Property Tax Overhaul Plan Threatens Sumter County Revenues – Lawsuit Filed; New Poll Shows 64% Support but Informed Voters Oppose; Opposition Groups Emerge; DeSantis Distances Himself; Population Growth Slowdown; Lawsuit Against Donalds; County Bracing for Cuts; Wildwood Budget Cuts; State Police Union Opposes

Governor DeSantis called special legislative session that could eliminate property taxes with major implications for local government budgets. A lawsuit has been filed challenging the constitutional amendment. Statewide projections show $5 billion first-year loss, $12 billion by fifth year if passed. Sumter County faces specific $16M-$45M revenue loss; libraries and city services at risk. A new poll shows 64% support for Amendment 3, but informed voters oppose it; Sumter County heavily affected. Opposition groups 'Stop Unfair Tax Shifts' and '3 Degrees Florida' are active. Likely Republican nominee Rep. Byron Donalds supports the amendment but hints at eliminating homestead taxes if it fails. DeSantis has distanced himself from the amendment, saying it 'wasn't my proposal,' potentially weakening voter confidence. A new analysis shows Florida's population growth has slowed dramatically, with Sumter County's growth rate dropping from 7.4% to 2.3%, undermining the argument that new residents will offset revenue losses. A third opposition group has formed. A lawsuit was filed against Byron Donalds for a 2022 assault, a bombshell in the Florida governor's race that could shift voter sentiment locally. Sumter County officials are bracing for huge potential revenue losses; the county administrator is submitting two budgets based on different outcomes. Specific cuts identified include veterans' services, school resource officers, and park maintenance. Wildwood officials are now cutting crossing guards, delaying Martin Theater and police substation as the amendment looms. The state police union (Florida PBA) has come out against Amendment 3, warning of cuts to law enforcement funding.