Florida Voters Continue Their Generosity, Approving $1.9 Billion in Local Tax Increases and Almost $1.0 Billion in Bond Issues

2024 Florida Tax & Bond Referenda

This report highlights Florida voters' continued willingness to support local tax increases and bond issues, with a remarkable 89% approval rate for referenda in the 2023-2024 election cycle. Voters approved 31 county-wide sales and property tax increases totaling $1.9 billion annually and 18 bond issues worth nearly $1 billion. The majority of these referenda focused on critical areas such as school funding, infrastructure, public safety, and local government services.

The analysis reveals that Florida relies heavily on local governments to fund public services, with counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts providing 56.3% of the state's total revenue. While the state has maintained tax cuts since 2009, local taxes—particularly property taxes—are increasing with voter support. Notably, 16 out of 19 sales tax referenda passed, along with all 13 property tax referenda for schools, demonstrating public confidence in local investment.

Florida TaxWatch emphasizes the importance of citizen oversight in these tax increases, recommending the establishment of citizen oversight committees to monitor the spending of new tax revenues. The report underscores that Florida taxpayers are willing to invest in their communities when they believe the returns will be meaningful, particularly for education, infrastructure, and essential public services.

Download the full report here