Florida voters are heading to the polls on Election Day to decide the next governor, a U.S. Senate seat and three proposed constitutional amendments that could reshape state tax policy and emergency funding.
Gubernatorial Race
Republican Byron Donalds, a former U.S. Representative, is the party’s nominee for governor. He will run alongside state Sen. Bryan Ávila. Donalds has earned the endorsement of President Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis, and he plans to host his election celebration at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.
His Democratic opponent, David Jolly, is a former Republican who is running with former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham. Jolly received an endorsement from former President Barack Obama and will hold his results‑watch party in Tampa.
U.S. Senate Contest
In the Senate race, Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon is challenging incumbent Republican Ashley Moody. Moody was appointed to the Senate by Gov. DeSantis after Marco Rubio left the chamber to become secretary of state.
Presidential Participation
President Trump, who endorsed Donalds, made a brief stop in Palm Beach to vote early. A White House official confirmed that both President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump cast their ballots in person at the Supervisor of Elections office. Earlier this year, President Trump voted by mail in a Florida special election.
Local Mayoral Election
Port St. Lucie voters are also deciding their next mayor. Incumbent Shannon Martin faces challenger Steven Giordano after neither candidate secured a majority in the August primary. Both candidates debated on the local “On the Record” television show.
Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot
Amendment 3 would raise the homestead tax exemption for non‑school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments beginning in 2029. Supporters argue the measure will ease the burden on homeowners as housing costs climb, while critics warn it could cut funding for local governments, forcing municipalities to trim services.
Amendment 1 proposes increasing the state’s emergency reserve – the “rainy‑day fund” – from 10% to 25% of net general revenue, giving the government a larger cushion for natural disasters and other crises.
Amendment 2 would exempt certain items used for agricultural or agritourism activities from property taxes, a move aimed at supporting Florida’s farming community and rural tourism operators.
What Voters Should Know
All registered Floridians may vote in person at their designated Supervisor of Elections office or by mail, provided they request a ballot by the state deadline. Early‑voting sites are open throughout the state, and many locations, including the Palm Beach office where President Trump voted, are offering extended hours to accommodate voters.
Election officials remind voters to bring a valid photo ID and to verify their polling place ahead of time. For those interested in the ballot measures, the Florida Division of Elections website provides detailed explanations and fiscal impact statements.
As the nation watches Florida’s midterm contests, the outcomes will shape the state’s leadership for the next four years and influence the balance of power in Congress.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
