10/09/2026
Virgil Beato is a beloved teacher at Sebring High School, as well as a fellow Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Highlands County. He also leads the Young Americans for Freedom group which engages our leaders of tomorrow to be actively engaged in politics locally, nationally, and on the world stage. They recently placed 120 Israeli flags to commemorate and honor the 1200 Israelis who lost their lives in the October 7th attack three years ago.
He has been giving presentations about Amendment 3 which is on the November ballot. Virgil wanted us to actually read the amendment so we understood what a yes vote or no vote meant.
Amendment 3 is a proposed property tax reform. A yes vote will increase the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027, and increase it to $250,000 in 2028. It also limits counties and municipalities to only use property tax revenues solely for core services such as public safety, education and schools, infrastructure, natural resources, bond debt service, retirement benefits for employees, and operations and administration.
A no vote keeps the current exemption in place and caps growth. It also gives counties and municipalities more discretion to best use the tax revenues.
Virgil laid out some of the talking points on both sides.
Supporters say it offers property tax relief. It keeps the Cost of Living reasonable. It also holds counties and municipalities more accountable for expenditures for County services.
Opponents site three key issues: it leaves fiscal uncertainty for the more rural counties; it will create some very difficult budgeting decisions; strict guidelines for spending may mean some services will be cut if they are not considered core services.
Virgil wants us all to do our due diligence and educate ourselves before we vote so we understand what we are voting for--it is what he is instilling in his young adult students.
Please visit VoteHighlands.gov to view a sample ballot, and to get more information on polling locations, what you need to bring to vote, etc. If you have questions, you can call the Supervisor of Elections Office at 863.402.6655
