- Port St. Lucie City Council cut the city property tax rate for the 11th year in a row.
- The millage rate drops from 4.9750 to 4.8750 for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1.
- The vote came with a $971.6 million city budget in Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County.
The Port St. Lucie City Council voted unanimously to lower the city’s property tax rate for the 11th straight year. The millage rate falls from 4.9750 to 4.8750 for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which began Oct. 1.
Council members made the decision Monday, Sept. 28, when they formally adopted the city’s $971.6 million budget. The budget covers both operating and capital funds. The new rate took effect Thursday, Oct. 1.
How the Millage Rate Works for Homeowners
A millage rate is the amount of tax charged for every $1,000 of taxable property value. The drop of 0.1 mill means the city charges 10 cents less per $1,000 of taxable value. As an example, a home with $300,000 in taxable value would see a $30 difference from the city rate alone. Actual bills depend on each property’s taxable value and on rates set by other local taxing bodies.
City officials said the yearly cuts have saved the average homeowner nearly $2,000 over the past decade. That figure comes from the city. The report did not explain how officials calculated it.
A Decade of Lower Rates in Port St. Lucie
The City of Port St. Lucie has cut its millage rate by 25% since 2016. City officials said that gives Port St. Lucie the third-lowest municipal tax rate among the 20 largest cities in Florida.
Mayor Shannon M. Martin said the city aims to provide the services residents value most while handling tax money responsibly. She said a measured approach to lowering rates has let the city keep up with the needs of a growing community.
Growth and Spending Needs in St. Lucie County
The tax cuts come as the city keeps growing. Officials said more than 60,000 new residents have moved to Port St. Lucie since 2020. That growth requires major spending on roads, drainage systems, utilities and public safety services.
City leaders describe their approach as careful financial planning. They say it lets the city support a fast-growing population without placing a heavier burden on current property owners. The budget covers services for a population that has grown sharply in recent years. Those are the city’s own statements, and the report did not include an outside review of them.
Port St. Lucie is the largest city in St. Lucie County. Residents who want to follow future budget and tax decisions can find more local coverage on the Port St. Lucie news page.
The fiscal year 2026-27 budget totals $971.6 million. City officials said they remain committed to keeping property tax rates low while they fund services for the growing community.
This report is based on information from WPTV and the City of Port St. Lucie.
