Clearwater residents could see cuts to city services worth roughly 10% of the general fund if Florida's Amendment 3 passes in November, and the City Council will get its first look at specific budget-reduction options during a special work session on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
City staff will present scenarios for the fiscal year 2027 budget that account for an estimated $12 million revenue loss in the amendment's first year, according to Spectrum Bay News 9. An additional $8 million could disappear in year two, bringing the potential two-year hit to $20 million.
"Our revenues could be impacted at a reduction of approximately $12 million in year one and an additional $8 million in year two to the general fund," City Manager Jennifer Poirrier said at the city's Dollars to Donuts community budget workshop on Saturday, Aug. 1, as reported by Bay News 9.
The Aug. 11 session will incorporate feedback gathered at that workshop, held at Morningside Recreation Center on Harn Boulevard, where residents told staff which services matter most to them. Poirrier said the city is using that input to shape the contingency plan it will present to council members.
What Amendment 3 would do
The ballot measure would dramatically expand Florida's homestead exemption for non-school taxes. Amendment 3 would raise the exemption to $150,000 starting Jan. 1, 2027, and to $250,000 starting Jan. 1, 2028, according to the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office.
Only primary residences qualify.
Rental properties, commercial buildings, second homes, and vacant land are excluded. The amendment needs 60% approval on the Nov. 3 ballot to take effect.
No guaranteed service levels
The amendment's text does not guarantee any specific funding level for law enforcement, fire protection, EMS, or other city services. Funding decisions would remain with local governments through their annual budget processes.
Poirrier noted at the Aug. 1 workshop that state law bars the city from taking a position for or against the amendment. Clearwater can only inform residents about the potential fiscal impact.
One resident frames the trade-off
Patrick Raftery, a Clearwater resident who attended the Aug. 1 workshop and spoke directly with city leaders, told Bay News 9 the stakes are clear.
"Ten percent is going to have to come from somewhere," Raftery said. "And unfortunately, the council, city manager, and staff are going to have to set the priorities for where that 10% reduction comes from."
Raftery acknowledged that lower property taxes appeal to homeowners but cautioned that service cuts carry real consequences. The Pinellas County Property Appraiser estimates a qualifying homeowner could save roughly $1,203 in 2027 and $2,423 in 2028 under countywide average millage rates.
How to participate
The Aug. 11 special work session is a public meeting. The specific time, location, and livestream details have not yet been posted to the city's website. Residents can check myclearwater.com or contact the City Clerk's office for access information.
The Nov. 3 general election ballot will carry Amendment 3 statewide.
