Flagler County keeps unincorporated Barrier Island MSBU at $0, advances beach-management plan

The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 11 voted to adopt a resolution levying the unincorporated Barrier Island beach-renourishment special assessment at $0 for fiscal year 2026 and approved interlocal agreements with the property appraiser and tax collector to prepare and collect the non-ad valorem assessment roll.

County Administrator Petito told the commission and an audience that the county has pursued a multi-year beach-management approach that includes an Army Corps of Engineers coastal storm risk management project, county-sponsored nourishment, dune planting and fencing, perpetual easements with homeowners associations and resort properties, and a blended funding plan relying on federal and state grants, tourism revenues and a local match. Petito said the county set aside $8.2 million for beach management in the FY2026 tentative budget.

The public hearing drew about two hours of public comment, with a large group of Barrier Island residents urging either a countywide half-cent sales tax or a broader funding share rather than relying primarily on a localized MSBU. Many commenters said a special assessment concentrated on island property owners would be inequitable; others supported a modest MSBU if it were paired with broader revenue sources.

Why it matters: County staff…