On September 16, the DSCA Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution recommending a NO vote on Florida Amendment 3. DSCA doesn’t usually take positions on ballot measures; however, the potential impact of these matters, especially state Amendment 3, on downtown residents is consequential.

Amendment 3 would significantly increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes, reduce the annual assessment-increase cap on non-homesteaded property from 10 percent to 5 percent, and make other changes affecting local property-tax revenues and their use.

The Board recognizes the legitimate concern about Florida’s property-tax burden and the importance of meaningful relief for homeowners. Its concern is not with that goal, but with the mechanism proposed and its potential longer-term effect on the financial capacity and flexibility of local governments.

For DSCA, the central concern is the City’s ability to continue providing essential services affecting the health and safety of residents, along with the basic municipal services that support the quality of life downtown.

The potential financial effect is significant. City officials have estimated that Amendment 3 could reduce Sarasota property-tax revenue by approximately $5.5 million annually by fiscal year 2029.

The Board was also concerned about provisions governing how counties and municipalities may use property-tax revenues and about making these changes through the Florida Constitution.

At the same meeting, the Board unanimously supported the two Sarasota County conservation questions on the November ballot. One would continue the existing Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland Program tax through 2049; the second would authorize bonding to support future conservation-land acquisitions.

More information about Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program is available here.

The Board viewed continued protection of environmentally sensitive lands and parkland as consistent with DSCA’s longstanding interest in responsible growth, the environment and the quality of life of Sarasota residents.

After considering these issues, the Board concluded that they were sufficiently important and directly related to DSCA’s purpose to warrant taking a position.

We recognize that DSCA members will have differing views and encourage everyone to review the ballot questions and make their own decisions when voting.

Read the full DSCA resolution, including the Board’s rationale and supporting information, here.