Deer Run and Amendment 3
1. What is Amendment 3?
Amendment 3 would make major changes to Florida’s property-tax system.
If approved on the November 3rd ballot:
-The homestead exemption would increase to $250,000 for property taxes.
-The amendment would take effect January 1, 2027.
-It places more power in the hands of Tallahassee and takes it away local elected officials in Seminole County.
-Amendment 3 needs at least 60% of the statewide vote to pass.
2. How did Amendment 3 get on the ballot?
Amendment 3 was placed on the ballot by the Florida Legislature during a special legislative session held June 1 and 2, 2026.
3. Amendment 3 Was Created in a Rushed and Hurried Manner
Amendment 3 wasn't the product of a lengthy legislative process. It was created and passed during a special session of the Florida Legislature in a rushed and hurried manner.
-The special session began on Monday, June 1, 2026.
-Property-tax legislation was filed on June 1, the same day the special session began.
-The legislation went through committee and was amended that same day.
-Legislators were voting on the proposal the following day, June 2.
-The House bill history shows amendments being filed as late as 10:30 p.m. and 11:24 p.m. on June 1, immediately before the June 2 floor action.
-In other words, lawmakers were making major decisions about a constitutional amendment that could fundamentally change how Florida's local governments are funded in a matter of hours and days, not through months of normal legislative consideration.
-It was a rushed job, and now Florida voters are being asked to live with the consequences.
4. What could the unintended consequences be?
-Reducing property taxes also reduces a major source of revenue used by counties to provide local services.
-According to Seminole County's current estimates:
Seminole County currently estimates an approximately 20% reduction in total County revenues once the proposal is fully implemented, including an estimated 27% reduction in County property-tax revenue. The County also confirms that 72 cents of every County property-tax dollar currently supports public safety, including law enforcement, corrections, Fire Rescue, EMS and 911.
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma and Fire Chief Matt Kinley have publicly warned about significant consequences for their agencies. Lemma has said his office could face more than 300 position cuts, including deputies. Chief Kinley stated the Fire Department projects losing approximately 175 positions, including firefighters and paramedics.
5. Deer Run residents WILL be impacted.
What does this mean for Deer Run?
-Capital improvement projects will be slowed down if not stopped. This means construction on the Deer Run Community Park will be delayed even further than it already is.
-A hiring freeze will mean the county will not be able to hire the Parks and Recreation staff member that was supposed to staff the park.
-While the park will be maintained, upkeep will be decreased because of staff cuts. The grass will be mowed less. Acquatic weeds will be treated less frequently. Maintence on stormwater and drainage will be done less frequently.
-After the expiration of Deer Run's MSBU, it is possible the county could surplus any piece of property it owns, including parks like Deer Run, Rolling Hills, and the Wekiva Golf Course.
As a result of these, the Save Deer Run Citizen's Action Group voted on August 31st to formally recommend that all Deer Run residents vote NO on amendment 3.
We recommend ALL residents do their own homework. Be informed. Do not be misled.
To learn more about this, please visit:
