Florida’s Election Day is November 8, and it’s time to get out and vote. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., and Floridians are getting active. According to the Florida Division of Elections, over 800 thousand registered voters have participated in early voting. Floridians are aware of the race for governor as Governor Ron DeSantis (R) attempts to hold his position against former Florida Governor Charlie Crist (D). However, three amendments are on this year’s ballot, which will have a significant effect on the now and the generations to come.

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Department of State

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist

On the ballot is Florida Amendment 1, the “Disregard Flood Resistance Improvements in Property Value Assessments Measure“. This amendment is for voters to decide if state legislatures should consider upgrades to Florida homes to prevent flood damage as an increased value to the residence for tax purposes. State Rep. Linda Chaney (R), District 69, proposed the amendment with what she says is in the best interest of Florida homeowners. With 60 percent of votes required to pass, this amendment is going to allow homeowners to protect their homes through renovations that will assist with flooding and not allow penalties, such as property tax increases.

Florida Amendment 2, “Abolish the Constitution Revision Commission Measure“ is also on the ballot this election term. The amendment prompts voters to decide whether or not to abolish the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC). The CRC consists of 37 Florida congressional members who gather every 20 years to determine what changes need to be made to the state Constitution. The members last gathered in 2017 and passed seven amendments to the Florida Constitution. Proposed by state Sen. Jeff Brandes (R), District 24, who has stated “the simple truth is we don’t need it”. If passed, the commission would desist before the end of  2022.

The final amendment on the ballot is Florida Amendment 3, “Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Certain Public Service Workers Measure“, which will benefit teachers, first responders, law enforcement, and the National Guard. The amendment, proposed by state Rep. Josie Tomkow (R), District 39, would be a tax break for the civilians that many feel are the backbone of the community. Currently, the specified homeowners can receive a tax break of up to $25,000 but with the passing of the amendment, they can receive an additional $50,000 tax exemption. In a wounded Florida housing market, this move would be critical for the public workers in our community. Home values are at a spike and so are property taxes. Representative Tomkow feels these community workers shouldn’t be concerned with maintaining their homes. “They shouldn’t worry about whether they have a home to return to while they are out protecting ours,” Tomkow said.

With the general election coming to an end, now that early voting ended Nov 6 and Election Day is tomorrow, it’s not too late to find out more about what’s on your ballot. To find where to vote, visit https://www.ocfelections.com/ or www.voteosceola.gov/en-us/. Stay updated on your local election with Valencia Voice.