Some Florida Police and Fire unions oppose property tax proposal

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Some of Florida's largest police and fire unions are opposing a proposal to cut property taxes, warning it could jeopardize public safety funding. The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) and the Florida Fire Chiefs Association (FFA) announced their opposition to Amendment 3. 

Jeff Stinson, president of the Florida FOP, said that taxpayers deserve meaningful property tax relief. However, he said the current proposal creates too much uncertainty. The FOP represents more than 24,000 law enforcement officers across the state. 

"Public safety should never become collateral damage with uncertain fiscal consequences," Stinson said in a statement posted to Facebook. 

The Florida Fire Chiefs Association said the proposal does not identify a "sustainable" replacement for lost revenue, threatening funding for disaster response, emergency medical services, and fire protection. 

The Florida Professional Firefighters said it believes tax relief and strong public safety can coexist. 

"Unfortunately, this amendment does not provide a clear path to achieving both," the group posted on Facebook. 

Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption from $50,000 to as much as $250,000 for qualifying primary residences. Supporters argue the proposal would provide significant relief to homeowners struggling with rising costs.

Some public safety groups have not taken a position on the amendment, including the Florida Sheriff's Association and the Police Benevolent Association.

Opponents warn the cuts could strip critical funding for local governments. A Florida House staff analysis said the measure could cost local governments $8.4 billion per year, if it gets the necessary 60 percent support from voters to pass into law.

Immokalee Fire Chief Michael Choate said his district could lose roughly $3.7 million, which is about 34% of the department’s budget. 

Tice Fire Chief Michael Runk previously told WINK News the proposal would have a “significant impact” on his district. 

“We are currently only funded by ad-valorem taxes,” Runk said in a statement. “As such, all aspects of our emergency services will be affected.”

University of Central Florida political science professor Aubrey Jewett said endorsements typically carry more weight in local races, where there's less information - and more trust in local officials.

"Interest groups in public safety like police and firefighters and EMT they typically carry a lot of sway with voters as well," Jewett said. 

Some voters said they have already decided how they will vote. 

"I think everybody's whose a homeowner agrees that the property tax should be lower," Robitaille said. 

Phil Joseph of Punta Gorda agreed. 

"We could use the extra money, you know, to spend on other things," Joseph said. 

Peter Gleason, a retired New York police office and member of the Fraternal Order of Police, supports the property tax cuts. He said lawmakers can address the unions' concerns, possibly raising money through state sales tax.

"I think they raise a valid concern, and that concern should be addressed by the legislature in enacting this, what I would consider a very important aspect of life in Florida," Gleason said.