ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – It’s a conversation Orange County voters have heard before — and one that has failed at the ballot box multiple times: a proposed sales tax increase. But county leaders say this latest discussion may look different than past attempts.
County commissioners on Tuesday discussed the possibility of a future infrastructure sales tax, this time with an added focus on conservation and quality-of-life projects. While nothing has been placed on the ballot yet, leaders approved taking the first step by gauging public interest.
The idea sparked debate during the commission meeting, especially after previous sales tax initiatives failed in recent years.
“Timing is going to become really, really important,” the mayor said, noting voter fatigue from past proposals.
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Commissioner Nicole Wilson, who represents District 1, pushed for the discussion that she says, unlike past proposals that focused heavily on roads, would prioritize parks, open space, and conservation land.
“It’s very different,” Wilson said. “We’re talking about quality-of-life investments when we’re talking about parks, open space conservation land, and the type of philanthropic work these organizations are doing across the country.”
Wilson emphasized that conservation would be a priority and said she wants to hear directly from voters to determine what they care about most.
As Orange County continues to grow, leaders approved allowing the national nonprofit ‘Trust for Public Land’ to research and conduct a public opinion poll. The group works with counties across the country to help shape potential ballot measures and determine what types of investments voters would support.
“I believe if we go from here and find out what people believe is worth an additional investment,” Wilson said, “then we will understand what groups we need to bring in.”
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The research could help shape a possible ballot measure as early as 2026, but nothing has been firmly decided.
Residents who were at the meeting expressed mixed opinions. Some said the county’s growth demands new funding for infrastructure.
“I think that we do desperately have a need to improve our infrastructure or mass transit in Orange County because we are growing every single year,” said resident Matthew Grocholske.
Others supported conservation efforts but questioned whether a sales tax is the right solution.
“I do prefer bonds,” said Valerie Anderson. “I think they are more stable, but however we can get conservation funding is a good thing.”
Not everyone was convinced.
“They have taken so much money out of taxpayers,” said Trini Quiroz. “Every time it’s something different — transportation, buses, or anything else they dream about.”
County leaders stressed that approving research does not mean a tax measure will appear on this year’s ballot. However, they acknowledged the possibility of a future proposal and said managing expectations is important given past failures.
Commissioners said their goal now is to make sure voters’ voices are heard before moving forward.