SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – County leaders have unanimously voted to raise property taxes in Seminole County for the first time in 16 years.
County officials say it’s their only option, or they’ll have to cut services. It’s a move that could cost taxpayers hundreds of dollars annually.
Several people showed up tonight at the meeting. News 6 Reporter Jarell Baker was there.
“You have failed. Please stop these totally innocent tax increases now so we might have some positive thoughts of our Board of County Commissioners before the 2026 election,” one resident said during the meeting.
Despite dozens speaking out Wednesday night at the Seminole County Commissioners meeting, leaders unanimously voted to approve their new budget and raise the millage rate during their first hearing.
“I’m not in favor of the millage rate raise. I’m hoping it will go back to what it was,” one speaker said.
Another added, “With the increase of the gas tax, utilities tax, the penny sales tax—the county does not need an increase in millage.”
In July, county leaders approved a proposed millage rate of 5.3571.
It’s 0.5 mill increase from the previous fiscal year, which county officials say will generate around $39 million.
However, it will cost the average homeowner about $144 a year, according to an example given during July’s meeting.
“There’s not a single county in Central Florida that’s going above the current rate. Not a single one,” said George Sellery, a Seminole County resident.
During the meeting, several people pointed out they’re already paying HOA fees, a penny sales tax, and the recently raised gas tax.
“We will be the second lowest in the Central Florida region overall taxes,” said Jay Zembower, Chair of the Seminole County Commission. He explained that despite the rise, only Lake County will have a lower overall millage rate. That’s because several other counties are paying additional taxes for fire, hospitals, ambulances, and more.
“Our budget people told us three years ago, by 2026 or 2027, you are gonna have to do something. We’re living off the $79 million of ARPA money, which came from the federal government during COVID, and our reserves were being spent down,” Zembower added.
He said county leaders reviewed the budget for nearly 18 months, and this is the only way to move forward without cutting services.
But it’s not over yet. Commissioners will have to vote again during a final meeting on Sept. 23.