09/29/2026
📢 What Local Homeowners & Anyone Moving to Sarasota/Manatee Needs to Know About Amendment 3
Local leaders from Manatee and Sarasota counties recently held a panel to discuss Amendment 3 (a proposed property tax amendment). Here is a quick, no-fluff breakdown of what it means for your wallet and our community.
1. What You Might Save (The Pros)
Direct Tax Relief: The amendment cuts ad valorem property taxes to help lower housing costs.
Helps Fixed Incomes: Over 30% of Florida seniors are "house poor" (paying over 30% of income on housing). A $200–$300 annual savings can help struggling families keep the lights on.
2. The Reality Check on Your Tax Bill 📄
It Won't Erase Your Whole Bill: The amendment only applies to local ad valorem taxes.
65% Unchanged: Roughly 65% of your bill goes to school districts and non-ad valorem fees (like CDD fees, fire districts, and stormwater). Those will not change.
Tip: Look at your TRIM notice to see your actual estimated savings.
3. What Could Get Cut (The Cons)
Because counties would lose tens of millions in annual revenue, local leaders warned that budget cuts could hit key services:
Manatee County (-$66M+ Year 1): Equal to cutting the entire budgets for Sports & Leisure, IT, and Natural Resources.
Sarasota County (-$87M Year 2): Equal to cutting Parks & Rec, Libraries, Transit, Transportation, Natural Resources, and General Services.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital (-$36M over 2 years): Could delay planned expansions, like outpatient cancer services at the Venice campus.
New Fees: Counties may add user fees (like paid beach parking or higher sports complex fees) to offset lost revenue.
Bottom Line
Moving Here? Don't expect your total property tax bill to disappear—CDD fees, school taxes, and fire assessments remain.
Already Here? Weigh individual tax savings against potential cuts to local parks, libraries, roads, and hospital funding.
What are your thoughts? Do you prefer property tax relief, or are you concerned about local service cuts? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
Sarasota Commissioner Ron Cutsinger doesn't think people understand the size of the impact.
