County Commission adopts final FY 26 budget with lower rate

County Commission adopts final FY 26 budget with lower rate

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday approved the final Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, completing a 9-month process that saw the Commission engage with County leadership to reduce the general fund property rate to 4.5423 mills, its lowest level since 1990.

The full budget of $4.8 billion includes $3.6 billion for core services such as public safety, road and bridge maintenance, county parks and community programs, as well as federal funding for the Pinellas Recovers People First Fund to support storm recovery. It includes $1.2 billion for capital improvements, including investments in transportation and stormwater infrastructure, expanding parks and recreational facilities, beach nourishment, and a parking garage at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.

"I'm proud of the work the Commission accomplished in concert with County staff to produce a lower millage rate for our residents while still providing the highest standard for our services." County Commission Chair Brian Scott said.

The Commission found ways to ease the burden on taxpayers despite impacts to property taxes from hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. The storms created $1.5 billion in reduced property values countywide, resulting in $6.6 million in lost property tax revenue. Rising fixed costs and inflation put further pressure on county departments tasked to deliver the high-quality services residents, businesses and visitors expect. Despite that, the commission managed to lower the aggregate millage rate for the general fund, health department fund, special districts and MSTUs and fire protection districts. Thursday's action completes a process that began with the budget kickoff in January and included budget information work sessions in June, the presentation of the proposed budget in July, additional workshops in August and two public hearings. The new fiscal year begins Oct 1.