The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association on Thursday announced its opposition to Amendment 3, arguing that the property tax proposal could create uncertainty for the future funding of fire protection, emergency medical services and disaster response.
The association’s board of directors formally ratified the position during a July 9 meeting, according to a news release issued by the Vote No On Amendment 3 campaign. The group said it supports thoughtful tax relief but warned that the proposed constitutional amendment does not identify a sustainable source of replacement revenue for local governments that could lose property tax collections.
“The Florida Fire Chief’s Association believes Florida taxpayers deserve thoughtful tax policy and dependable public safety, the group said. “Tax relief and reliable emergency services are not mutually exclusive, but both require responsible long-term planning. As currently proposed, Constitutional Amendment No. 3 creates substantial uncertainty regarding the future funding of fire protection, emergency medical services, and disaster response without identifying a sustainable replacement revenue source.”
Fire chiefs said they could not support the amendment unless state leaders develop a broader funding plan that preserves the ability of cities and counties to provide essential emergency services.
“Until a comprehensive funding plan is established that preserves local governments’ ability to provide these essential services, the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association cannot support the amendment in its current form. We remain committed to working with state leaders to develop solutions that protect both Florida taxpayers and the emergency services that safeguard every community.”
Local property taxes are commonly used to help finance fire departments, ambulance services, emergency personnel, equipment and disaster preparation.
Edie Ousley, a spokesperson for the opposition campaign, said the fire chiefs’ position reflected broader concerns about the proposal’s potential effect on public safety.
“Without a plan to backfill lost revenue, crippling cuts to critical services like fire protection are in Florida’s future,” Ousley said.
