City of Orlando’s 2026/2027 Budget Investments

Last updated on September 11, 2026

City of Orlando’s 2026/2027 Budget Invests in Public Safety, Infrastructure and Quality of Life

WHAT: 
The City of Orlando is preparing to adopt a balanced budget of approximately $1.88 billion for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 that prioritizes core municipal services while maintaining the city’s current property tax millage rate for the 13th consecutive fiscal year, meaning the city will not increase its property tax rate.  

As part of the annual budget process, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City Council will hold two public hearings in September to set the millage rate and approve the budget. 

As Orlando continues to grow, the proposed budget invests in public safety, transportation and infrastructure, parks and neighborhoods. 

Keeping Orlando Safe 

Public safety remains the city’s top priority and is one of the most critical services supported by property taxes. 

The proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget includes: 

  • 44 additional police and fire first responders to support emergency response as Orlando grows 
  • Equipment, technology and training for Orlando police officers and firefighters 
  • Resources to provide 24-hour police, fire, rescue and emergency medical services throughout the city 

Investing in Orlando’s Infrastructure 

Property taxes help fund the roads, sidewalks and transportation infrastructure residents use every day. 

The city is responsible for approximately 900 miles of streets, 1,200 miles of sidewalks and more than 500 traffic signals. 

The proposed budget includes funding for: 

  • Road resurfacing and repairs 
  • Sidewalk improvements 
  • Traffic signal maintenance and upgrades 
  • Transportation safety projects that support the city’s Vision Zero goals 
  • Improvements that make it safer to walk, bike, drive and connect to transit 

Supporting Parks, Recreation and Orlando Neighborhoods 

Property taxes also support parks, recreation facilities and neighborhood programs that contribute to Orlando’s quality of life. 

The city currently supports 123 parks, 61 sports fields, 56 playgrounds and 19 neighborhood centers, along with year-round recreation programs and community activities. 

The proposed budget provides resources for these facilities and programs, giving residents access to recreational opportunities and community spaces throughout Orlando. 

Preparing for Future Financial Uncertainty 

This year’s budget process also comes as Florida voters prepare to consider Amendment 3 on the November ballot. The proposed amendment could significantly impact future property tax revenues available to local governments. For Orlando, that could mean a loss of up to $35 million in fiscal year 2028 and as much as $50 million by fiscal year 2030.  

While the outcome remains unknown, the city is taking thoughtful, measured steps now to prepare for potential future impacts. As part of this year’s budget, the city is implementing a hold on new positions across all departments except public safety and establishing a Budget Stabilization Fund that will set aside this year’s savings to help protect against future financial uncertainty.  

These proactive measures reflect the city’s long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility while helping position Orlando to protect essential services and navigate potential financial challenges in the years ahead.  

The city is also encouraging residents to learn more about how property tax dollars support essential city services and what a reduction in future revenues could mean for those services.  

To find out more about where your tax dollars go, visit: orlando.gov/propertytaxes.   

WHEN: 
Monday, September 14, 2026 
5:01 p.m. – Budget Hearing #1 
City Council Chambers, City Hall, 2nd Floor 

First public Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 to adopt the proposed mileage rate and tentative budget.  

Monday, September 28, 2026 
5:01 p.m. – Budget Hearing #2 
City Council Chambers, City Hall, 2nd Floor 

Final public Budget Hearing to adopt the millage rate and Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget. 

Thursday, October 1, 2026
Implementation of the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 adopted budget. 

Budget information is available at orlando.gov/budget

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