OCOEE, Fla – A proposed change to Florida’s property tax system could cost Ocoee millions of dollars in revenue, prompting city leaders to consider shifting more of the cost of fire protection onto homeowners.
Ocoee projects it could lose about $4.15 million in property tax revenue in fiscal year 2027 if voters approve proposed changes to homestead exemptions in November. The projected loss could grow to about $8.5 million by fiscal year 2028.
City officials say police, fire and parks and recreation could be among the departments most affected.
In response, the city is considering a maximum fire assessment beginning with the 2026-27 fiscal year. For some homeowners, the annual assessment could be as much as $597.
The city says the assessment would fund fire protection services and generate about $14 million annually.
The proposed charge has already drawn concern from some Ocoee homeowners.
Lesliean Phillip, a mother of three and wife of a veteran who has lived in Ocoee for years, said the proposed assessment would be a significant increase. She said she previously paid just over $200.
“With everything that is going on, we really don’t have it,” Phillip said.
Phillip said rising costs for basic necessities are already putting pressure on her household.
“Gas is high, groceries is high, and now you have your public services increasing on you. It’s like, when is it enough?” she said.
Wayne Hook said he does not believe increasing the fire assessment is the right approach.
“No, I don’t. They need to cut some things,” he said.
Phillip agreed, saying city leaders should consider other options before increasing residents’ costs.
“I think city leaders should at least do other things. Maybe something in the budget can be cut,” she said.
The proposed assessment comes after the Ocoee City Commission voted 4-0 in May to update the city’s existing fire services assessment program, shifting from a Fire Protection Unit methodology to a Demand and Availability methodology.
The issue took on greater significance after the Florida Legislature passed property tax reform legislation that, if approved by voters, would expand homestead exemptions statewide.
Some residents say it is too soon to impose the higher assessment because the proposed property tax changes have not yet been decided by voters.
“You just never know if it will be passed or not. Are we going to get the money back?” she said.
Hook said the rising cost of living is already becoming difficult to manage.
“Everything is going up, and it’s frankly getting a little out of line,” he said.
Ocoee has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed fire assessment for Aug. 18 at City Hall. Residents who oppose the increase, including Phillips, say they plan to attend and voice their concerns.
The city’s notice says failure to pay the assessment could result in a tax certificate being issued against the property.