Seminole County Chamber Opposes Amendment 3

After an intensive review of Amendment 3's potential impacts on the community, the Seminole County Chamber’s board of directors unanimously voted to oppose it.

With this resolution, the Seminole County Chamber joins multiple other business organizations, such as the Orlando Economic Partnership and the Tampa Bay Chamber, in opposing Amendment 3.

“We heard from many members who are significantly concerned about their economic future if this passes,” says Rebekah Arthur, president & CEO, Seminole County Chamber. “While our membership includes many large employers, those with the most concerns were the small businesses and nonprofit organizations that simply could not withstand such a dramatic change in our tax structure.

“Of course, our chamber wants tax relief for our businesses and residents, and we certainly hope the Florida Legislature will revisit this issue carefully and diligently to provide relief,” Arthur added. “This proposal is simply too drastic and too sudden and the effects could seriously hurt Seminole County’s high standards for our quality of life.”

One of the key reasons to oppose are the significant cuts to services that maintain that quality of life. For instance, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma has stated the amendment could require a 20 percent cut to the Sheriff's Office budget. In addition, there are significant concerns about funding for social services and for economic development efforts.

Those efforts have proven to create high-wage jobs that provide customers to the small businesses throughout the county.

“Seminole County has a tremendous record of being a center of technology, particularly fintech, advanced manufacturing, simulation and financial services,” Arthur says. “With costs still rising for businesses throughout the region, now is not the time to stop those very successful efforts.”

The Seminole County Chamber is comprised of more than 800 member businesses located throughout Central Florida. While local governments are members of the chamber, very little additional funding comes from local governments. All board members from local government abstained from the vote.

The Seminole County Chamber ran an online survey of its members and the community. While not a scientific poll, the members who responded overwhelmingly rejected the amendment. In the survey, 91 percent believed it would negatively affect the local economy, and 82 percent opposed the Amendment.

In addition to the resolution, the chamber has launched an information site to share details on Amendment 3, including information about how property taxes are used, arguments from both sides, and other key information.

Finally, the chamber is featuring Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma on the potential effects of Amendment 3 on public safety at Good Morning Seminole on October 1. The election for Amendment 3 will be held on November 3.