Homeownership is at the heart of the American dream and the strength of our communities. But rising property tax bills are placing real pressure on homeowners, working families, and especially seniors living on fixed incomes.
I support meaningful property tax relief because Floridians should not be forced out of the homes and neighborhoods they spent a lifetime building.
My support began long before Amendment 3 reached the ballot. I wrote Florida lawmakers urging immediate tax relief, with special attention to residents age 65 and older. For many seniors, even a modest increase can threaten their ability to remain in their homes. Their concerns deserve urgency, not delay.
My office's role is to collect what has been lawfully assessed, safeguard the money, and distribute it accurately and on time. The Tax Collector does not determine property values or tax rates. My responsibility to taxpayers also includes speaking up when relief is needed.
Each year, my office collects and distributes more than $10 billion on behalf of Miami-Dade County, all 34 municipalities, the School Board, special districts, and other taxing authorities. Our centralized operation creates economies of scale by providing shared collection, accounting, technology, security, and compliance systems. This reduces duplication, strengthens oversight, and protects public funds.
Amendment 3 is scheduled for the November 3, 2026, ballot. If approved by at least 60 percent of voters, it would increase the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. School district property taxes would not be affected.
The decision belongs to Florida voters. My position is clear: I support responsible property tax relief that helps homeowners, working families, and seniors remain in the communities they call home. At the same time, my office will continue accounting for every dollar with precision, transparency, and responsibility.
Dariel Fernandez
Tax Collector
Miami-Dade County
