Subject:
Title
Discussion, Re: Stormwater Utility Assessment Rate - Design Credit Removal and Minimum Fee Adjustment
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Fiscal Impact:
FY 25/26: Approximately $120,000 mailing, advertising and staffing costs
FY 26/27: $857,479 additional recurring Stormwater Assessment revenue
Dept/Office:
Natural Resources Management
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board provide direction regarding previously approved legislative intent.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
In June 2026, the Florida Legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase the homestead exemption for Florida homeowners. The amendment is expected to appear on the November 2026 ballot. Although natural resource management and flood control programs are essential public services eligible for ad valorem funding, the effects of the amendment on the stormwater program remain unknown until the Legislature meets in an implementation session. Therefore, the Board may wish to reevaluate funding sources pending the outcome of the referendum.
To proceed with the Board's previously approved direction, staff must begin the statutory advertising and noticing process for affected property owners no later than July 10, 2026. The estimated cost is approximately $120,000.
Since receiving legislative intent on February 24, 2026, staff analyzed the impacts of removing the design credit and increasing the minimum fee collected to $5.01 for approximately 15,000 parcels countywide.
Elimination of the design credit is estimated to generate approximately $845,479 in recurring annual revenue. The estimated increase in revenue by Commission District is as follows:
District 1 $37,331
District 2 $107,152
District 3 $92,360
District 4 $593,555
District 5 $15,081
The minimum fee increase is expected to increase annual revenue by approximately $12,000.
Options for Board Consideration:
1. Direct staff to schedule a Board agenda item during Fiscal Year 2026-27 to consider adoption of Stormwater Utility Assessment Rate amendments following the November 2026 referendum.
2. Direct staff to proceed with advertising and noticing the proposed Stormwater Utility Assessment Rate amendments, consistent with the Board's direction on February 24, 2026.
3. Provide other direction as deemed appropriate by the Board.
Clerk to the Board Instructions: