Clearwater voters have until Monday, Oct. 5, to register to cast ballots in the Nov. 3 general election, which includes a City Council runoff and a proposed constitutional amendment that could significantly reduce property tax revenue for the city.

Voters can register online at registertovoteflorida.gov or check their registration status at votepinellas.gov. Florida's voter registration books close 29 days before an election.

Wilson, Bunker face off for City Council Seat 5

The Clearwater City Council Seat 5 runoff pits Sam Wilson, district director for U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, against former council member Mark Bunker.

Wilson led the Aug. 18 election with 48.98% of the vote, followed by Bunker with 34.96%, according to the Tampa Bay Beacons. Kevin R.T. Laughlin finished third with 16.06%.

Because no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, Wilson and Bunker advanced to the Nov. 3 runoff.

Clearwater's council elections are nonpartisan, and all council members are elected citywide rather than from geographic districts. Council members earn $45,000 a year.

Amendment 3 would expand homestead exemption

Voters statewide also will decide Amendment 3, which would increase Florida's homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Beginning in 2029, the exemption would be adjusted for inflation.

The amendment also would reduce the maximum annual increase in assessed value for non-homestead properties, including businesses, rental properties and second homes, from 10% to 5%.

Amendment 3 requires approval from at least 60% of voters to become part of the Florida Constitution.

State economists estimate the measure eventually would reduce local government property tax collections by nearly $12 billion annually on a recurring basis.

The Florida Policy Institute estimates the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County would lose about $46 million over the next two fiscal years if the amendment passes.

Clearwater officials also are preparing for a substantial reduction in city revenue. City Manager Jennifer Poirrier told WUSF in September that Clearwater could lose about $20 million over the next two years. She said the financial impact could result in the elimination of more than 130 positions and cuts to city services.

Then-Councilmember David Allbritton also raised concerns about the potential financial impact during a July discussion of the city's long-term electric service agreement with Duke Energy.

Early voting begins Oct. 19

Early voting runs Monday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 1. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Pinellas County will operate seven early-voting locations for the general election. Clearwater-area locations include the Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court St., Room 117, and Countryside Recreation Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Drive.

Other locations are The Centre of Palm Harbor, 1500 16th St.; the Supervisor of Elections Office, 501 First Ave. N. in St. Petersburg; the Election Service Center, 13001 Starkey Road in Largo; Gulfport Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.; and J.W. Cate Recreation Center, 5801 22nd Ave. N. in St. Petersburg.

Voters may cast ballots at any of the seven locations during early voting.

Mail ballot requests due Oct. 22

The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.

Under Florida law, vote-by-mail requests remain active through the calendar year of the next regularly scheduled general election. Voters should check their status with the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections to determine whether they have an active request.

Completed mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots may also be returned at designated secure ballot intake stations during specified dates and hours.

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must cast their ballots at their assigned precincts.

Voters must present both photo and signature identification to cast a regular ballot at the polls. Those without the required identification may cast a provisional ballot.