OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County voters approved a new property tax measure for public schools while also supporting Florida’s Amendment 3, creating a situation where many homeowners will pay more for schools but could still see lower overall property tax bills in the coming years.
The school funding measure passed with 64% voter support and adds an extra $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value, known as a 1-mill tax. District leaders say the money will help fund school resource officers, teacher pay and other school programs.
For the average Osceola County home, valued at about $360,000, the additional school tax would cost roughly $335 per year.
However, Amendment 3 increases homestead exemptions over the next two years, reducing the taxable value of many homes and lowering non-school property taxes.
What does that mean for homeowners?
Currently, an average $360,000 homesteaded home’s estimated property taxes is about $4,322 annually.
In 2027
With Amendment 3 and the new school tax:
- Estimated property taxes: about $3,987
- Estimated savings compared to today: $335
In 2028
With Amendment 3 and the new school tax:
- Estimated property taxes: about $3,317
- Estimated savings compared to today: $1,005
Superintendent Mark Shanoff said district officials were concerned going into Election Day because the school tax measure appeared on the ballot alongside Amendment 3, which was marketed as a way to lower property taxes.
Despite that, voters approved both measures.
“I think it’s affirmation that we’re doing the right work within the school district and that we have been good stewards of the taxpayer dollars,” Shanoff said.
District leaders say the results show that many voters were willing to support additional investment in schools while also seeking property tax relief through Amendment 3.
The measure also creates a citizen oversight committee that will monitor how the new school tax revenue is spent. District officials say protecting school resource officer positions will be their top priority, followed by teacher salaries and educational programs.
Even with the newly approved school tax, the district’s calculations show the average homeowner could pay less in overall property taxes because of the larger homestead exemptions created by Amendment 3.
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