Over 40% of Florida’s public school districts had their own property-tax proposals on the ballot this election cycle. In For many school districts across the state, the 1-millage ad valorem tax is necessary to continue to supplement teacher and staff pay, provide arts and athletic programming and support school safety. 

In major metropolitan school districts in Miami-Dade, Duval County and Broward counties, the referenda passed with more than half of the vote Tuesday. In Duval County, the property tax passed by 76 % as compared to a narrow margin for the approval of the school tax by 53% of voters in 2022.

Student enrollment in public schools is down across the state, driven in part by a national birthrate decline and the rapid expansion of school vouchers. With fewer students in seats than ever before in some major school districts, less funding is available to provide quality education. Property taxes remain a critical source to alleviate financial strain.

Without the funding, school district leaders would have to make tough calls about where cuts in operational funding would have to be made.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to Duval voters for their continued investment in our educators and our children. The renewal of the milage referendum sends a clear and powerful message: our community believes in and supports Team Duval as we continue building the world-class education system our children and community deserve,” Duval County Superintendent Christopher Bernier said in a statement.

Miami-Dade and Broward counties also passed the school district property tax, with Broward voters coming in at 67%. Polk County Public Schools, which asked voters to pass the tax for the first time this year, passed the tax with 67%.