Broward County voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether to renew a one-mill property tax referendum projected to generate approximately $358 million annually for teacher and staff compensation, school safety and student mental health services.
The Secure the Next Generation Referendum renewal would extend the existing property tax levy for four school years, beginning with the 2027-28 school year. The proposal would not create a new tax or increase the current rate. Instead, it would renew the levy approved by voters in 2022.
If voters reject the measure, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) would lose approximately $358 million in annual funding currently used to support employee compensation supplements, school safety personnel and mental health professionals.
According to the school district, approximately $173 million annually is allocated for compensation supplements for teachers and eligible staff. The referendum also helps fund more than 390 school safety personnel and over 224 mental health professionals who serve students and families.
The proposed renewal would cover all public schools in Broward County, including charter schools. Of the estimated $358 million in annual revenue, approximately $283 million would support district-operated schools, while $75 million would be allocated to charter schools.
Supporters say renewing the referendum is essential to helping BCPS recruit and retain qualified teachers and staff while maintaining school safety resources and access to mental health services for students and families.
Under the proposal, the estimated annual cost for a homeowner with a property market value of $652,756 and a school board taxable value of $417,877 would be approximately $418, or about $35 per month.
For condominium owners, the estimated annual cost would be about $230, or roughly $19 per month, based on an average market value of $296,524 and a taxable value of approximately $230,002.
Actual costs would depend on each property’s taxable value, which is determined by the Broward County Property Appraiser.
The Broward County School Board would continue to oversee the distribution of referendum revenue through its annual budget approval process. The board has also adopted a restriction prohibiting the use of these funds for compensation for top district administrators going forward.
The existing one-mill levy is scheduled to expire, and the proposed renewal would extend it from Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2030.
The referendum will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot as School Board Question 1.