The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved the final Fiscal Year 2026 Budget yesterday after a nine-month process. According to the Pinellas County’s official news release, the Board set the general fund property tax rate at 4.5423 mills, the lowest in decades.
Despite reduced property values caused by hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, which caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damage and $6.6 million in lost property tax revenue, the Commission lowered the millage rate.
The total budget is $4.8 billion, including $1.2 billion for capital improvements such as transportation and stormwater infrastructure. Approximately $3.6 billion is allocated to core services including public safety, road maintenance, and county parks.
The budget was finalized after multiple work sessions, proposals, workshops, and public hearings, with the new fiscal year beginning October 1.
