Florida’s Children’s Services Councils and Trusts could lose millions of dollars if Amendment 3 passes in November, according to a report by the Florida Policy Institute, including some of those in South Florida.
Florida’s Children’s Services Councils, or CSCs, provide services like “out-of-school programs, child care” and “early learning,” as well as “neighborhood resource centers that provide parenting support, wellness screenings, and can serve as gateways to child services.”
Amendment 3, on the ballot in November, would increase the non-school homestead tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027, and up to $250,000 by the year after.
Florida Policy Institute, which self-describes as an “independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization” that is “dedicated to advancing policies and budgets that improve the economic mobility and quality of life for all Floridians,” says Amendment 3 could put local funding at risk for CSCs in 14 of Florida’s counties.
The report estimates that CSCs would lose “almost $278.1 million in the next two fiscal years,” or 15% of total revenue. They’re not the only services that could be impacted — Florida Policy Institute also estimates that Florida’s public hospital districts and health systems could lose millions of dollars if Amendment 3 passes.
How much could South Florida children’s programs?
The South Florida CSCs that could be impacted include:
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Children’s Trust of Miami, located in Miami-Dade, is estimated to lose $21,525,624 in fiscal year 2027-28, as well as another $38,861,118 in fiscal year 2028-29. That’s a total of $60,386,742 over the next two fiscal years.
What is Amendment 3?
If Amendment 3 passes on Nov. 3, it would increase the non-school homestead tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and up to $250,000 by the year after.
Afterwards, it would adjust for inflation, and would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
Florida Realtors, which describes itself as a trade association, which is in favor of Amendment 3, says it aims to “meet the needs of the real estate community and Florida homeowners.” The organization said it could not comment on local impacts of the possible amendment, has contributed $18 million to the “Vote Yes on 3” initiative, according to WLRN.
“Amendment 3 helps homeowners keep more of their hard-earned money, makes it more affordable to stay in their homes, protects school funding, and prioritizes remaining property-tax revenue for essential community needs, including public safety,” a spokesperson for Florida Realtors told the USA TODAY Network in a statement. “At its core, this amendment is about helping Florida families afford to buy, own, and keep a home in Florida.”
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network’s Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: If Amendment 3 passes, South Florida children’s services could see big cuts
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