Lake County voters appear to have overwhelmingly approved a school property tax referendum that would increase funding for teacher salaries while continuing support for school safety and mental health services.

According to unofficial election results Tuesday evening, 112,718 voters, or 69.26%, supported School Board Resolution 2026-02, compared with 50,019 voters, or 30.74%, who opposed it.

With 88 of 92 participating precincts reporting, the measure held a lead of 62,699 votes. Ballots were still being counted, but the referendum appeared on track to pass.

The measure would renew an existing 0.75-mill property tax levy and increase it to 1 mill for four years, beginning July 1, 2027, and continuing through June 30, 2031.

The additional quarter-mill would be dedicated to recruiting and retaining teachers, while the existing funding would continue supporting school safety and student mental health programs.

What the Tax Increase Means for Homeowners

Under the proposal, property owners would pay an additional $25 annually for every $100,000 in taxable property value.

For a home with a taxable value of $225,000, the increase would amount to approximately $56.25 per year, or $4.69 per month.

The total one-mill tax would equal $225 annually on a property with that taxable value.

The increase applies to taxable property value, which may be lower than a home’s market value because of exemptions and other adjustments.

Where the Money Will Go

Lake County voters first approved the 0.75-mill levy in 2018 and renewed it in 2022. The funding has helped support school resource officers, guardians, nurses, counselors, social workers, mental health programs and alternative education services.

The new referendum would preserve that funding while directing the additional 0.25 mill toward teacher compensation.

Lake County School Board member Tyler Brandeburg says the additional revenue could potentially provide annual teacher bonuses ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on how the funding is distributed.

However, those figures are estimates, not guaranteed payments. Any compensation plan would be subject to negotiations and the applicable approval process.

Addressing Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Supporters of the referendum have pointed to ongoing challenges involving teacher recruitment, retention and school funding.

Brandeburg notes that Lake County ranks near the bottom of Florida’s 67 counties in per-student funding, making it difficult to compete with neighboring districts for educators.

He also highlights declining enrollment, saying the district has lost approximately 2,300 students since 2023, contributing to reductions in staffing allocations.

Supporters argue that the additional revenue will help the district remain competitive in attracting and retaining qualified teachers while maintaining critical student services.

The referendum also provides for independent citizen oversight of how the money is spent. Eligible charter schools would receive a proportionate share of the funding under applicable requirements.

Results Remain Unofficial

The results had not been certified Tuesday evening. If the outcome holds, the renewed one-mill levy will take effect July 1, 2027, and remain in place for four years.

Unofficial election results:

• YES: 112,718 votes — 69.26%
• NO: 50,019 votes — 30.74%
• Total votes reported: 162,737
• Participating precincts reporting: 88 of 92

Lake County Supervisor of Elections, unofficial Nov. 3, 2026, general election results.