INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Indian River County will hold two public forums in October on Amendment 3, the property-tax measure on Florida’s Nov. 3 ballot, and how it could affect local services.
Commission Chairman Deryl Loar and County Administrator John A. Titkanich Jr. will lead the sessions, part of the county’s Community Forum Series. The county describes the meetings as educational. Staff intends to walk through what the amendment would change, how property taxes pay for county operations, and where local estimates stop and actual budget decisions begin.
Both forums will have the same presentation. The public will be able to ask questions.
When and where
- Friday, Oct. 9, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Intergenerational Recreation Center (iG Center)
1590 Ninth St. SW, Vero Beach - Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Indian River County Fairgrounds
7955 58th Ave., Vero Beach
Amendment 3 needs 60% voter approval. If it passes, the homestead exemption on non-school property taxes would rise from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 in 2028. The annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead property — rentals, second homes and commercial buildings — would drop from 10% to 5%.
County administrators have said the change could cut Indian River County property-tax collections by about $22 million in fiscal 2027-28 and about $41 million the year after. Those numbers are estimates. No service cuts tied to the amendment have been adopted.
Officials say the forums will cover public safety, roads, parks and recreation, libraries, Veterans Services and other county programs paid for in part by the tax.
The Community Forum Series is expected to continue later this year. Community Services staff are planning a separate roundtable on children and young adults with special needs.