💰 $687.2 million budget approved, $39 million larger than last year
🛠️ Major projects include bypass, utilities, new facilities, and airport upgrades
📈 Property tax bills to rise despite flat millage rate
SHALIMAR — The Okaloosa County Commission unanimously approved a $687.2 million budget Tuesday, about $39 million more than last year, while keeping the countywide millage rate flat for the ninth straight year.
But due to increased property values, Okaloosa County residents should expect to pay more in taxes, beginning on Oct. 1.
County Administrator John Hofstead, who presented the final budget, emphasized that the budget balances growth pressures with fiscal restraint.
“(The Commissioners) continue to hold the line on the tax burden for the citizens of this county,” Hofstead told commissioners. “That is greatly appreciated.”
The aggregate millage rate for FY2026 is 3.9613 mills, up 3.72% over the rollback rate of 3.8193. The county millage of 3.8308 mills is 4.03% above the rollback rate of 3.6825.
The Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU), which applies to residents in unincorporated areas of Okaloosa County, was rolled back to 0.2880 mills, a 0% increase from its rollback rate.
Due in part to a 6% increase in property values countywide, taxable values grew by $1.77 billion year-over-year, rising to $30.76 billion. This translated into $117.8 million in ad valorem collections, of which $111.9 million is budgeted for the upcoming fiscal year, a 6.13% increase from the previous year.
The FY2026 budget carries several notable policy and financial elements:
General Fund costs rose across key categories:
Okaloosa County has set aside funding for a slate of large projects across transportation, utilities, and public facilities:
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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