BROWARD COUNTY, FL — Broward County is beginning its FY27 budget process under a cloud of property tax uncertainty, rising public safety costs, major water and wastewater projects, and a separate debate over whether the county should pursue Spirit Airlines’ Dania Beach campus as a possible government center site.
Budget materials prepared for the Broward County Commission’s June 16, 2026 budget workshop show the county moving cautiously as Florida voters are expected to face a property tax question on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. The presentation notes that the ballot question would need approval from 60% of voters statewide.
The county’s budget calendar calls for a recommended budget on July 15, followed by additional budget workshops on Aug. 20 and Aug. 25. Public budget hearings are scheduled for Sept. 10 and Sept. 22.
Property Tax Revenue And Cost Pressures
The county’s FY27 general fund overview shows countywide property taxes projected at about $1.897 billion, including $1.792 billion for the general fund and $104.8 million for general capital outlay. The listed countywide millage rate totals 5.6658.
According to the budget presentation, Broward’s preliminary June 1 tax roll was up 5.08% from the adopted FY26 tax roll. County budget planning had assumed a 4.99% increase.
But other revenue sources are not as strong. The presentation says the FY27 revenue outlook reflects a continued decline in half-cent sales tax revenue, while other general fund revenues are expected to be slightly down.
At the same time, constitutional officer requests are rising. The presentation lists total FY27 constitutional officer requests at $993.1 million, up $106.7 million, or 12%, from the FY26 adopted amount.
| Office | FY26 Adopted | FY27 Request | Difference | Percent Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broward Sheriff’s Office | $833.9 million | $937.4 million | +$103.5 million | +12.4% |
| Property Appraiser | $33.29 million | $34.83 million | +$1.54 million | +4.6% |
| Supervisor of Elections | $18.44 million | $19.78 million | +$1.34 million | +7.3% |
| Clerk of Courts | $802,000 | $1.132 million | +$330,000 | +41.1% |
| Total | $886.4 million | $993.1 million | +$106.7 million | +12.0% |
The largest increase comes from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, which requested $937.4 million for the general fund and dispatch contract, up $103.5 million, or 12.4%. The Property Appraiser submitted a $34.83 million county share, up 4.6%. The Supervisor of Elections request is $19.78 million, up 7.3%, while the Clerk of Courts request is $1.132 million, up 41.1%.
County agency core budgets are projected at $592.2 million, up $25.4 million, or 4.5%.
The county also identified several major cost drivers, including a 22% health insurance increase for general fund agencies, estimated at $11.3 million; a $6.7 million Florida Retirement System increase tied to BSO special risk employees; a $5.1 million Supervisor of Elections increase for the 2026 gubernatorial election cycle; and a $4.6 million increase tied to tax collector commissions and fees.
Water, Wastewater And Utility Rates
Broward County Water and Wastewater Services is proposing a $795.3 million FY27-FY31 capital program.
The largest listed item is $543.5 million for PFAS capital costs. The utility presentation says treatment improvements at two water treatment plants and a large water main connection are estimated to cost between $300 million and $350 million. The county has received or expects to receive about $22.19 million in PFAS settlement revenue, which staff intends to use toward part of the PFAS treatment project design cost.
The utility is also dealing with septic tank elimination, biosolids disposal rules and reuse requirements. The presentation says 2,375 septic tanks remain in the Water and Wastewater Services area and that 95% of the remaining septic tanks in the county’s sewer service area are expected to be eliminated by 2028.
For customers, the proposed FY27 retail rates would increase the average WWS residential customer bill by $5.65 per month, based on 5,000 gallons of usage.
Commissioner Priorities Include Housing, Parks And Public Safety
A separate county priorities presentation lists dozens of requests identified by commissioners for further budget review.
Among them are requests tied to affordable housing, homelessness prevention, seniors, food insecurity, youth programs, small business grants, public safety, parks, cultural programs, drainage, transportation and economic development.
The list includes a $10 million human services request connected to seniors, housing insecurity, rental assistance, homelessness prevention, food insecurity and children and youth programs. Another $10 million housing-related request focuses on pathways to homeownership, minor home repair, financial capability and neighborhood stabilization.
Other listed requests include $1.5 million over three years for the Marine Research Hub, $10.16 million connected to Film Lauderdale funding, $7.32 million for the Hollywood North Beach main parking lot, $600,000 for Delevoe Park capital improvements and $1.4 million for continued funding of the BMSD Central Broward Targeted Response Team.
Spirit Campus Proposal Pulled Back
Before the budget workshop, commissioners also debated a separate regular meeting item involving the possible county acquisition of the Spirit Airlines property at 1701 through 1741 Radiant Drive and 1730 Mariner Street in Dania Beach.
The agenda item would have authorized the county administrator to negotiate and execute agreements tied to the possible purchase. It also included budget resolutions transferring about $4.43 million from general fund reserves and about $95.57 million from general capital outlay reserves for partial funding.
The discussion centered on whether the Spirit campus could save taxpayers money compared with other government center plans, or whether the county would be taking valuable private-sector property off the market at the wrong time.
Dania Beach Mayor Joyce Davis opposed the acquisition during public comment, saying the property represents long-term economic development and tax revenue for the city. She said the city estimated a $1.2 million recurring revenue loss.
Bob Swindell of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance told commissioners that private companies were also interested in the campus and said he did not think it would be a good decision to remove the property from commercial use.
Commissioners raised concerns about timing, legal uncertainty, private development restrictions, common area maintenance costs and whether the county could get written assurances that the property could be used for its intended government purposes.
Commissioner Michael Udine ultimately withdrew the motion. County counsel said the county did not have authority at that point to submit a stalking horse bid, a letter of interest or take other action. Commissioners indicated the issue could potentially return later if key legal and use questions are answered, but no vote was taken.
County budgets, tax rates, grants, capital spending, and major public investments are key parts of Boca Post’s Broward County Government reporting.
