Pro-Amendment 3 Campaign Outraises Opposition by 33-to-1; Realtors Provide All Reported Funding

# What the money picture looks like

The two political committees opposing the amendment — Floridians for Shared Prosperity and Vote No on 3 Florida — have together brought in $537,357. That produces a fundraising ratio in excess of 33-to-1 in favor of the pro-Amendment 3 campaign, according to data shared by OpenSecrets, the Washington, D.C., group that compiles money-in-politics records.

# What Amendment 3 would change Amendment 3 proposes several changes to Florida property tax rules:

• Increase the homestead exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028.

• Require people who move to Florida after Dec. 31 to establish five years of continuous residency before qualifying for the full increased exemption.

State economists have estimated those changes could lower local government property tax collections by up to $12 billion annually by the fifth year after implementation.

# Funding sources and who's behind the spend The pro-Amendment 3 funding reported so far is concentrated: the Florida Association of Realtors is the sole reported donor to the campaign committee that wants the measure passed. News organizations and campaign filings listed by the report identify the two organized opposition groups — Floridians for Shared Prosperity and Vote No on 3 Florida — as the primary collectives working against the amendment.

# Polling and the path to passage Approval of a constitutional amendment in Florida requires 60% of votes cast. Public polls show different pictures of likely voter sentiment. A St. Pete Polls survey of 913 respondents found Amendment 3 at 45% support, with 25% undecided. By contrast, a Pioneer Institute poll of 504 registered Florida voters put support at 74%. The Pioneer Institute is a Boston think tank that has recently launched research activity in Florida on housing and education.

The combination of a large funding advantage for the pro-Amendment 3 campaign and mixed public polling creates an uncertain environment heading into the election. The sizable undecided share in at least one poll suggests public messaging and campaign spending could still influence the outcome.

# Why the finance gap matters

That disparity can affect voter information and turnout dynamics in the weeks before the vote, especially given the split in polling. Voters weighing the amendment will see competing claims about tax relief and the effects on local government revenues and services.

# What to watch next Watch for updated campaign finance reports after Sept. 25, any major ad buys or field campaigns announced by either side, and new polling that tests both likely and registered voters as the election approaches.