Osceola County voters approve new school tax despite potential tax breaks

Osceola County voters approved a new property tax measure for public schools while also supporting Florida’s Amendment 3, creating a situation where many homeowners will pay more for schools but could still see lower overall property tax bills in the coming years. The school funding measure passed with 64% voter support and adds an extra $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value, known as a 1-mill tax. District leaders say the money will help fund school resource officers, teacher pay and other school programs.For the average Osceola County home, valued at about $360,000, the additional school tax would cost roughly $335 per year.However, Amendment 3 increases homestead exemptions over the next two years, reducing the taxable value of many homes and lowering non-school property taxes. What does that mean for homeowners?Currently, an average $360,000 homesteaded home’s estimated property taxes is about $4,322 annually.In 2027With Amendment 3 and the new school tax:Estimated property