SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A proposed indoor sports complex in Seminole County is facing new scrutiny as county leaders weigh its rising price tag and the financial impact of Amendment 3.
Seminole County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Grant Maloy is urging county commissioners to reconsider the project’s size and cost before proceeding. County officials, meanwhile, say construction is planned to be funded through tourism-related revenues and the county’s Penny Sales Tax, not property taxes.
County commissioners have discussed plans for an indoor sports complex for years, and the project received approvals as recently as August. But Maloy said the passage of Amendment 3 raises new concerns about whether the county should move ahead with the current plans.
“Before this project gets too far, I’d like for them to reconsider how big it is and how they’re moving forward on it,” Maloy said.
According to Maloy, the county has already allocated about $5.5 million for the project, but only about $15,000 has been spent so far. He said that means there is still time for commissioners to pause and reconsider the plans.
Maloy said the projected cost of the complex has increased from $61 million to $174 million. He also questioned whether revenue generated by the facility would be enough to cover its debt payments.
“When we looked at the analysis of their numbers, which may be inflated, it shows that there is not enough revenue in this to cover the debt service,” Maloy said. “So who picks up the debt services? That’s going to be the taxpayers.”
In a statement provided by Seminole County Director of Communications Chris Patton, the county said it welcomes input on the proposal and shares the clerk’s commitment to transparency, accountability and accuracy.
The county said the project began at the request of the local hotel industry, which agreed to assess itself through a Tourism Improvement District to help fund the complex. Since collections began in April 2025, the district has generated nearly $4.8 million, according to the statement.
“The County’s current financial planning calls for construction of the Indoor Sports Complex to be funded through TID, Tourist Development Tax, and Penny Sales Tax revenues,” the statement said. “No property tax revenues are planned to be used to support the construction of the facility.”
The county also disputed the characterization of the original cost estimate, saying the $61 million figure from 2023 was a preliminary conceptual estimate rather than an established project budget.
Since then, the county said, the proposal has expanded to include a larger facility, additional features and amenities, input from potential community partners, and a more comprehensive accounting of costs such as site development, utilities, drainage, parking and preconstruction services.
The proposed multipurpose complex would provide space for basketball, volleyball, cheer and dance competitions, graduations and other large events.
In August, commissioners authorized agreements for design and construction management services, according to the county. Officials said that work will help refine the project’s scope, design and construction cost estimates.
Commissioners are scheduled to receive an update in January that will include additional information on costs and next steps.
“The County remains committed to a thoughtful, measured approach to the development of the Indoor Sports Complex, including evaluating its financial considerations, potential economic and community benefits, and alignment with the County’s broader priorities,” the statement said.
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