Oviedo officials are bracing for a major budget hit after Florida voters approved Amendment 3, which expands the homestead exemption for homeowners. Mayor Megan Sladek told the city’s finance team that the measure will strip the city of more than $5 million in revenue for the 2025‑26 fiscal year and could total $9 million by 2028.
What Amendment 3 changes
The amendment raises the amount of a homeowner’s primary‑residence exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 beginning next year, with a further increase to $250,000 in 2028. The change is a tax cut that will lower property‑tax bills for many residents, but it also reduces the tax base that cities like Oviedo rely on for essential services.
Local impact and city response
“For the city of Oviedo, it’s going to be about half of our revenue if it’s seen through to completion that will stop coming in. That’s significant,” Sladek said. She warned that the shortfall could force cuts to public‑safety staffing, park maintenance, and other municipal programs. The mayor also noted that smaller municipalities may need to collaborate on services to preserve safety and efficiency.
Some city leaders have floated the idea of adding new fees to offset the loss, but Sladek argued that doing so would contradict the voters’ desire for relief. “A lot of consternation has been going around, ‘How will politicians respond? Will the politicians just go and get the money some other way?’ And I don’t think that’s the right response. I hear the people that they want relief on how much things cost, and would like to see us shrink the size of government,” she said.
Voter support and regional differences
Statewide, Amendment 3 passed with 62 % support, a clear endorsement of the tax‑cut proposal. In Seminole County, where Oviedo is located, the measure received just over half of the vote, indicating a more divided electorate. Nearly two million more Floridians voted for the amendment than against it.
Looking ahead
The city will begin a detailed financial review to determine which services can be trimmed without compromising public safety. Officials are also exploring regional partnerships with neighboring towns to share costs for police, fire and emergency‑management functions.
Mayor Sladek emphasized that the city remains committed to fiscal responsibility while respecting the voters’ wish for lower taxes. “We will continue to look for ways to operate efficiently, protect our families, and uphold the values that make Oviedo a great place to live and raise children,” she said.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
