Coral Springs Commission pushes to keep millage rate flat for 2026-27 budget despite looming multimillion-dollar revenue challenges tied to state tax changes
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs city leaders are heading into the 2026-27 budget season with a clear and unified message on property taxes: no increase is on the table for now. During a Wednesday meeting, commissioners voiced unanimous opposition to raising the city’s millage rate, even as they acknowledged serious financial uncertainty tied to potential statewide tax changes.
The proposed millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year stands at 6.3132, up from the current rate of 6.0232. Despite the proposed increase being presented during early budget discussions, all members of the commission signaled they do not support moving forward with a higher rate at this stage.
If no change is approved, the millage rate would remain at 6.0232. Commissioner Shawn Cerra made that position clear during the meeting, pointing directly to the need for stability as residents and local businesses face continued economic pressure.
“We absolutely need to keep our millage rate the same so that we can show our support to our local businesses and homeowners while re-evaluating every aspect of our budget to find fiscal balance,” said Cerra.
The commission is expected to formally set the Truth in Millage (TRIM) rate at a special meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 2, at 5:15 p.m. at City Hall. That step will mark an important milestone in the city’s budget process, setting the ceiling for what could ultimately be levied.
Behind the discussions, city officials are also preparing for what could become significant long-term financial losses. City Manager Catherine Givens outlined the potential impact of a proposed statewide property tax overhaul, which voters could ultimately decide on. According to figures presented during the meeting and provided by the property tax appraiser, Coral Springs could see major reductions in revenue if the changes are approved.
Those projections show the city potentially losing between $13 million and $14.5 million in 2028, followed by an even larger hit of about $26.8 million in 2029. Combined, the two-year impact could approach nearly $40 million in reduced ad valorem tax revenue.
Givens emphasized the importance of preparing early, noting that while the outlook presents challenges, city leadership remains committed to maintaining services and stability. She also took time during the meeting to reassure city staff that their work remains valued and critical to the community.
At the same time, she acknowledged that such large revenue shifts would force difficult conversations about service levels and long-term planning. Several city functions could be affected if funding declines materialize as projected.
Still, officials stressed that no immediate changes are being made and that multiple strategies will be considered before any decisions are finalized. Options discussed include exploring public-private partnerships, adjusting user fees, considering future millage adjustments, selling naming rights, and expanding other revenue sources to diversify the city’s financial base.
For now, Coral Springs leaders are focusing on maintaining the current tax rate while closely monitoring legislative and voter developments at the state level. The coming months are expected to bring continued debate as the city works to balance fiscal caution with service expectations.
As the budget process moves forward, officials say the priority remains steady: protect residents from sudden tax increases while preparing for potential financial pressure that could reshape how the city funds its operations in the years ahead.
