City of Dunedin Property Tax Town Hall Meeting September 15, 2026

The City of Dunedin held a Property Tax Town Hall Meeting on September 15, 2026, featuring the mayor, a state senator, and the county sheriff discussing the impacts of Florida's Amendment 3 on local property taxes and government services. The meeting focused heavily on the fiscal challenges posed by the amendment, which increases homestead exemptions and reduces property tax assessments, potentially cutting $7.6 million from Dunedin's general fund and significantly impacting critical services such as law enforcement, fire, EMS, parks, and infrastructure. Panelists emphasized the lack of a comprehensive fiscal plan to address the revenue shortfall, warning of possible cuts to public safety personnel and community services. They also discussed the potential for tax shifts to non-ad valorem fees and the risk of diminished local control as state-level backfill mechanisms might impose conditions on funding. The city is exploring alternative revenue options, including fire assessment fees and increased utility fees, but acknowledged these would not fully offset losses. The meeting concluded with a call for voter education ahead of the November 3rd vote and plans for a follow-up forum to continue the discussion.