Orange County Government to Hold First Public Hearing for FY 2026-2027 Budget

Orange County Government to Hold First Public Hearing for FY 2026-2027 Budget

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will hold two public hearings on the proposed $9.01 billion Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget .

The public hearings are scheduled for Thursday, September 10, and Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 5:01 pm. Both meetings will take place in the BCC Chambers at the Orange County Administration Center. Residents are invited to attend the public hearings to address the BCC during public comment.

A few budget highlights include:

Keeping Taxes Low While Meeting Growing Needs: Since 2008, Orange County has maintained its countywide operating tax rate of just 4.4347 mills, which is the 11^th lowest countywide operating tax rate in Florida. This helps support an environment in which the economy can grow.

Potential Changes in Property Tax Revenue: The November 3 ballot includes a constitutional amendment - Amendment 3 - that could reduce Orange County property tax revenue by an estimated $165 million in 2027 and $275 million in 2028, affecting one of the County's primary sources of funding for local services. If Amendment 3 is approved, the Board will face difficult decisions about spending, service levels, and pursuing other legally available sources of revenue.

Public Safety Commitment: Public safety is Orange County's highest priority, with the proposed budget including more than $1.1 billion for the Sheriff's Office, Fire Rescue, and Corrections. Public safety functions are supported by some 53 percent of Orange County's property tax revenue. Proposed increases for Fiscal Year 2026-27 will help fund salaries and equipment, create new positions, and support safe jail operations.

Affordable Housing: Orange County continues to advance its commitment to affordable housing, with a goal of 10,000 new or preserved housing units by the end of 2028. The Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget dedicates $19.5 million to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, advancing our commitment to invest more than $160 million over the ten-year period that began in 2021.

Transportation Improvements: In 2024, the Board allocated $100 million over five years to the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program, in addition to the more than $200 million annually budgeted for our roadways. Orange County also supports regional transit, with $115.5 million proposed for LYNX, and $15 million for SunRail. Since 2019, transportation costs for construction and maintenance have risen dramatically. In practical terms, the purchasing power of each transportation dollar has declined by approximately 42 percent.

Homelessness: Orange County remains the region's leading funder in addressing homelessness, with the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget proposing more than $56 million for crisis intervention and behavioral health services. This budget also includes a new 150-bed homeless service center in East Orange County.

Viewing Options: Orange TV will broadcast the meeting live. Residents can watch on Spectrum Channel 488, Comcast Channel 9, WSWF Channel 10.2, via live stream at www.ocfl.net/orangetv , on the Orange TV YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/orangetvfl, or through the Orange TV app on Roku in the Education category.

About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation's largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government's social media channels.