Bonita Springs sets property tax ceiling for 2026-27

Bonita Springs is proposing to keep its property tax rate unchanged for the coming fiscal year, although individual tax bills could increase as property values rise. 

City Council on July 15 voted unanimously to set a 0.847 millage rate ceiling for fiscal year 2026-27. That equals 84.7 cents per $1,000 of a property’s taxable value after exemptions, such as the homestead exemption. A home with $100,000 in taxable value would owe $84.70 in city property taxes. 

The rate is expected to generate about $15.5 million in ad valorem revenue for the 2026-27 budget. Based on a draft budget presented to Council in June, that would account for more than half of the city’s general fund, which pays for basic services, and about 33.4% of its projected $46.3 million in total revenue. 

City staff estimates Bonita Springs will spend $52.6 million during the coming fiscal year. 

Council members cannot raise the 0.847 millage rate but could vote to lower it during a series of upcoming budget meetings at Bonita Springs City Hall. 

Council has scheduled public budget discussions for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 5 and 9 a.m. Aug. 19. 

The city also plans two final public budget hearings, as required by state law, at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9 and Sept. 23. At the first hearing, council members are expected to adopt a tentative tax rate and budget. At the second, they will vote on the final tax rate and a balanced budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. 

Residents typically receive Truth in Millage, or TRIM, notices estimating their tax bills in late August, followed by final tax bills in November. 

Bonita Springs’ projected ad valorem revenue for 2026-27 increased after the Lee County Property Appraiser determined the city’s taxable property value grew 2.38%, slightly higher than the office’s preliminary June estimate. Keeping the same tax rate would increase property tax revenue by about $250,000 over the prior year. 

City Director of Financial and Administrative Services Lisa Griggs Roth said redevelopment in the city’s downtown has helped boost property values despite slower growth elsewhere in the city and region. 

Council also voted 6-1 on July 15 to establish stormwater utility assessment fees for 2026-27, which fund the city’s stormwater management system. Council member Jesse Purdon cast the lone dissenting vote. 

Residential structures larger than 1,800 square feet will pay a $50 annual fee, while condominiums and homes under 1,800 square feet will pay $20. The fees are expected to generate about $1.7 million. 

Two upcoming ballot measures could also affect the city’s finances. 

Bonita Springs voters will decide during the Aug. 18 primary election whether to approve a $35 million bond referendum to fund the city’s share of the Seminole Gulf Railway acquisition and initial development of the Bonita Estero Rail Trail, or BERT, a planned multiuse trail and linear park. The measure requires a simple majority to pass. 

City officials also are monitoring the outcome of Amendment 3, a statewide property tax referendum on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. If approved by at least 60% of voters, it would increase Florida's homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.