Florida Democratic Party

About

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Organization

Party

DEM

Categories

Democratic Party & caucuses

Lens

Progressive lens

On this ballot

• Amendment 3: Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments
  Mark your ballot: Amendment 3: Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments

  YesNoCreative Loafing's pick

  Clear

  EditorialWhy Creative Loafing picks No

  • State economists estimate local governments would lose about $11.8 billion a year by 2031–32. Even police and firefighter unions urge a No.
  • It was rushed through a three-day special session, and a judge threw out the first ballot title and summary.
  • The Florida Realtors lobby has put millions behind it. CL calls it a distraction from property insurance, the real cost problem, and a hypocritical power grab that would leave cities begging Tallahassee for money.
  • CL notes that even some of the amendment's former champions now say they'll vote No.

  Ray Roa, Creative Loafing voting guide 2026: Florida's Constitutional Amendments

• Representative in Congress — District 14
  Mark your ballot: Representative in Congress — District 14

  Mike BeltranREP (Republican)Kathy CastorCreative Loafing's pickDEM (Democratic)Brian LambertLPF (Libertarian Party of Florida)Write-in

  Clear

  EditorialWhy Creative Loafing picks Kathy Castor

  • Castor is one of the hardest-working members of Congress and has reliably brought federal money home to Tampa Bay projects over her 20 years.
  • CL grants the case against her: a long tenure, and some Democrats cooled on her after she was among a handful who backed a House resolution denouncing socialism.
  • The deciding factor is her opponent. Mike Beltran calls himself "MAGA Mike," and CL argues that loyalty to Trump makes him no check on the executive branch, whatever his reputation for breaking with Florida Republicans.

  Ray Roa, Creative Loafing voting guide 2026: Hillsborough and Pinellas congressional seats

Stances Endorsement

Each endorser's own stated position, as recorded in the progressive and right-leaning guides.

Where it appears