundation projects property taxes on rental properties could rise by about $1,081 annually for houses and $406 for apartments by 2028. Landlords might pass these costs onto tenants in a market where the median rent in Miami is already around $2,957 per month.

Cuban-American Officials and Controversy

On the local political stage, four Cuban-American constitutional officers from Miami-Dade publicly endorsed the amendment on September 28 at the Versailles restaurant: Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Elections Supervisor Alina García, Tax Collector Dariel Fernández, and Property Appraiser Tomás Regalado.

García expressed her support by stating, "It is an honor and privilege to stand here with my colleagues in support of Amendment 3."

This endorsement sparked further controversy, as the Miami-Dade Democratic Party demanded García step down from the election canvassing board, citing a conflict of interest—a claim García firmly denied, stating there is "absolutely no conflict."

Compared to a mid-September poll by St. Pete Polls showing only 44.9% support, the Mason-Dixon survey demonstrates a ten-point improvement.

Nevertheless, a five-point gap remains to meet the constitutional threshold, requiring the undecided 19% to favor the amendment by a ratio of approximately three to one on election day.

In the same Mason-Dixon poll, Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds leads Democrat David Jolly by seven points (48%-41%) in a race also set for decision on November 3.