The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners in Florida has given the green light to the preliminary budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which proposes a reduction in the property tax rate.
Announcing a figure of $4.9 billion, the commissioners have provisionally cut the general fund property tax rate for the fourth time over a span of five years, as stated in a press announcement.
“Despite facing challenges to property taxes due to hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, the Commission discovered innovative methods to alleviate the taxpayer burden,” highlighted the release.
The impact of these three hurricanes led to $1.5 billion in demolition expenses across the county, and the approved tentative millage rate caused a loss of $6.7 million in property tax revenue.
Officials said rising fixed costs and inflation also put pressure on county departments.
The tentative budget consists of $3.7 billion for services such as public safety, road and bridge maintenance, county parks and community programs.
There is a commitment of $1.2 billion for capital projects, focusing on transportation and stormwater infrastructure, park and recreational facility expansion, beach nourishment projects, and the upkeep and enhancement of county buildings and essential assets.
County officials point out that about one-third of property tax bills for residents are determined by the county budget. The remainder is collected by schools, local governments, and the transit authority, which fall outside the jurisdiction of the county commissioners.
The commission will hold a second public hearing on Sept. 18 to adopt the final tax rates and budget. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
