South Florida schools fear voter confusion between Amendment 3 and popular school funding referendum

Voters in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties will decide on Nov. 3 whether to renew a local one-mill property tax that supports school operations. Voters first approved it in 2018 and renewed it in 2022, and state law requires a renewal vote every four years. Education leaders say they worry some voters may mix it up with Amendment 3, a separate ballot measure that would lower property taxes used for public services.

District officials describe large stakes. Miami-Dade estimates a loss of about $500 million against a $7.4 billion budget, and says average teacher pay could fall from $73,030 to $57,814. Broward says it would lose roughly $358 million a year starting in 2027-28, with nearly 90% of the money going to pay supplements for teachers and other eligible staff, plus mental health and safety staff. Palm Beach reports the levy raised $361.4 million in fiscal 2026, and its superintendent warns that about 900 teachers in school choice programs would lose jobs and pay would drop $8,000 a year.

A February poll of 500 likely voters, which the Partnership for Miami commissioned, found 66% support, though 56% said the district should look for operating savings instead. Florida law bars officials from urging a particular vote, so districts say they are only providing information. The Broward teachers' union president says she is confident of strong support.