Lakewood Ranch property owners could pay an extra $115 a year if Manatee County commissioners vote Tuesday, July 28, to place a $75 million environmental lands bond referendum on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

The proposed 0.16 mill property tax would fund the purchase, improvement and maintenance of environmentally sensitive lands across the county, according to a meeting preview published Wednesday, July 23, by Pulse of Manatee reporter Robert Ritch. On a homesteaded property with a taxable value of $718,000, reflecting the median home price in Lakewood Ranch's ZIP code 34202 ($768,664 according to Ownwell property data) minus the standard $50,000 homestead exemption, the levy would cost roughly $115 per year. A homeowner with a $350,000 taxable value would pay about $56.

What it means for your tax bill

Manatee County's total millage is about 17.3 mills for 2025, according to MoveWithMomentum property tax data. Adding 0.16 mill would represent roughly a 0.9% increase in the overall rate. CDD assessments, which Lakewood Ranch homeowners pay separately, are not affected by this proposal.

The Bradenton Journal reported Wednesday, July 22, that commissioners have discussed placing the environmental lands question on the ballot and voiced support for the idea. No commissioners have made public statements for or against the measure ahead of Tuesday's vote.

A crowded November ballot

The environmental lands measure would not be the only new tax question facing Lakewood Ranch voters this fall. Commissioner Amanda Ballard proposed Wednesday, July 22, asking voters to approve a separate 0.15 mill property tax for a new indoor animal shelter, according to The Bradenton Journal. That proposal, if the commission approves Ballard's request on July 28, would return for formal consideration Tuesday, Aug. 25.

A statewide constitutional amendment backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis will also appear on the November ballot. The joint resolution (CS/HJR 1F) would expand the homestead exemption to $250,000 by 2028, reducing non-school property taxes for homeowners but also cutting county revenue. It passed the Florida Legislature on Tuesday, June 2, and needs 60% approval from voters.

Meeting details

The commission meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 28. The agenda also includes a $110 million public utilities revenue note and discussions on long-term EMS funding. Residents can address the commission during public comment periods at the meeting. If commissioners approve placing the referendum on the ballot, the next decision point is the Nov. 3 general election, when voters will have the final say.