Judge Criticizes Biased Language in Florida’s Amendment 3 Ballot Proposal

James Uthmeier addressed the National Conservatism Conference in Washington D.C. on September 3, 2025. Meanwhile, a Tallahassee judge has highlighted significant issues with Amendment 3, a proposal to reduce property taxes in Florida set for the November ballot. The current language of the proposal is described as biased by Leon County Circuit Judge David Frank.

Judge Frank ruled the ballot language as ‘clearly and conclusively defective,’ describing it as political rhetoric rather than a straightforward explanation. In his ruling, he criticized the amendment’s title, ‘Save Our Homes From Excessive Property Taxes,’ and the summary language seen by voters. He argued, ‘Voters are entitled to a fair, clear, accurate and non-misleading ballot statement to assist them in making their critical determination. The present ballot language would deprive the voters of the opportunity to make a meaningful decision.’

He noted that the title resembles a political slogan rather than a neutral statement. The judge urged Florida to refrain from influencing voters with loaded language.

Amendment 3 is controversial, having been initially supported by Governor Ron DeSantis. The proposal seeks to increase the homestead exemption on owner-occupied homes, starting from $150,000 in 2027 and reaching $250,000 in 2028. It also aims to reduce the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%.

Before the bill was approved to appear on the ballot, the Republican Legislature modified the measure to maintain the portion of property tax bills funding public schools. Governor DeSantis expressed disappointment, stating, ‘What the Legislature did wasn’t my proposal.’ Despite his initial support, DeSantis later withdrew his endorsement.

A bipartisan coalition called ‘Save Our Voters From Misleading Ballot Language’ has challenged the amendment legally. The group includes figures like former lawmaker Sen. Jeff Brandes, U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, and former mayors Thomas Campenni and Michael Davey.

Attorney General James Uthmeier, aiming for election after being appointed by DeSantis, has a 10-day window to revise the ballot language. Any subsequent challenge to the revised language must occur within another 10-day timeframe. As the August 18 primary approaches, election supervisors prepare the November ballot, making time a critical factor.

Judge Frank highlighted several fairness issues with the ballot, including misleading subheads. These promised to ensure funding for core services and fairness for residents but could reduce local government revenue for essential services. Voters were also not informed about the amendment’s potential impact on renters and new residents.

The amendment’s text omits how it could alter ‘home rule,’ a fundamental Florida principle. By changing who controls property tax revenue, the amendment shifts power from local governments to state control. Judge Frank noted, ‘The amendment would change the constitutional baseline of city and county power.’

Floridians will ultimately decide the amendment’s fate if a rewritten, unbiased proposal qualifies for the ballot. This situation underscores the importance of clear and accurate information for voters.

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