CLEARWATER, Fla. — State Rep. Berny Jacques accused the City of Largo on Tuesday of violating Florida electioneering laws by hosting a municipal town hall featuring a single guest panelist opposed to a proposed constitutional amendment that expands property tax exemptions.
In a formal letter sent to Largo Mayor Woody Brown, Jacques raised legal concerns regarding a planned Sept. 9 public forum on Amendment 3, a measure appearing on the November 2026 general election ballot. The proposed amendment—originally dubbed “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes”—would substantially increase Florida’s homestead exemption and lower annual assessment caps on non-homestead properties.
According to Jacques’ letter, the city’s scheduled panel at the new Largo City Hall consists entirely of municipal employees, with former Florida Sen. Jeff Brandes serving as the lone outside guest speaker.
Brandes, who heads the Florida Policy Project, is a prominent opponent of the property tax measure and recently filed a lawsuit seeking to block it from the state ballot.
“Florida law prohibits cities from engaging in electioneering with the use of ‘…public funds for a political advertisement or any other communication sent to electors concerning an issue, referendum, or amendment…’” Jacques wrote, citing Section 106.113 of Florida Statutes. He emphasized that state law applies to government-initiated communications regardless of whether they claim to provide neutral factual information.
Jacques alleged that by failing to include a guest speaker who supports the property tax relief measure, the city is effectively utilizing public resources to take an official stance against the initiative.
“The City appears to be presenting Mr. Brandes at this town hall as an unbiased party,” Jacques stated in the letter. “Meanwhile, it appears the City will not be having any other guest panelist present to provide a balanced discussion to the much-needed relief Amendment 3 will provide to our residents”.
Sharing a copy of the letter online, Jacques accused city officials of attempting to influence voters against tax cuts.
“Today I sent a letter to the City of Largo to remind them of the law that prevents them from using your taxpayer dollars to tell you that a property tax cut is bad,” Jacques posted on social media.
In his letter to Brown, Jacques urged the city to modify the event’s lineup to include advocates from both sides of the issue to ensure compliance with state law and prevent the appearance of unlawful electioneering on taxpayer money. Copies of the letter were also sent to City Manager John Curp, City Attorney Sarah L. Allen, and members of the Largo City Commission.
The City of Largo has not yet publicly indicated whether it will adjust the scheduled roster for the Sept. 9 town hall.