Seminole County Approves Gas, Utility Tax Increases to Address $34M Deficit

Seminole County commissioners approved tax increases to address a $34 million budget deficit, including a 5-cent per gallon gas tax hike to 12 cents starting January 1, 2026, and raising the public service tax in unincorporated areas from 4% to 10%. The gas tax increase, which is expected to generate $8.8 million annually, will align Seminole’s rate with neighboring counties like Osceola and Volusia, while the public service tax hike will add about $9 monthly to utility bills. Officials emphasized the necessity of these measures due to declining gas tax revenues from increased fuel efficiency and electric vehicle use, which have strained funding for transportation and public safety. The additional revenue will fund road projects, maintain public transportation including Seminole's $11 million yearly Sunrail obligation, and avoid cuts to essential services like first responders. Some residents expressed concerns about rising costs amid financial struggles, questioning if further cuts were possible instead. County Chair Jay Zembower acknowledged past cuts but stressed the county cannot cut its way out of the deficit without jeopardizing critical services.