FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Broward County commissioners passed a $9.2 billion budget on Tuesday and approved a flat 5.6 overall millage rate.
The operating budget is $5.6 billion, the capital budget is $2.88 billion, and the debt service budget is $720.3 million. The rolled-back millage rate was 5.39.
“In the over decade that I have been here, we have lowered the millage rate three times,” Mayor Mark D. Bogen said. “We have never raised the millage rate.”
Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis warned that if voters pass the state’s Amendment 3 to increase the homestead exemption, the commission will have to readjust the millage rate.
“It’s layoffs, increase the millage rate, cut services,” Davis said during the meeting about options to balance the budget.
Monica Cepero, the county administrator, told commissioners during the meeting that the budget includes the largest investment in public safety in the county’s history.
“This represents a $24 million total increase for salary adjustments for detention deputies, coupled with an additional $15 million increase for a 5.8% salary increase,” Cepero said.
The salary increase, inclusive of increases in benefits, was for the Broward Sheriff’s Office general law enforcement, courts, and fire rescue and emergency services, according to Cepero.
The capital funds allocations included $27.7 million for the Affordable Housing Trust, which aims to increase the stock in the county, according to Cepero. The transfer from the general fund increased from $20 million to $25 million.
“This board has absolutely prioritized affordable housing,” Cepero said.
Commissioner Nan H. Rich said teachers are leaving the county, so the need is dire. Commissioner Beam Furr said that if voters pass Amendment 3, the commission would have to lower the much-needed investment in affordable housing.
“This year funding will be just fine because we have it in the budget for next year. It’s just in case something happens in Tallahassee in reference to Amendment 3, then we will have to figure out what type of services we are going to provide, what needs to be cut, but we are prepared to do that,” Robert McKinzie, the vice mayor, said.
The new budget will take effect on Oct. 1st.
A closer look
Related report: Broward commissioners vote to take back fire department from BSO in move Tony slams as ‘betrayal’
Watch the meeting: Budget public hearing #2
Related link: Understanding your recommended Broward County budget
Related social media
I am happy to report that for the second year in a row I have made the motion and received the support of my colleagues to REDUCE the tax millage rate to 5.6628 and another modest tax rate reduction for the Broward County millage rate. Thank you.
— Michael Udine (@Michaeludine) September 22, 2026
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