Rural economic development coalition says the property tax proposal could shift costs to businesses and weaken communities’ ability to compete.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Rural Economic Development Association, or FREDA, the unified voice of economic development across rural Florida, announced its opposition to Amendment 3, the property tax measure on Florida’s Nov. 3 ballot.

After evaluating the amendment’s potential long-term effects, FREDA concluded that the proposal could place rural communities at a significant economic disadvantage.

Rural Florida includes 31 of the state’s 67 counties. Many of these communities have limited tax bases while also working to fund the infrastructure, public safety services and community improvements needed to attract employers, support existing businesses and create jobs.

“Florida’s rural communities succeed when they have the tools to invest in their future,” said FREDA Chairman Richard Williams. “Amendment 3 would jeopardize funding for essential public safety services, infrastructure and community investments while shifting more of the tax burden to businesses and other property owners. These changes would make it more difficult for rural communities to compete for jobs, attract new investment and grow their local economies.”

Amendment 3 would substantially increase the homestead exemption for property taxes other than those levied by school districts. It would also establish a process for eliminating those taxes on homestead property. The association is concerned that the resulting loss of local revenue could force rural governments to delay critical investments, reduce services or seek additional revenue from businesses, renters and other property owners.