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Florida Court Weighs Challenge to Amendment 3 Ballot Language
Plaintiffs say the title uses biased language and the proposal could reduce local property-tax revenue by nearly $4.93 billion, according to state analysts.
Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge David Frank heard arguments Wednesday in three consolidated lawsuits challenging Florida's Amendment 3 ballot language for a proposed property tax relief measure.
Drafted by Governor Ron DeSantis and approved by the Legislature, Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 next year and $250,000 the following year while lowering non-homestead property assessment caps from 10 percent to 5 percent.
Plaintiffs, including Former Sen. Jeff Brandes, argue the title "Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes" uses "emotional and political rhetoric" designed to sway voters, violating previous court rulings on fair ballot language.
Representing the State, attorney Ben Gibson argued the ballot language explains the amendment's chief purpose and stated, "The ballot title and summary does not need to explain unknowns or hypothetical consequences." Judge Frank deferred ruling.
Time remains critical before election officials begin printing ballots at the end of Aug, requiring a swift court decision on whether to revise the contested language before the upcoming deadline.