Constitutional amendments
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor
There are three proposed Constitutional amendments on the General Election ballot. All amendments must get three-fifths of votes to be approved. Amendment 1 limits increased taxes for improvements made to property to protect homes from flood damage. The amendment is in response to the threat to Florida homes from rising sea levels.
A yes vote would authorize the Legislature to pass laws to exempt flood resistance improvements from being considered for increases in property assessments. Some of the improvements considered are “elevating structures, filling basements, and waterproofing,” as well as improvements “to allow for stormwater runoff, waterproofing basements, installing check valves capable of preventing water backup, and elevating furnaces, heaters, and electrical panels.” If it passes, the amendment would take effect Jan. 1, 2023.
Amendment 2 is to abolish the Constitution Revision Commission. Amendments can get on the ballot in several ways, including a vote of the Legislature, a petition drive by citizens, or the Constitution Revision Commission, which meets every 20 years and whose members are appointed by the governor, Legislature and the Florida Supreme Court. The CRC last convened in 2017-18 and proposed a series of amendments that “bundled” some together into one question, drawing criticism from some.
Amendment 3 creates a new $50,000 homestead exemption for some public employees. The exemption would apply for “classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, and members of the Florida National Guard.” The exemption is in additon to the current $50,000 exemption already in law, and would not apply to assessments for school taxes.
It is estimated the exemption would cost local governments more than $85 million in lost revenue. The state would make up for the losses in fiscally constrained counties, such as Wakulla.
If it passes, the amendment would take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
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