VoteWater, a South Florida-based clean-water advocacy group, is warning Floridians that Amendment 3, the Homestead Tax Exemptions, Property Assessments, and Spending Restrictions Amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot, could have a devastating impact on clean water and Florida’s natural environment.

VoteWater Executive Director Gil Smart said Everglades restoration, wetland protections and other vital services could be affected.

“Nobody likes paying taxes, and Floridians deserve relief,” said Smart. “But if passed, Amendment 3 could cripple conservation efforts throughout the state.”

If approved by 60 percent of Florida voters, Amendment 3 would raise the non-school homestead property tax exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027; $250,000 in 2028; then index it to inflation beginning in 2029.

Florida TaxWatch estimates that Amendment 3 would cut local property taxes by an estimated $45.8 billion over five years.

The state’s five water management districts could see tremendous impacts, with some estimates showing ad valorem collections falling by $251 million annually once the changes are fully phased in.

The South Florida Water Management District alone could see lost revenue of more than $100 million per year, which could impair the district’s ability to pay for Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) cost-share projects which have not already been funded.

“Property tax dollars help the state pay its 50-50 share of CERP projects, flood control, stormwater treatment area operations and more,” said Smart. “This won’t affect projects already funded like the EAA Reservoir, but could impact future restoration projects. Crucial work could remain undone.”

Smart also noted that deferred maintenance has already been cited as a growing concern by SFWMD officials; if Amendment 3 passes the problem could become even more acute.

The impact on local government programs could be even more destructive, Smart said. Local governments use local tax dollars to pay for parks, stormwater management, water quality projects, reef maintenance and other vital services that could go unfunded. And communities’ ability to plan for future growth could be crippled if Amendment 3 forces cities and counties to cut staff.

To fill the revenue hole, local governments will likely be forced to raise other taxes, implement fees or increase existing fees — or scale back important programs that matter to taxpayers.

“The cost of Amendment 3 is just too high for Florida’s waterways and natural environment,” said Smart. “One way or another, all Floridians would pay for it.