Water district approves proposed rolled-back millage rate for fiscal year 2026

If the propsed millage rate passes the final budget vote on September 23, it will save taxpayers $5.9 million

Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) or 'Swift-Mud'

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (water district's) governing board voted to adopt a proposed rolled-back millage rate of 0.1831 mill for the fiscal year 2026 budget, which would decrease property taxes. The proposed millage rate is 4.1% lower than the current 2025 fiscal year adopted millage rate of 0.1909 mill, which would provide a saving to taxpayers of more than $5.9 million.

For the owner of a $150,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption, the water district tax would be $18.31 a year, or about $1.53 per month.

The total proposed budget for the water district's fiscal year 2026 is $256.2 million, which includes $114.3 million for Cooperative Funding Initiatives and water district grants.

Through the water district's cooperative funding partnerships, its funds will be leveraged to result in a total regional investment of approximately $217 million for sustainable alternative water supply development, water quality improvements and other water resource management projects. The 2026 fiscal year runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.

The water district will hold a tentative budget hearing on September 9, 2025 at 5:01 p.m. at its Tampa, Florida office, located at 7601 U.S. Highway 301.

The water district's governing board will vote on the final budget on September 23, 2025 at its Tampa, Florida office, located at 7601 U.S. Highway 301.