ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A proposed change to Florida’s property tax system could have an impact on how Orange County fights mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry.
Orange County officials say property tax revenue helps fund mosquito control operations, including efforts to treat hundreds of thousands of acres across the county.
Those services are especially important as health officials continue to monitor mosquito-borne illnesses in Central Florida.
Recently, one confirmed case of dengue fever was reported in Central Florida. Health officials have also detected West Nile virus in animals in the area, an indication the virus is circulating in the local environment.
Mosquito control crews work to reduce mosquito populations through surveillance, treatment and other measures designed to limit the spread of disease.
County officials say changes to property tax revenue could create challenges for maintaining those efforts.
The potential impact would depend on the details of any property tax reform approved by lawmakers and how changes to local government revenue are implemented.
For residents, mosquito control is more than a quality-of-life issue.
Mosquitoes can transmit diseases including dengue, West Nile virus and other illnesses, making continued surveillance and control efforts an important part of public health.
Orange County officials are expected to continue monitoring the potential effects of tax reform as discussions move forward.
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