Sarasota County has proposed a $5.2 billion budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, a plan that reflects a 24.6 percent increase in expenditures over last year.
The budget summary, released this week, outlines anticipated receipts, transfers and appropriations across general, transportation, debt service, permanent, enterprise and internal funds. Property taxes are expected to generate $296 million, with another $215 million projected from permits, fees and special assessments. Charges for services will bring in more than $436 million.
On the expenditure side, the largest appropriation is earmarked for the general government at $137.1 million. Public safety is budgeted at $236.6 million, while physical environment projects will receive about $6.5 million. Human services are allocated $11.3 million, and culture and recreation will see $49.8 million. Debt service is listed at $35.8 million.
Transfers out of various funds total nearly $95 million, with reserves and transfers balancing the proposed figures. The total anticipated receipts, balances and transfers amount to $5.24 billion.
The county also outlined municipal service taxing units (MSTUs) with adjusted millage rates and anticipated revenues for specific neighborhoods, including lighting districts for Bay Point, Englewood, Gulf Gate Woods and Village Green. The total projected revenue from MSTUs is more than $59.7 million.
Public hearings and further review are scheduled before final adoption of the budget. Copies of the tentative, adopted and final budgets will remain on file at the office of the clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller.
Quick Facts: Sarasota County Budget 2025-2026
- Total proposed budget: $5.24 billion
- Increase over last year: 24.6 percent
- Major revenue sources:
- Property taxes: $296 million
- Permits, fees, assessments: $215 million
- Charges for services: $436 million
- Top appropriations:
- General government: $137.1 million
- Public safety: $236.6 million
- Physical environment: $6.5 million
- Human services: $11.3 million
- Culture and recreation: $49.8 million
- Debt service: $35.8 million
- Transfers out: $95 million
- Municipal Service Taxing Units (MSTUs):
- Total anticipated revenue: $59.7 million
- Includes neighborhood lighting districts such as Bay Point, Englewood, Gulf Gate Woods and Village Green
