Castor Opposes Amendment 3 Property Tax Plan

Tampa's mayor warns the proposed overhaul could force cuts to public safety and recreation services.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a plain municipal building facade with a limp flag on a tall pole, in navy and cream with a red accent. — Tampa Mayor Jane Castor publicly opposed Amendment 3, a property tax overhaul projected to cut city collections by nearly $40 million in Fiscal Year 2028. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you vote yes on Amendment 3's property tax changes?

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor publicly opposed Amendment 3, a proposed property tax overhaul. The city's budget team projects the measure would reduce property tax collections by nearly $40 million in Fiscal Year 2028 and by more than $65 million the following year.

Why it matters

Tampa expects to collect nearly $397 million in property taxes this budget year, while police and fire services alone cost about $432 million. Castor said the proposal could force difficult decisions affecting public safety, recreation programs and fees for residents and businesses.

The city's budget team projects Amendment 3 would reduce property tax collections by nearly $40 million in Fiscal Year 2028 and more than $65 million the following year. The measure requires 60% voter approval to take effect.

The players

Jane Castor

Mayor of Tampa, Florida, who has publicly opposed Amendment 3 and warned of difficult budget decisions if it passes.

St. Pete Polls

A Florida-based polling firm whose late-October survey measured public support and opposition to Amendment 3.

The details

Under Amendment 3, the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes would rise to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. The Fiscal Year 2027 budget was prepared with the measure in mind, increasing reserves, deferring some projects and redirecting millions toward stormwater maintenance, transit, youth programs and neighborhood improvements.

June: Castor first cautioned that the proposal could force difficult decisions.
Oct. 28: Castor published a Tampa Bay Times column opposing Amendment 3.
Late October: A St. Pete Polls survey found 44% support, 39% opposition and 17% undecided.
2027: The homestead exemption would increase to $150,000 under Amendment 3.
Fiscal Year 2028: Projected revenue reduction of nearly $40 million takes effect.

Political Context

Amendment 3 would raise the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, shifting a larger share of the tax burden away from homeowners and onto city budgets. Opponents warn that the resulting revenue losses could force cuts to public safety and essential services or push local governments toward higher fees and taxes.

If Amendment 3 passes, the homestead exemption increases would lower the property tax base available to Tampa, which the city says could affect police, fire, parks and recreation funding. Residents and businesses could face higher fees or reduced city services if local governments offset the shortfall.

The takeaway

Amendment 3's outcome will largely determine whether Tampa must trim services or adjust fees to balance its budget. Residents weighing the measure should compare projected revenue losses against the homestead relief it would provide.