Florida cities and counties could begin billing residents separately for individual services if Amendment 3 passes, which would require local governments to unbundle property tax bills. One former state senator warns the change could transform property tax statements into itemized lists of charges for services such as sheriff and fire departments.
Former Florida State Sen. Brandes said most cities and counties will likely turn their sheriffs and fire departments into non-ad valorem taxes and create districts around those services. Individuals will see those services as separate line items on their tax bills.
Brandes compared the shift to the difference between buying a ticket on United Airlines and buying a ticket from Spirit Airlines. Things are bundled up on a United ticket but broken out on a Spirit ticket with every service listed separately. He said Florida is headed toward the Spirit Airlines model of tax bills.
Leaders in cities and counties have been discussing the impact of Amendment 3 all summer and how to adjust to finding new funding. Questions have arisen about whether separate entities already on property tax bills, such as the South Florida Water Management District, will send each homeowner individual bills.