WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – Winter Garden commissioners are expected to vote Thursday on a proposal to increase the city’s local business tax by 5%, a move city leaders say is needed to keep pace with inflation but one that comes as some downtown businesses continue recovering from months of disruption.
The proposed ordinance would increase all existing local business tax rates by 5%, as permitted under Florida law. According to city documents, the adjustment is intended to maintain a fair and current local business tax structure while supporting essential municipal services. City documents also state the change better align with the city’s budget process.
For many small businesses, the increase would amount to less than $10 annually, depending on the business category.
Still, for some impact is less about the cost and has to do with timing and questions.
“I mean, $5 to $10 a year, that’s not a game changer for me,” said Heidi Hardman, owner of Polka Dotz. “But I want to know what it’s going to help for our businesses around here being very community and small business focused.”
The proposal comes just months after multiple longtime businesses along Plant Street, including Polka Dotz, were forced to relocate after new property owners chose not to renew their leases.
The changes left portions of Plant Street boarded up while buildings undergo renovations, a process some business owners say could take months or even years. Several displaced businesses like Polka Dotz have since reopened on nearby Main Street, where owners say customer traffic has been noticeably lighter.
“It’s different not being on Plant Street, but we are trying to make Main Street the new Plant Street,” Hardman said. “We are happy to be open again, and our community has really come together.”
As commissioners consider the tax increase, some merchants say they want more information about how the additional revenue would benefit the business community.
“I think they really, really need to explain it to the businesses,” Hardman said. “Is it the right time? Maybe not, but I’m not sure if there is ever a right time. The key is communication.”
Commissioners are scheduled to consider the proposal during their meeting Thursday evening.