Popular sheriffs in Florida aren’t embracing the state’s property tax amendment, including Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, and Santa Rosa County Chief Deputy Randy Tifft.
“This proposal will have an effect on public safety in our county that will be difficult to ignore,” Tifft said.
Tifft said if the tax cut is implemented, the revenue from the property tax could put positions at risk, such as cuts in patrol and specialty positions like the canine and traffic units.
Earlier this week, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) put out a press release stating “FSA is significantly concerned with a constitutional amendment which potentially allows Tallahassee to control your budgets and creates longer law-enforcement respone times.”
Last week, the Florida Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) said it would not support the property tax measure on this year’s election ballot.
“We understand the financial pressures facing homeowners, and we support thoughtful, responsible reforms that provide relief while protecting the essential services our communities depend on. “However, we oppose the current Amendment 3 because it creates far too much uncertainty about how local governments would continue to fund law enforcement. Public safety should never become collateral damage with uncertain fiscal consequences,” said the FOP.
The opponents are not just law enforcement groups but other first responders.
The Florida Professional Firefighters and the Florida Fire Chiefs Association have also come out against the amendment.
In a press release, the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association said Florida taxpayers deserve thoughtful tax policy and dependable public safety. But the current “creates substantial uncertainty regarding the future funding of fire protection, emergency medical services, and disaster response without identifying a sustainable replacement revenue source.”
