Category: Community

Where Your Property Taxes Go — And Why It Matters for Winter Springs’ Future

As your City Commissioner, I believe in transparency and accountability — especially when it comes to your tax dollars. That’s why I’m breaking down how Winter Springs property taxes are allocated and why it matters for our city’s future. With more families and neighbors asking, “Where is all this money going?” and “Why are services stretched thin?” — I wanted to take a moment to share what the numbers actually show.

First: Where Do Your Property Taxes Actually Go?

Many residents are surprised to learn that only a small portion of your property tax bill stays in Winter Springs.

For every $1 you pay in property taxes:

• 48.61¢ goes to Seminole County
• 33.59¢ goes to the School Board
• Only 16.67¢ stays with Winter Springs
• 1.14¢ goes to Special Districts

That means our city only keeps about 17 cents per dollar to provide essential services like police, parks, wastewater infrastructure, and drinking water improvements.

With so much of your tax dollar going elsewhere, every decision we make locally has to be fiscally responsible and strategically prioritized.

Public Safety Costs Are Rising

In 2023, Winter Springs collected $7.39 million in property tax revenue — yet we spent $8.76 million on law enforcement alone.

This gap doesn’t even include costs for fire protection, infrastructure, or community programs.

Public safety is a top priority. But we must face the reality: the cost to provide services is outpacing our current revenue.

The Impact of Tax Caps and Homestead Protections

Many homeowners benefit from Save Our Homes and other exemptions — and I fully support these protections.

However, they also limit how much taxable value can increase each year, even as home values climb. This means the city’s revenue doesn’t grow as fast as the market, which puts pressure on our ability to fund long-term needs.

A Word on Development — And Why the Conversation Matters

Over the past year, many residents have voiced concern about new development — and rightfully so. Growth should never happen at the expense of our environment, infrastructure, or quality of life.

But here’s what the data shows:

• Winter Springs is spending more than it collects in property taxes.
• Public safety and infrastructure needs are growing.
• Our city receives only 16.67% of every property tax dollar.
• Local business tax revenue is just 1.28% of unrestricted revenues.

What does this mean? We need to plan wisely. This isn’t about pushing for more development — it’s about making sure we have the resources to maintain and improve the services our residents expect.

I believe in smart growth, not sprawl. Growth that fits the character of Winter Springs — and ensures that those who move here contribute to the cost of the services they will use.

Our city deserves thoughtful planning — and that means understanding the numbers, setting clear expectations, and being proactive, not reactive.

Let’s Keep Winter Springs Financially Sound

71% of cities across Florida are keeping millage rates flat or lower than 2020. Many are making difficult decisions — and we must do the same.

As your Commissioner, I’m committed to:

• Protecting your tax dollars
• Prioritizing public safety and clean water
• Making smart decisions that protect Winter Springs now — and for future generations

Want to Dive Into the Full Report?

For those who want to see the full picture, we’ve embedded the complete Property Tax Data Packet below.

Flip through the full report embedded below.

Winter Springs is a beautiful community — and it’s my honor to serve you. My focus is to protect what makes this city special, while also ensuring we have the resources to support our families, our safety, and our future.

Let’s keep the conversation going. If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, please reach out. I’m always here to listen and work with you.