State relations consultant warns municipalities to prepare for fallout from Amendment 3

Ken Pruitt, appearing remotely, walked the commission through Amendment 3’s evolution and what local governments might expect if it passes. He explained how courts and the attorney general changed original language, and he said the ballot summary will permit a larger homestead exemption and reduce non‑homestead assessment caps.

Pruitt warned that changes could have large indirect effects on counties: "If you own your home for 50 years, there's almost a 10% chance" of a large storm event, he said while contextualizing why shifts in statutory and constitutional tax treatment have broader fiscal consequences. He advised Jupiter Island staff to prepare for the transition after November, noting incoming legislative leadership and urging local officials to secure their fair share from state funding during transition planning.

Commissioners asked whether industry groups or associations were campaigning for or against the amendment; Pruitt said realtors have a large proponent campaign and several associations (sheriffs, firefighters, libraries, environmental groups) are opposing it. He also emphasized that some legal language in the amendment (indexing to inflation, portability, and caps) could produce outcomes that are difficult for smaller counties to absorb.