A new Florida law changes who is responsible for paying commissions associated with collecting voter-approved school property taxes, ending a dispute that affected multiple school districts and prompted legal action in Sarasota County.
The legislation, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, prevents county tax collectors from charging school districts commissions on voter-approved operating millage. Instead, tax collectors must either waive the commission or have the county commission cover the cost, restoring the practice that had been followed for years in many Florida counties.
The issue gained statewide attention after the Sarasota County School District sued the Sarasota County Tax Collector, alleging that more than $2 million intended for public education had been withheld as collection fees. The district argued the money should have remained available for school operations, while the tax collector maintained the fees were authorized under state law.
The new law applies going forward but does not require tax collectors to return commissions that were previously withheld. As a result, disputes over money already collected may continue in some counties through negotiations or the courts.
The legislation affects school districts across Florida that rely on voter-approved property taxes to fund classroom operations, teacher retention, school safety, technology, and other local education priorities. Supporters of the measure say it ensures that revenue approved by voters is directed to schools rather than being reduced by collection commissions.
State officials say the law provides a uniform statewide policy for future collections and resolves uncertainty over who is responsible for paying the commission on voter-approved school millage.
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