The proposed amendment would increase Florida’s homestead exemption for non-school property taxes and establish a framework for the potential future elimination of certain property taxes on homesteaded properties.

The lawsuit seeks to ensure Florida voters receive objective and legally sufficient ballot language before casting their ballots in the November 2026 election.

Jamie represents local officials and governments in legal matters that help to improve their communities and better preserve home rule power. He also represents private and public clients in complex litigation and is an accomplished appellate attorney.

Learn more at saveourvoters.com.

Media coverage includes:

Bloomberg – Property Tax Ballot Language Misleads Florida Voters, Suit Says

The Real Deal – “Biased and misleading”: Florida officials sued over property tax ballot language

CBS News – Two former Florida mayors file lawsuit against state’s property tax cut amendment, alleging “misleading” language

SunSentinel – Déjà vu: another misleading property tax ballot question | Opinion

The Palm Beach Post – Florida lawsuit says property tax plan language ‘biased, misleading’

Florida Tribe – Lawsuit challenges ‘unconstitutional’ ballot measure to slash Florida property taxes

WLRN – Florida’s new map set for midterms, property tax plan faces challenges and more

WINK – Two former Florida mayors file lawsuit against state’s property tax cut amendment, alleging “misleading” language

FOX WFLX 29 – Lawsuit challenges Florida property tax ballot language as ‘biased’ & ‘misleading’

Tampa Bay 28 – Florida property-tax fight heads to court over ballot wording

WPTV – Lawsuit challenges Florida property tax ballot language as ‘biased’ & ‘misleading’

Islander News – Lawsuit targets wording of DeSantis property tax amendment

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Now history appears to be repeating itself.

During another hastily conducted special session, the Legislature approved a proposed amendment that would increase Florida’s homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 and beyond, adjusted for inflation.

Whether that is good policy is for voters to decide.

The problem is that they are not being given a fair and neutral description of what they are being asked to approve.

The Florida Constitution is the foundation of our democracy, and the right to amend it belongs to the people. That right becomes meaningless if the ballot language advocates and misleads, rather than objectively explains.

The title and summary approved by the Legislature do exactly that.

The title — “Save our homes from excessive property taxes” — is not a neutral description of the amendment’s purpose. It is a campaign slogan.

The summary endorses rather than describes. It tells voters only one side of the story — how the amendment “benefits Florida taxpayers.”

It claims the amendment is “Ensuring funding for core services.” But the amendment guarantees no funding for police, fire, schools or infrastructure. By shrinking the local tax base, it is more likely to reduce the revenue available for those services. Reasonable people can debate that tradeoff; but it cannot fairly be called “ensuring funding.”

It claims to be “Protecting small businesses,” though small businesses are never mentioned in the text of the amendment, which simply limits future assessment increases on all non-homesteaded property. Calling that “protecting small businesses” is advocacy, not explanation.

It tells voters the amendment “requires, through general law, a schedule for full elimination” of non-school property taxes on homesteaded property. The actual language requires no such thing. It merely directs the Legislature to create procedures by which local governments may choose to grant further exemptions “up to all remaining assessed valuation” — not necessarily the full amount.

Finally, the summary declares the amendment is “Ensuring fairness for Florida residents.” Yet it offers relief only to homesteaded owners. Florida residents who rent their homes are likely to see higher costs as landlords pass along higher property taxes resulting from increased millage rates. And Florida residents who establish (or re-establish) residency after Dec. 31, 2026, must wait five years for the full $250,000 exemption.

Supporters of the amendment are free to campaign for it. Opponents are free to campaign against it. That is how democracy works. But the ballot itself should not be part of the campaign.

Regardless of where one stands on property taxes, every Floridian should agree on one principle: Constitutional amendments should rise or fall on an honest, neutral explanation of what they actually do. That was the issue in 2007, when a court found voters were given a misleading description of a major property tax proposal. The policy is different today; the principle is not.

The Florida Constitution belongs to the people — not to politicians, political consultants or advertising copywriters. Before voters are asked to rewrite it, they deserve a ballot question that accurately informs rather than persuades.

Jamie A. Cole is Fort Lauderdale office managing partner of law firm Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, representing local officials and governments in matters that help improve their communities and preserve home rule power.

The Sun Sentinel originally published this article on June 8, 2026.

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WSHC+B successfully represented North Bay Village in one of Miami-Dade County’s most significant recent public-private partnership (P3) projects: the development of state-of-the-art soccer fields and a new North Bay Village Community Center. The project was completed in partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and Project Football, arriving at a moment when soccer fever is sweeping Miami and the world as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws near.

WSHC+B Partners Haydee Sera and Fabio Giallanza led the firm’s representation of North Bay Village throughout the project, with Sera serving as the Village’s lead attorney. Their work brought together a multidisciplinary team including Partners Marlon A. Hill, Anthony L. Recio, and firm Chairman Chad S. Friedman.

The new NBV Community Center features multipurpose spaces, padel courts, and pickleball courts, and offers programming for youth and community members designed to create a lasting pathway for the next generation of athletes. The facility represents a transformative investment in North Bay Village and meaningful contribution to Miami-Dade County’s identity as a 2026 World Cup host city.

“This project demonstrates everything that a thoughtfully structured public-private partnership can achieve,” Sera said. “From the very beginning, our goal was to help the Village secure a deal that would deliver real, lasting value for its residents while bringing together some of the most respected names in international football. Seeing that vision become a reality in time to be part of the World Cup moment is deeply gratifying.”

The North Bay Village project reflects the full depth of WSHC+B’s public-private partnership practice, which has a long track record of structuring some of Florida’s most complex and high-profile P3 transactions. The firm’s P3 attorneys represent both public and private sector clients in deals spanning airport expansions, transit system overhauls, and major event logistics, giving the firm a unique vantage point on both sides of these transactions.

This project also draws on the capabilities of WSHC+B’s Road to The World Cup 2026 Focus Group, an innovative multidisciplinary team the firm assembled to help public and private clients capitalize on the legal, governmental, and business opportunities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Focus Group brings together attorneys practicing in governmental affairs, sports and entertainment, immigration, intellectual property, business transactions, and real property.

“North Bay Village had the vision to see what this partnership could mean for its community and its future, and we are proud to help structure a deal that made it possible,” Friedman said. “When you combine international partners like the AFA and Project Football with a local government committed to its residents, the result is something genuinely special. We are honored to play a role in bringing it across the finish line.”

As Miami prepares to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the North Bay Village Community Center and soccer fields show what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together with a shared purpose. WSHC+B is committed to continuing to help its clients navigate the opportunities and complexities of this historic moment for South Florida.

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WSHC+B welcomes Shana H. Bridgeman as Partner in the firm’s Boca Raton office and as a member of its Labor and Employment Division.

Shana has more than 22 years of legal experience, including 19 years representing management, businesses, and municipal clients in labor and employment matters throughout Florida. She handles a broad range of labor and employment law issues, including collective bargaining, employee discipline, grievances, policy development, employment agreements, and overall risk management.

Her practice encompasses matters arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Florida Civil Rights Act. Shana represents employers before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Florida Public Employees Relations Commission, Florida Commission on Human Relations, Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, and in arbitration proceedings.

Shana also conducts workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, and ethics and policy violations. She holds an Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder (AWI-CH) designation.

“Shana’s breadth of experience in labor and employment law and workplace investigations makes her an exceptional addition to our team,” said Brett J. Schneider, Partner and Chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment Division. “I have known Shana for many years, and I believe her significant experience and interpersonal skills, combined with her deep roots in South Florida, positions her to deliver immediate value to our clients throughout the region.”

Shana began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney at the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, where she served as first-chair trial counsel in approximately 50 trials. She subsequently spent over 15 years practicing labor and employment law at a full-service law firm representing municipal and private clients across Florida.

Most recently, Shana founded and operated her own law firm, providing management-side legal counsel, investigation services, and compliance consulting to businesses, local government entities, and HR directors throughout Florida.

Shana earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida. She has been admitted to practice law in Florida since 2005 and is also admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

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Marlon discussed a broad range of legal issues that many will have to consider in advance of the World Cup, including trademark issues, Miami’s legal obligations, travel to the United States, workforce demands, licensing requirements for public watch parties, and more.

Marlon represents businesses, entrepreneurs, and local and international governments in corporate, intellectual property, and government matters, and is a key member of the firm’s Road to the World Cup group.

Click here to view the article.

The post WSHC+B Partner Marlon Hill Interviewed by Law.com on Legal Issues Surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

Daniela represents local governments and nonprofit organizations on governance and public trust matters, guiding clients through operational and policy decisions that directly impact their communities. Her cross-sector practice gives her practical insight into the ways public entities and nonprofit organizations operate and collaborate within complex regulatory frameworks.

A trusted advisor, Daniela counsels municipalities on day-to-day government functions while also advising on high-profile and strategic initiatives. Her experience includes public property matters, procurement and contracting, ethics and sunshine law compliance, legislative drafting, public-private partnerships, and community development projects. She helps public entities mitigate risk, maintain transparency, and implement policies that support sustainable growth.

Daniela also represents 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and advises private and disadvantaged business entities navigating public procurement and contracting processes, giving her a comprehensive understanding of both the public and private perspectives in government-related matters.

Prior to joining WSHC+B, Daniela served as a staff attorney in the Community Economic Development Unit at Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc., where she represented nonprofit and small business clients on a broad range of issues and advised on general governance, commercial, and compliance matters.

“Daniela has earned the confidence of clients and colleagues alike through her thoughtful counsel, deep understanding of government operations, and unwavering commitment to the public interest,” said Chad S. Friedman, Chairman of WSHC+B. “Her promotion to Partner reflects not only her exceptional legal skills, but also her leadership within the firm and the value she delivers to the public and nonprofit institutions we serve.”

Daniela is fluent in Spanish. She earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from The George Washington University, where she majored in Political Communication and minored in Spanish & Latin American Languages. She is admitted to practice law in Florida and Washington, D.C.

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Applicants have reported receiving fraudulent letters and invoices sent on what appears to be official municipal letterhead, demanding payment of additional fees before their applications can be heard. These letters have looked highly convincing and, in some cases, directed recipients to wire funds to an unauthorized account. Unfortunately, some applicants have made substantial payments in response.

We strongly advise all municipalities to remain vigilant and remind applicants that any request for payment or documentation should always be verified directly with the municipality through official contact channels.

If your municipality becomes aware of similar correspondence or suspects fraudulent activity, please notify our office or law enforcement immediately.

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Jamie was recognized for his leadership at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman since 1999, helping guide the firm—known for being “at the crossroads of business, government, and law”—in representing governments, individuals, and private entities across Florida. As Chair of the Broward County Bar Association’s Law Firm Committee, he also spearheaded the development of a special magistrate program aimed at enhancing professionalism and civility among attorneys in Broward County.

Florida 500 is a special annual publication that highlights executives across various economic sectors in Florida. Florida Trend editors pick the state’s most influential business leaders after a year-long research initiative.

To view Jamie’s full profile in the Florida 500, please click here.

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Hosted by partner Chanae L. Wood, the series brings together the legal minds of WSHC+B alongside leaders from business, government, and the community. Through candid conversations, The Intersection offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, projects, and power dynamics shaping South Florida as a global hub to live, work, play, and invest.

From the AI revolution to the housing crisis and high-stakes real estate, the podcast examines how law, government, and business intersect. Each episode features bold, insightful conversations with policymakers and decision-makers driving change in our cities—designed to inform, influence, and spark change.

The Intersection is designed for anyone who wants to stay informed on the legal, political, and commercial trends impacting the future of our communities and economies.

Episodes are available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. 

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Hosted by WSHC+B partner Marlon Hill, the series brings together lawyer from across North America, including Aarij Wasti (partner at Gowling WLG, Toronto), Juan Carlos Partida (partner at EC Rubio, Mexico City), and other WSHC+B attorneys who focus their practice on governmental affairs, sports and entertainment, immigration, intellectual property, business transactions, labor & employment, and real property.

The series breaks down the complex issues stakeholders face—from immigration and border protocols to sponsorship, licensing, and venue operations. Each episode delivers actionable guidance and real-world examples, equipping in-house counsel, sponsors, venue operators, government liaisons, and other professionals to navigate challenges and turn them into opportunities.Sideline Conversations: Road to ’26 is designed for anyone looking to stay informed on the cross-border legal and commercial trends shaping the FIFA World Cup 2026 experience.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch each monthly episode and stay ahead of the conversation.

Watch the first episode here: https://youtu.be/LTELlMfUbsQ?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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