Byron Donalds has picked up an endorsement from 13 Florida county property appraisers, including officials from Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, Lake, and Seminole counties. The unusual coalition gives the Republican congressional candidate a bloc of local officials closely connected to the state’s housing and property-tax debates.
The endorsement was announced Tuesday by Donalds’ campaign, according to Tampa Free Press. The campaign’s list includes Mike Wells of Pasco County, Matt Caldwell of Lee County, Charles E. Hackney of Manatee County, Bill Furst of Sarasota County, Mark V. Jordan of Lake County, and David Johnson of Seminole County, along with appraisers from seven other counties.
Why Property Appraisers Matter In Florida’s Tax Fight
Florida property appraisers are independently elected constitutional officers who determine property values, maintain ownership records, and administer exemptions such as homestead benefits. The Osceola County Property Appraiser’s office also notes an important limitation: appraisers do not set tax rates or decide the final amount a property owner owes.
That distinction matters as Florida voters prepare to weigh a major property-tax proposal. The state’s official amendment tracker says the measure made the ballot as Amendment 3 and would exempt the first $250,000 of qualifying homestead value from most property taxes, while directing local governments to reserve remaining property-tax revenue for core services.
Endorsement Lands As Affordability Takes Center Stage
Donalds has made affordability a central part of his gubernatorial campaign, promising to address property insurance, housing costs, taxes, and regulation. His campaign platform describes Florida as too expensive for many families and seniors and promises to work with local leaders on relief.
The Florida Division of Elections lists Donalds as a qualified Republican candidate for governor in 2026, according to the state candidate database. Tuesday’s endorsement does not give the appraisers authority over tax policy, but it does allow the campaign to present support from officials who deal daily with assessments, exemptions, public records, and homeowner concerns.
There is also a small numerical wrinkle in the announcement: although the headline describes a 12-county coalition, the campaign’s published list names 13 appraisers representing 13 counties. Either way, the endorsement expands Donalds’ network of local-government allies as property taxes remain one of Florida’s most politically charged issues.
