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The Florida GOP came out on Monday to officially endorse two amendments that will go before voters during the general election later this year.
In a release, party officials backed the proposals — Amendment 1 and Amendment 3 — which are set to go on the ballot on Nov. 3.
Amendment 3 aims to implement massive property tax cuts for homeowners across the state, and the proposal has been similarly touted by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
[RELATED: Is Florida’s Amendment 3 a tax cut or a time bomb?]
However, DeSantis broke with the party when it came to Amendment 1.
The proposal would change the state constitution to increase the amount of funds that can be retained in the budget stabilization fund (BSF).
WHAT DOES AMENDMENT 1 ACTUALLY DO?
The BSF was established in 1992, and it can be used to:
Offset a deficit in the general revenue fund
Provide funding for an emergency declared by the governor
Meet temporary cash-flow deficiencies
Typically, the amount of funds that can be kept in the BSF is capped at 10% of general revenue collections. However, Amendment 1 bumps that up to 25%.
It would also require annual deposits of up to $750 million until that level is reached, while still allowing withdrawals for revenue shortfalls, emergencies and certain critical state needs.
“Amendment 1 keep Florida prepared for storms, emergencies, and downturns without raising taxes,” Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power said.
WHY IS DESANTIS AGAINST IT?
After the Florida GOP announced its endorsement, DeSantis took to X, declaring the proposal “foolish.”
“We already have a maxed out rainy day fund and have run the largest surpluses in state history,” he wrote. “Any additional revenue should be used for lower taxes, including assisting local governments with grants so that homestead properties can be exempt from local property tax.”
DeSantis also said that extra revenue could be used to remove tolls “once the property tax issue is settled.”
This is a foolish constitutional amendment proposal. We already have a maxed out rainy day fund and have run the largest surpluses in state history.
Any additional revenue should be used for lower taxes, including assisting local governments with grants so that homestead… https://t.co/umP260lF1A
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) September 14, 2026
The governor has previously boasted about the state’s surpluses, suggesting that they can be used to cover any funding shortfalls for local governments if Amendment 3 is approved by voters.
“To fully offset homestead revenue in our 32 rural counties, it would have been like $200 million a year,” he said earlier this month. “We have $117 billion budget and $17-18 billion surplus. We have a maxed-out rainy day fund.”
[RELATED: Florida Gov. DeSantis talks property tax proposal coming in November]
Regardless, voters will decide on both measures in November, with approval requiring at least 60% support.
