Sarasota County is inviting residents to learn about proposed fire assessment rate changes for Fiscal Year 2026 at a series of community meetings this month.
The fire department’s proposed budget includes public safety enhancements to meet growing service demands across residential and non-residential areas. Plans call for the addition of 17 firefighters to support three-person staffing on four engines, continued funding for supplies, equipment, and personnel, and maintenance of critical financial reserves. The budget also provides for the construction of Fire Station 7 in Lakewood Ranch and Waterside, along with capital improvements to existing stations.
To support these initiatives, the county has proposed adjustments to fire assessments. The updated rates are estimated at $2.81 per month for an average 2,500-square-foot home, $3.25 per month for an average 1,600-square-foot multi-family residence, and $28.42 per month for an average 10,000-square-foot non-residential building.
Residents will have an opportunity to review the methodology, ask questions, and provide feedback during three scheduled meetings. Each begins at 5:30 p.m. on the following dates: Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library; Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Sarasota County Fire Station 23 in Nokomis; and Monday, Aug. 25, at Gulf Gate Library in Sarasota.
Fire assessments remain the primary funding source for fire protection services in unincorporated Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota. Fees are calculated based on building square footage and assessed against real property.
The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to vote on final fire assessment rates for Fiscal Year 2026 on Sept. 10.
For more information, residents can call 311 or visit scgov.net/firefees.
