Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood warned Tuesday that the state‑wide Amendment 3 property‑tax proposal could force his agency to eliminate dozens of critical public‑safety positions. The sheriff’s office, which expects a budget of about $150 million for the 2027 fiscal year, could face a $37 million shortfall if the amendment passes.
Potential staffing cuts
“Everybody wants property tax relief, right? I pay taxes. I do everything everybody else does,” Chitwood said. “But this amendment, what it will do is gut public safety, and there’s no backup plan.” He explained that the agency employs roughly 500 deputies and 110 dispatchers. Under the projected shortfall, the department could lose 241 deputies and 50 dispatchers, along with reductions to school crossing guard programs.
Chitwood noted that 85‑90 % of the sheriff’s budget goes to personnel costs, leaving little flexibility to absorb a multimillion‑dollar reduction without cutting staff or services.
Governor DeSantis defends the amendment
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defended the proposal, arguing that local agencies should find ways to operate more efficiently. “I don’t care what agency. You could do with less, because Florida has shown you can do it,” DeSantis said. He added that the state could offer grants to help law‑enforcement agencies cover any remaining gaps, saying, “If we’re going to have to lay off two police officers because we’re $250,000 short, we can then issue a grant.”
What Amendment 3 proposes
The amendment would increase the homestead exemption for non‑school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, providing homeowners with what supporters call meaningful property‑tax relief. The final impact on local budgets, however, will depend on how counties and cities adjust their tax rates, spending priorities and any state assistance they receive.
Chitwood joined a growing chorus of Florida sheriffs opposing the amendment, warning that cuts to public‑safety staffing could create long‑term recruitment and retention problems. “And once you cut, you never make up,” he cautioned.
Voters to decide
Florida voters will consider Amendment 3 on the November 3, 2026 general election. The debate highlights the tension between statewide tax‑relief initiatives and the need to maintain essential public‑safety services at the local level.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
