On the Ballot: Central Florida voters to decide on school tax measures

Voters in several Central Florida counties will decide in November on school property and sales taxes. Most measures involve one mill, a rate of $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value. Some would renew taxes voters already approved, and others would add new ones. The article says the money is meant for staff pay, school safety, mental health services and student programs.

Osceola and Polk counties would add a new one-mill operating tax. Osceola's district says it faces a projected shortfall of more than $100 million over four years, and the tax would last four years. Polk's district estimates about $65.6 million, with roughly 80% going toward employee compensation and the rest toward safety, arts, career education and early childhood programs. Charter schools would receive a separate estimated $13.6 million.

Brevard voters would weigh renewing a half-cent sales surtax for 10 years and a one-mill property tax for four years. Marion and Orange voters would decide on renewing existing one-mill taxes for four more years. Orange reported about $230.5 million from its tax in 2024-25, and Marion budgeted $37.3 million for that year.

The districts say independent citizen committees would oversee spending in several counties. If measures fail, districts say they would need other funding sources or budget changes.