Under Florida constitutional Amendment 3 first responders injured in the line of duty could be exempt from paying property taxes on their homes if it gets approval from Florida voters on Nov. 8.
The Tax Exemption for Permanently and Totally Disabled First Responders Amendment includes police, fire, jail and EMS workers who are “totally and permanently disabled as a result of an injury sustained in the line of duty.”
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In 2012, voters approved a similar proposal for the widowed spouses of military veterans and first responders.
Supporters of the amendment said it would help recognize the sacrifices first responders make while protecting and serving Florida communities, according to James Madison University.
“Yes, this represents a loss of revenue for the state, but it’s the right thing to do for these public servants,” the Miami Herald’s Editorial Board wrote. The board recommended voters say yes to Amendment 3.
On the other side, opponents of the first responders’ amendment said the tax exemption separates taxpayers based only on their occupation and say all taxpayers should be treated objectively.
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When some do not pay taxes the burden shifts to the rest of Florida’s taxpayers, the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board wrote. The Times recommended Floridians should vote no on Amendment 3, saying lawmakers should work the tax system fairer for everyone.
Amendment 3 is one of four on Florida's 2016 general ballot. Read about the solar amendment here and the medical marijuana amendment here. There is no Amendment 4.
All four State Constitution amendments require a 60 percent vote to pass.