Realtors’ self-interest is showing on Amendment 3
In yet another “big money” perversion of the 2026 midterm election, the Florida Realtors’ organization has made a $10 million donation to the Yes on 3 Political Committee. (“Florida Realtors’ $10M backs property tax cut,” Sept. 11). This is an obvious attempt to influence voters to vote for the passage of the Amendment 3 Homestead Exemption Act. While the Realtors claim that they are only trying to save people’s homes and money, their business model is to sell those properties at the highest possible price, with the highest commissions possible, with some exceptions.
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So what is the real reason why the Realtors and the Florida Legislature are pushing so hard in support of the passage of Amendment 3? Could it be that local governments, once stripped of most of their operating revenue, won’t have the resources to help protect public lands from overdevelopment and safeguard natural resources, as they are doing now? Without such land use restrictions enforced by local governments, real estate developers could build anything, anywhere.
The state has had numerous opportunities to save taxpayers money, yet in my view, it has done virtually nothing to help reduce home insurance and energy costs. Property taxes allow local governments to provide the services and amenities that actually increase our property values.
Before you vote on Amendment 3, please ask yourself, “What is the real motivation for the Florida Realtors and state leaders to so vigorously promote voting yes on Amendment 3?” I am sure I know the answer, and it is not because they are looking out for our welfare.
— Chuck Weirauch, Casselberry
Public safety will suffer
So the Florida Realtors trade group is putting $10 million into supporting the property tax cut in Amendment 3 in order to give meaningful relief to home buyers. I wonder if they are also going to offer support to the homeowners who need help from the reduced public safety departments providing fire and police protection?
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— Phillip Fettig, Orlando
Give a hoot for new Owl Party
The Serenity Prayer has three parts: Grant me the courage to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference.
Many concepts hinge on threes… so why not our political system? Two main parties exist of donkeys and elephants. We are overdue for the wisdom to know the difference… so how about an Owl Party? The terms “liberal left” and “conservative right” are always in the spotlight, but moderates keep their heads down while flying low under the radar. As I see it, moderates and the middle class keep this nation running, yet they only constitute a swing vote. We give lip service to the power of one, yet our votes are brokered by an Electoral College. We guarantee the right to vote, but only with a party affiliation in a primary.
Counting votes quickly and accurately with modern technology should lead us closer to true democracy or even meritocracy with no Electoral College needed. Instead, energy is channeled towards gaming the system by gerrymandering. Rather than making ethical choices, people often ask, “How much will you give me to forget about it?” An Owl Party would find traction in correcting a beleaguered political system. Gather up folks who are Donkeys just because they hate Elephants, add those covert R(h)inos and convert them all to Owls. I believe the Elephants have hit the tipping point and the Donkeys are running amok. Time for the Owls to swoop in and clean out the rats and vermin. Does anyone give a hoot?
— Susan Knapp, Clermont
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