Miami-Dade, FL
Property Tax Referendum
In 2002 and again in 2008, voters in Miami-Dade County approved a referendum for a modest increase in property taxes to pay for the operation of a Children’s Services Council (CSC), a local government entity charged with awarding funds for programs and services to improve the lives of children and families. The increase has been approved in perpetuity. The property tax was increased by $.50 in for every $1,000 of assessed property value. For 2014-2015, this increase amounted to $37 per year more in property taxes on a median priced home valued at $73,157. As of 2024, approximately $206 million is raised annually through the increase and is dedicated to the operation of the Children’s Trust in Miami-Dade County.
Children Under Age 5
%
Families who Speak a Language Other than English at Home
%
Children Under Age 5 Living with a Single Mother
%
Families with Income Below $50,000
Challenges
Failed Attempt in 1988
Lessons learned included creating a broad-based initiative rather than limiting services to low income children. For 2002 and 2008, advocates raised money to operate a well- financed campaign, which was guided at every step by frequent polling.
The Economy
Despite a poor economy in 2008, the same strategy of raising money for the campaign and utilizing pollsters and professional staffng prevailed.
Plans to Reduce/Eliminate Property Tax
In June 2026, the Florida Legislature approved a constitutional amendment (Amendment 3) for a ballot measure to reduce property taxes. Under the measure, the homestead exemption would be increased for residents that qualify. At least 60% of voters would need to approve the amendment in November. The amendment summary states there will be a schedule to fully eliminate property taxes, however the legislation doesn’t include that requirement. A reduction or elimination of property taxes will greatly impact Children’s Services Councils across the state, as property taxes are their primary source of income. In Miami-Dade County, this would likely lead to an $18 million loss of revenue in the first year (2027-2028), and a $33 million loss of revenue in the years thereafter.
Getting to Action
Although Florida law allows local communities to approve a referendum to establish Children’s Services Councils, obtaining approval from voters to increase property taxes to pay for the councils was challenging. Miami-Dade failed to win approval for the initiative in 1988. At that time, the funds would assist only children from low-income families.
When supporters tried again in 2002, they applied lessons learned from the earlier attempt. They broadened the purpose to serve all children in the county, orchestrated a well-organized and strategic campaign team supported by a fundraising effort and included a sunset provision, which meant that voters would have a chance to reauthorize the funding in 2008. It passed.
In 2008, there was concern that voters might reject reauthorizing the Children’s Trust as part of an anti-tax sentiment as a result of the recession. A broad-based coalition including business leaders, religious leaders, and leaders within each of the ethnic communities was critical in diffusing opposition and building support among voters. To keep the operation of the Children’s Trust separate from the campaign, the Children’s Trust Political Committee was created. The initiative passed again with 85% of the vote and was authorized in perpetuity, eliminating the need for future reauthorization cycles.
| Sept 2002 | Miami-Dade voters approved the Children’s Trust and the property tax increase to fund children’s services. |
| Sept 2006 | Planning began for the reauthorization of the Children’s Trust scheduled for 2008. |
| March 2007 | Campaign manager hired. |
| Sept 2008 | Voter referendum wins 85.4 percent vs 14.5 percent (during a recession). |
| Fundraising | About $743,000 was raised for the 2002 campaign. About $1.6 million was raised for the 2008 campaign. |
Results
The Children’s Trust receives just over $200 million per year to spend on a wide range of initiatives to improve the lives of children, including child care and early learning programs.
Since beginning in 2002, high school students graduating on time has increased by 37%. Miami-Dade County’s ranking has also moved up 77% on the Florida Child Well-being Index (first measured in 2017). Additionally, in the first 20 years, more than 2.2 million children, parents, and caregivers utilized programs and services through Children’s Trust.
Most recently, in the 2024-2025 year, over 20,000 children under five received developmental screenings, assessments, and early intervention services, over 60,000 children under five received free books from the Book Club, and over 30,000 children were supported in attending high-quality early child care programs.
$200 million received by the Children’s Trust each year
Keys to Success
An organized and well funded campaign
Intentional effort to create champions for the initiative
A broad-based advocacy effort/coalition campaigned in support of the referendum
Initiative was originally time-limited (not in perpetuity) – approved in 2002, however the initiative was reauthorized in perpetuity in 2008
The measure was paid for and revenue source was broad-based (all property owners)
Polling helped guide targeting, activities and message
