Sarasota County commissioners will consider placing a referendum on the November ballot to extend a voter-approved property tax that funds land conservation and park acquisition.
The measure would also authorize up to $250 million in new borrowing tied to the program.
The proposal would continue the Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland Program at a rate of up to 0.25 mills for 20 years, extending it through 2049. Voters would also decide whether to allow the county to issue up to $250 million in debt backed by that tax to acquire and manage land.
Since its creation in 1999, the program has led to the acquisition of roughly 42,000 acres across more than 100 properties, preserving environmentally sensitive land and expanding public access. A 2005 referendum expanded the program to include neighborhood parkland and authorized additional bonding capacity.
Under the proposed ordinance, the tax rate would remain unchanged, maintaining a dedicated funding stream for land purchases without increasing the levy on property owners.
The bond authorization would give the county flexibility to compete for land where timing and access to capital can determine whether parcels are preserved or developed.
The ballot would present the tax extension and bond authorization as two separate questions. Voters must first approve the continuation of the tax through 2049 for the bonding authority to take effect. If the tax extension fails, the bond question becomes moot.
County staff describes the proposal as a continuation of an existing framework, with adjustments that allow for a broader mix of recreation uses alongside conservation.
If approved, the ordinance would place the referendum on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot.
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