Pasco Schools Weigh $17M Property Tax Increase; Public Can Speak — and the Board Votes — July 28

The School Board of Pasco County has issued formal notice that it intends to raise its property tax levy by roughly $17 million next year — from last year's actual levy of about $419.6 million to a proposed $436.6 million — and the single public hearing where residents can weigh in is also the meeting where the board will make its final decision. For every Pasco homeowner and family with children in the schools, that July 28 evening sets what they'll pay next year and funds the buses, building repairs, and safety upgrades their kids rely on.

The hearing is set for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the School Board Meeting Room at the District Office, 7205 Land O' Lakes Boulevard, Land O' Lakes. According to the district's official budget notice, "a decision on the proposed tax increase and the budget will be made at this hearing" — meaning there is no separate vote later. Residents who want a say have until that evening to show up.

What's actually going up

The proposed operating tax rate is 4.684 mills. On top of that, the board plans to continue a separate 1.500-mill capital outlay tax that pays for construction and repairs. Together, those make up the "combined" increase reflected in the official notice.

A mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable property value. It's worth noting that a rising total levy doesn't always mean a higher rate — much of the extra $17 million reflects growing property values across a fast-developing county. The notice frames the overall levy as an increase over last year regardless of the rate mechanics.

Why part of it isn't really optional

Not all of the levy is at the board's discretion. Under state law, a portion is required for the district to receive $618.7 million in state education grants. According to the district's notice, that required portion actually decreased by 1.00 percent and represents roughly half of the total proposed taxes. The remainder is proposed solely at the board's discretion — which is the part public comment can most directly influence.

Where the capital dollars go

The 1.500-mill capital outlay tax alone is expected to generate about $101.7 million, earmarked for the physical side of running a large district. The district's list of planned uses includes:

• Roof repairs and replacement, and repairs from hurricane damage
• HVAC systems, flooring, paving and general renovations
• Security systems, fire safety, and health-and-safety retrofits
• Technology, computers, tablets, and district software
• The purchase of 28 new school buses, plus fleet vehicles

Capital dollars can also cover items such as insurance premiums on district facilities, environmental compliance like asbestos abatement and water testing, portable classroom leasing, and required charter school capital outlay — but Florida law bars this money from being spent on general operating costs like classroom salaries.

What happens next

Because the notice pairs public comment and the final decision in the same meeting, there won't be a second bite at the apple. Once the board acts on July 28, both the 2026–2027 budget and the tax rate are set for the year ahead. Families weighing the trade-off between a higher tax bill and funding for buses, repairs, and campus safety have that evening to make their case.

Full budget details are posted on the district's official Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget summary.

For continuing coverage of this story and everything happening across the county, visit Pasco County Community Website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Have a take on the proposed increase? Join the conversation in our Community Forum, and read more education stories and government and politics coverage to stay informed before the vote.