Two state measures are changing both how much money Florida municipalities might have to spend and which programs they may fund with it.
Amendment 3, which goes before voters in November, could sharply reduce property-tax revenue. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1134, effective Jan. 1, 2027, will prohibit counties and municipalities from funding offices, employees and programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
In Miami Gardens, North Miami and Opa-locka, officials have reduced or proposed eliminating cultural celebrations and frozen vacant positions as a result. City leaders are debating whether limited event money should support infrastructure and essential services instead.
Together, these municipalities are showing how decisions in Tallahassee are reaching into budgets across Miami-Dade County and Florida.
Amendment 3 puts future revenue at risk
“Over the last several months, we’ve been dealing with an issue — or issues, I should say — that have come about via state recommendations from the governor and the state Legislature regarding property tax,” Miami Gardens City Manager Cameron Benson said during the municipality’s first budget hearing. “That issue has been a driving force not only for the City of Miami Gardens, but a driving force throughout the state of Florida.”
The amendment would raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027, and again to $250,000 in 2028. It would also lower the annual assessment cap for non-homesteaded and commercial properties from 10% to 5%…