Okaloosa County keeps property tax rate flat for FY2026, advances $687M budget amid surging property values

Okaloosa County keeps property tax rate flat for FY2026, advances $687M budget amid surging property values Collin Bestor July 24, 2025 5:00 pm Okaloosa County In Brief: ๐ก No Property Tax Increase: The countyโs ad valorem rate remains at 3.8308 mills for the eighth consecutive year. ๐ $687 Million Budget: Growth in property values helps […]
Okaloosa Deputy Killer Pleads to Murder

The man who killed Deputy Ray Hamilton on Christmas Eve 2022 has pleaded guilty to murder, avoiding trial and the death penalty in a deal supported by the deputyโs family.
Okaloosa Departments Made $60 Million in Budget Requests. Here’s What They Want it For:

Okaloosa Budget: Workshop highlights public safety, health, jail and tourism Collin Bestor July 24, 2025 1:15 pm Okaloosa County In Brief: ๐ฐ $60 million in budget requests highlight critical needs across elections, public safety, and corrections as Okaloosa County plans for FY2026. ๐ The county jail is operating 25% over capacity, prompting new officer training […]
Northeast Okaloosa County designated rural area of opportunity to boost economic growth

Governor DeSantisโ Executive Order designates northeast Okaloosa County as a Rural Area of Opportunity to boost economic growth and job creation.
Okaloosa County unveils $687M budget, millage stays flat while property taxes go up

Despite an unchanged millage rate for Okaloosa County, residents should expect to pay more due to rising property taxes.
School Districts Earn As – What Does That Mean?

Okaloosa and Walton County schools both scored A ratings from the stateโbut the data shows major differences in readiness and performance across campuses.
Okaloosa County Commissioners approve amendment to Hospital Assessment Program

Okaloosa County commissioners approved an amendment to the Local Provider Participation Fund, ensuring local hospitals can continue receiving Medicaid-related reimbursements at no cost to taxpayers.
Okaloosa County approves land use change for planned veterans retirement community

A major veterans housing project just cleared a key hurdle in Okaloosa Countyโhereโs whatโs next for Victory Village.
Okaloosa County approves tax exemption for Talking Parents Expansion

Okaloosa County approved a tax break for Talking Parents to expand its headquarters, bringing high-wage tech jobs to the area.
Okaloosa County boosts fishing industry with FAD network

Okaloosa County will install eight new shallow-water fish aggregating devices off Destinโs coast, expanding the countyโs offshore fishing network with a $513,000 project funded through budget savings.