Miami-Dade Mayor: Amendment 3 Hits Transit With $29M First-Year Gap

Miami-Dade County estimates the proposed Amendment 3 state property tax measure will create a budget shortfall of more than $29 million for the Department of Transportation and Public Works in 2027. The county projects a further loss of over $24 million in 2028 if the measure passes.

The amendment would reduce the taxable value of primary residences in Florida by $150,000 in 2027 and by $250,000 in 2028. County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava stated that local transit relies heavily on property tax revenue, which the state recently removed from the county’s direct control.

Levine Cava warned that the department is currently subsidizing service at a rate that is not sustainable. She noted that the county’s latest budget already included a 50-cent increase in Metrorail fares and managed to save only 13 bus routes from elimination. She predicted that the new tax break would result in further cuts to routes and service hours.

The transportation department also maintains local roads, where an $18 million backlog of pothole repairs already exists. Levine Cava indicated that the revenue loss would strain these maintenance funds alongside transit operations.

Cathy Dos Santos of Transit Alliance Miami said potential cuts would disproportionately affect commuters who rely on multiple modes of transportation. She described the impact as removing up to three different forms of mobility from the available options for residents.

Supporters of the amendment argue that the tax relief will stimulate the local economy. Aaron Brill, a Brickell condo owner, said he expects the savings to remain in the community and generate sales tax revenue. He stated that the measure puts more money in the pockets of long-term residents.

Tiago Abad-Sanchez, a senior at Florida International University, said he rides the bus at least six times a week to attend class. He voted against the amendment, citing the need for continued investment in public infrastructure to serve society as a whole.