Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz pushed back on speculation that Amendment 3, a proposal to slash property taxes in the state, would threaten public safety in a social media statement this week.
"Voters should not be led to believe that saving money on their property taxes must mean fewer deputies or weaker public safety," Cordero-Stutz wrote. "Tax relief and public safety are not competing priorities."
Specifically, Amendment 3 would exempt the first $150,000 of a homestead property's assessed value from the current $50,000 rate starting in 2027 followed by a $250,000 exemption increase in 2028 on most local levies, excluding school district taxes.
The amendment would also lower the cap on rental and commercial property from 10% to 5%.
"Every government agency, including a Sheriff's Office, has a responsibility to carefully examine its spending, identify efficiencies, eliminate unnecessary costs, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being uses wisely," Cordero-Stutz continued. "We can respect taxpayers while continuing to provide strong and effective law enforcement."
Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers) echoed Sheriff Cordero-Stutz's statement on social media, writing, "I agree with @Sheriff_Rosie that public safety services should never be used to frighten voters away from Amendment 3."
Gov. Ron DeSantis also agreed.
"Great leadership by Sheriff Rosie for calling out those who are fear-mongering regarding Amendment 3 (property tax reduction). Taxpayers need relief and this can be done while continuing to support public safety (as Florida has been doing for years)," DeSantis wrote.
But not all are on board. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava issued a rejection to the proposal a few weeks ago, writing, "This November, a Republican-backed amendment will be on your ballot, and it's designed to deceive you. Amendment 3, a proposed 'tax-cut', threatens everything from public safety and emergency response to our roads, parks and libraries. Vote No on 3."
Amendment 3 requires 60% approval from voters to pass.
"As sheriff, I will always protect the resources necessary to keep Miami-Dade safe. Public safety will remain my priority, and it should not be used to frighten voters away from Amendment 3's proposed tax relief," Cordero-Stutz concluded.
