As Florida homeowners look ahead to a possible tax break in November, some local fire officials are warning that Amendment 3’s proposed expansion of the homestead exemption could squeeze their budgets — even as the measure’s backers argue relief is overdue for residents already stretched thin by rising costs.

The amendment, which needs 60% voter approval, would boost the homestead exemption and lower property tax bills for eligible homeowners statewide. Local governments and fire districts, however, say the same tax relief would cut into the revenue they rely on for public safety.

In Safety Harbor, Mayor Joe Ayoub said the city could lose an estimated $3 million in property tax revenue if the measure passes, and officials are weighing whether to ask residents to instead pay a separate fire assessment fee — effectively shifting the cost rather than eliminating it. “We don’t know if it could replace 100% of the revenue loss from Amendment 3, or a certain percentage of it,” Ayoub said, adding the city has hired a consultant to study the question.

The Lealman Fire District, an independent special district that depends solely on property taxes with no share of state sales or gas tax revenue, says it could be hit harder — an estimated 30% of its budget, according to Division Chief Jim Millican. With personnel costs already consuming about 85% of the district’s budget, Millican said cuts would be difficult to avoid, though he was careful to note the district isn’t threatening residents over it. “We have to cut something, and what do we cut and how do we cut?” he said.

Supporters counter that homeowners, not government budgets, should come first. State Rep. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole, said the amendment offers real relief to families worried about being taxed out of their homes. “This is a great opportunity for them to be able to give themselves a significant tax break while keeping their homes here in the state of Florida,” Jacques said. He added that the state would step in to support first responders if local funding shortfalls materialize — leaving open the question of whether fire districts’ worst-case projections account for that backstop.

Both Ayoub and Millican pointed to rising equipment costs and call volumes as ongoing budget pressures separate from the amendment itself, noting local governments must compete with the private sector to retain staff.

Amendment 3 requires 60% voter approval in November to take effect.

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