Departments » Finance Department » Office of Management and Budget

Where Your Tax Dollars Go

Font Size: + -
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

Your tax dollars help fund the services that keep Lauderhill safe, connected, and thriving.

The City of Lauderhill is committed to transparency and accountability. This page shows how your tax dollars are invested across key service areas that support public safety, infrastructure, community programs, and responsible governance. Each category highlights how the City delivers services that enhance quality of life, protect property values, and support a thriving community.

Property taxes fund only a portion of the City’s budget, with additional funding coming from other revenue sources such as fees, utility taxes, and intergovernmental revenues.

 

How your taxes are raised and spent infographic

How Your Taxes Are Raised & Spent FY 2026 Budget

FY 2026 Budget

Section 1: City of Lauderhill Revenues
  • Overview: The total adopted budget of $194.4 million focused on financial sustainability, balancing a significant property tax reduction with service maintenance through internal reorganization and 13 years of continuous property growth.
  • Property Taxes: $34.9 million, accounting for approximately 18% of the total budget.
  • Other Revenue Streams: $159.5 million, accounting for approximately 82% of the total budget. This includes Sales, Utility, Licenses & Permits, Intergovernmental, Grants, Franchise Fees, Charges for Services, Special Assessments (Service Charge), Fines & Forfeitures, Rents & Royalties, Miscellaneous (Interest, Admin Fees, Transfers, Other).

Section 2: Where Your Tax Dollars Go (Per Dollar Breakdown)
  • Public Safety: 44¢
  • General Government: 14¢
  • Debt Service & Obligations: 9¢
  • Recreation, Culture, & Social Services: 8¢
  • Environment & Infrastructure: 5¢
  • Public Works: 5¢
  • Risk Management & Insurance: 4¢
  • Quality of Life & Economic Vitality: 4¢
  • Transportation: 3¢
  • Development Services: 3¢

Section 3: Taxpayer Savings & Millage Reduction Highlights
  • 13 years of Growing Property Values: Property values projected to increase by 11.86% driven by new construction and market growth.
  • $1.00 Tax Rate Reduction: The City has successfully reduced the property tax rate by $1.00 (11.7%) over the last two years to reduce resident tax burden. FY 2026 millage rate dropped from 7.9998 to 7.4998 mills ($0.50).
  • $500,000 Efficiency Savings: Reorganizing staff for park and maintenance eliminated half a million dollars in contract costs.
  • Lower Taxes on an Inflation Adjusted Basis: With a 6.3% reduction in the property tax rate, current property owners will pay less in property taxes when adjusted for the 2025 annual inflation rate.

 

Every dollar you contribute supports essential City services.
Explore the categories below to see how your tax dollars are working for you in the community.

 

Understanding Your Tax Bill

Your property tax bill is based on your property’s taxable value, which may be reduced by exemptions such as the Homestead Exemption and other qualifying exemptions.

While this page shows how tax dollars are used across City services, your individual tax bill may vary based on property value, exemptions, and applicable tax rates.

Property taxes vary based on property value, exemptions, and property type.

Learn More About Your Property Tax Bill

 

Taxpayer Savings Highlight

The City has reduced its property tax rate from 7.9998 mills to 7.4988 mills, helping offset rising property values and reduce the tax burden on residents.

While the tax rate has decreased, individual tax bills may still increase due to rising property values.

 

Protecting & Serving Our Community

Building & Maintaining Our City

Responsible Governance

FAQs

What does “Where Your Tax Dollars Go” mean?
Why do these categories look different from the budget document?
Are these numbers accurate?
Does this change how the budget is managed?
Why do my taxes feel high if this says only 18% comes from property taxes?
Did the City raise taxes?
Why does Public Safety take up so much?
Why is Debt Service included?
Why is Risk Management included?
Why is my tax bill different from my neighbor’s?
How do tax exemptions affect my tax bill?

 

Disclaimer:
The categories shown are presented for transparency and community understanding. They may differ from the City’s formal financial reporting structure. All figures are based on the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 adopted budget.