Where Do Your Tax Dollars Go?

What does the city collect from my tax bill?

For every dollar you pay in property tax, the city receives about 35 cents. The remainder is divided between Orange County, Orange County Public Schools, St. John Water Management District and the library system.

What do my property taxes pay for?

For about $7 a day, Orlando households get around-the-clock public safety, maintained roads and sidewalks, parks and playgrounds, and neighborhood centers.

Per household, $6.77 a day will pay for: 

	Police 24/7 protection and patrol from more than 900 first responders
	Fire & Rescue 24/7 fire, rescue, and EMS response from more than 600 fire responders
	Parks & Recreation 123 parks, 61 fields, 56 playgrounds, and 19 neighborhood centers
	Infrastructure 1,200 miles of sidewalks, 900 miles of streets, and 500+ traffic signals
	Community & Culture year-round events, holiday lighting, and support for local nonprofits

Orlando puts your tax dollars to work where you can see them.

The City of Orlando uses public dollars to keep many of our more than 400 essential services, amenities and programs free for residents. 

From recreation to safety, culture and sustainability, the city continually invests in experiences that everyone can enjoy — at no cost. 

Recreation and Wellness 
Enjoy free access to city pools during the summer, dozens of outdoor fitness stations, and amenities like tennis courts, basketball courts, disc golf, sand volleyball and multiple dog parks. Neighborhood centers also host free activities such as line dancing, Tai Chi, crafting groups, senior fitness, and youth programs including afterschool hangouts. 

Find your closest Neighborhood Center or Park →

Public Safety
The Orlando Fire and Police Departments offer extensive free safety training and community programs, including Hands‑Only CPR, Stop the Bleed, smoke and carbon monoxide detector installations, and a range of OPD programs such as Citizens Police Academies, driving safety workshops, and Neighborhood Watch support. 

See what public safety services are available →

Environmental and Sustainability
We offer free or grant supported programs that promote sustainability, such as rain barrel workshops, grease recycling, water education for schools, fruit tree giveaways and gleaning operations. Residents can also learn about water conservation through tours of our water reclamation process. 

Find out what educational programs are available →

Neighborhood Support and Resident Assistance
Through various city departments, residents can access notary services, computer labs, help with job searches, government assistance applications, senior services, and neighborhood leadership training like the Mayor’s City Academy and iLead series.  

Find available services for your neighborhood or group →

Community Engagement and Events
We host numerous free community events, such as Eolaween, Downtown for the Holidays, monthly movies at Luminary Green and public education activities like Touch‑A‑Truck. Our Neighborhood Centers are booked daily with classes such as Tai Chi, knitting, kids mentoring programs, dancing and more. And don’t forget about our signature events: Fireworks at the Fountain and the Veterans Day Parade. 

Find our upcoming events  →

Business and Property Support  
Businesses benefit from commercial security surveys, crime prevention training, Clean Team services and opportunities to collaborate through Business Watch and OPD partnership programs. The Downtown Development Board/CRA also work with businesses on incentives and grants to update buildings, start new businesses and more. 

See available public safety programs and services →
Learn more about the Downtown Development Board →

These offerings reflect Orlando’s commitment to creating a welcoming, active, and supportive community — where everyone has access to opportunities to learn, play, and thrive. 

What is the property tax rate?

The property tax rate (millage rate) has remained unchanged for more than a decade.

While property values have gone up dramatically over the past 10 years, the existing 3% Save Our Homes cap has helped limit the impact for existing homeowners in homesteaded properties.

The impact of Save Our Homes

*Note that this is the city's portion only, based on June median sales price data in the respective year.

Costs are rising for you and for us

In the past ten years, our expenses have gone up. But we have still maintained the millage rate, balanced our budget, and earned some of the highest financial ratings in the country. 

Example cost increases

What's at stake? Potential impacts of proposed Property Tax Amendment 3

This November, Florida voters will be asked to consider changes to who pays certain property taxes and how much. Whatever your opinion, it’s important to understand what property taxes pay for today and how changes could affect the services we all rely on. 

The city’s revenue growth has roughly kept pace with inflation and population growth overall. If Amendment 3 passes, the City of Orlando will experience a significant loss of revenue in the years ahead and revenues will fall behind what is needed to maintain current levels of service. 

Projected revenue loss

Difficult decisions

This significant loss of revenue, and continued population growth, means the city may have to make difficult decisions.

Slower 911 response time
It will be harder to keep pace with a growing city and maintain emergency response levels. 

Delay road resurfacing, sidewalk repairs and infrastructure improvements
Leading to longer waits for repairs and improvements that keep neighborhoods safe and connected.

Reduce hours or programming at Parks and Neighborhood facilities
Giving families fewer opportunities for recreation, after-school programs and community activities.

Taxes may be replaced with fees
Shifting costs to service-based fees that can be less predictable and less equitable for residents.

Potential cost shift to renters and small business owners

Keep in mind - in the city, the majority of residents (60%) are renters.

• Increased millage rate  
• Increase in fees for critical city services and amenities. 
• Increase costs for goods and services 

What can you do?

Our decisions at the ballot box in November will shape how cities provide the services we all depend on. Learn about how local governments use taxpayer dollars and what’s at stake if a considerable portion of that funding isn’t available.

• Read the amendment carefully
• Share what you're learned with neighbors, friends and family
• Look at various groups that are in favor or against this measure
• Learn more about the city's budget