Sarasota voters extend school taxes by the highest margin of any Florida county

Voters in Sarasota County aren’t so cool with school, as residents extend the school tax by the highest voting margin of any Florida county.

In a national referendum in which a tax introduced since 2002 was renewed, 214,408 voters voted ‘yes’ about 84.06% of all votes cast. Of the 11 Florida counties that passed a millage tax to support schools, Sarasota County received the largest share of votes supporting such a measure.

“This resounding victory is a testament to a community that appreciates the importance of a school district that prioritizes quality education and student achievement,” said Max Goedmanan advisor who worked on the passage of the referendum. “The future looks bright in Sarasota County.”

In the neighboring Manatee Countyapproximately 82.56% of voters supported a millage tax, while 80% of voters supported a millage tax Gulf province voters approved a local measure. About 76% of Alachua County voters and 74% of Indian River County voters supported similar referendums.

In the Tampa Bay area there is a Pinellas County measure received 67.81% support and a Hillsborough item approved with 66% support. Escambia County voters approved a school tax with 68.85% support, and 68.2% support St. John’s County voters also approved a measure. In Martin Countya measure that passed with 67.8% of the vote. About 65% of Hernando County voters there signed for a tax.

Attention: Sarasota County voters in 2022 revamped a penny sales tax in part to support schools and other local governments, and also produced the highest margin of victory for the measurement of a penny tax on a Florida county ballot that year. Subsequently, almost 78% of voters supported the sales tax.

For both the penny tax and the millage rate, the most recent extensions occurred during the primary election, where measures appeared on the ballot for the general election.

Better schools for Sarasota County launched a Sarasota property tax campaign in September. While school board races have been divisive in the county in recent election cycles, Sarasota County Schools has been an “A” district since the state began issuing such performance grades about 21 years ago. The campaign focused on the work of teachers and the value of local schools.

Supporters also highlighted the work of teachers and the value of local schools. And the campaign in recent weeks encouraged voters to get to the bottom of the ballot, with the referendum appearing as the final issue for most voters.

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