Fort Lauderdale adopts $1.19 billion budget, keeps millage at 4.1193 with 4-1 vote

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission on Sept. 12 adopted a $1,194,366,687 final budget for fiscal year 2026 and maintained the city's operating millage at 4.1193, voting 4-1 with Vice Mayor Herbst opposed.

The budget's adoption funds city operations for the period beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and includes a $75 increase in the annual residential fire assessment to $403 and several non-ad valorem assessments and district budgets approved during the meeting.

City Manager delivered the budget presentation, saying the final plan maintains the millage at 4.1193 and funds increases in wages, benefits and capital equipment. "The final budget is premised on funding increases in wages and insurances, funding key commission priorities and community investment plan projects, and maintaining a healthy fund balance," the City Manager said during the hearing.

Why it matters: keeping the millage unchanged preserves the city's longstanding rate while the budget accommodates rising personnel and benefit costs. Commissioners and members of the public debated whether the unchanged rate effectively raises property tax bills because of rising property values.

Key votes and actions: the commission approved the final operating millage (4.1193) and a final debt service millage of 0.2306; the aggregate final millage including the Sunrise Cay dependent district is 4.123. The final budget resolution passed by roll call: Vice Mayor…