MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – During a special meeting held July 24, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to set the tentative maximum countywide millage rate at 4.29 for the upcoming 2025–26 fiscal year. This decision keeps the tentative general fund millage rate flat for the fourth consecutive year.

Millage Rate Set, But Not Final

The tentative maximum millage rate:

  • Is set at 4.29 mills
  • Represents the highest amount the county can levy for the next fiscal year
  • May still be lowered before the final budget is adopted in September
  • Cannot be increased once adopted, per the Florida Constitution
Bar chart of Marion County millage rates from fiscal year 2019–20 to tentative 2025–26
A chart shows Marion County’s millage rate holding steady at 4.29 for the fourth straight year, as proposed for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Courtesy: Marion County Public Relations

How the Decision Was Made

Commissioners reached this decision after several days of public budget workshops, where they:

  • Evaluated department requests
  • Considered community priorities
  • Reviewed projected revenue figures

What the Millage Rate Supports

The millage rate determines how much property tax is paid per $1,000 of taxable property value. These funds help support:

  • Public safety
  • Infrastructure
  • Quality-of-life programs (parks, libraries, etc.)

Public Hearings and Next Steps

As required by state law, the county must now:

  • Notify the property appraiser of the proposed rates
  • Schedule public hearings for final budget discussions

Upcoming Hearings – McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium (601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala):

  • 5:50 p.m. – Rainbow Lakes Estates Municipal Service District budget
  • 6:00 p.m. – Countywide budget

Budget refinements will continue until the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1.

Learn More

For more information or to view budget documents, visit: MarionFL.org/Budget

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