Lee County School Board adopts tentative 2025-26 millage rates and $2.798 billion tentative budget

The Lee County School Board on July 29 unanimously approved tentative millage rates that total 5.319 mills and a tentative fiscal year 2025–26 budget of $2,798,172,189, setting a Sept. 9 final public hearing to adopt final levies and the budget.

The action follows presentations from district staff explaining required steps under Florida law for the Truth in Millage process and for public input. "This hearing is the first of 2 public hearings that are required under Florida statutes to give the public an opportunity to provide input into the proposed millage levy and the budget for this fiscal year," said Dr. Amy Desmores, one of the district presenters.

Why it matters: the adopted tentative millage is 1.43% above the rollback rate; if sustained, it will increase property-tax revenue available to the district and affect local taxpayers until the board acts in September. The board scheduled a final budget public…