Orange County Backs Off Proposed Sales Tax for Transportation, Conservation

Mayor and commissioners cite affordability concerns, say timing isn't right for ballot measure

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Orange County leaders have decided not to move forward with a proposal to place a new one-cent sales tax on the November 2026 ballot to fund infrastructure, transportation, and conservation projects. Mayor Jerry Demings and Commissioner Mayra Uribe, who is running to replace Demings, both expressed concerns about the timing and affordability of the proposal for residents.

Why it matters

The proposed sales tax would have generated an estimated $757 million in annual revenue, with most of it coming from tourists and businesses rather than local residents. The funds were intended to be used for a variety of projects, including transportation infrastructure, parks, environmental conservation, and affordable housing. However, the county previously faced voter rejection of a similar transportation-focused tax measure in 2022, raising questions about public appetite for new taxes.

The details

Under the proposal, the one-cent sales tax would have been added to every dollar spent on taxable goods in Orange County, with items like groceries and medicine exempt. Of the $757 million in projected annual revenue, $528 million would have gone to the county and $227 million to cities within the county. The county was also considering a half-cent proposal. Commissioners faced a tight timeline to get the measure on the 2026 ballot, and there were concerns about garnering enough public support.

  • In 2022, Orange County voters rejected a penny tax to fund public transportation projects, with 58.3% voting against it.
  • In 2024, Orange County voters overwhelmingly renewed a half-cent tax to support the local school system, with 72% voting in favor.

The players

Jerry Demings

The Democratic mayor of Orange County who is running for Florida governor this year.

Mayra Uribe

An Orange County commissioner who is running to replace Demings as county mayor this fall.

Kelly Martinez Semrad

A newer Orange County commissioner elected in 2024 who suggested using tourist development tax revenue to fund infrastructure and transportation projects instead.

Nicole Wilson

An Orange County commissioner who advocated for moving forward with the infrastructure surtax proposal, even if it was reduced to a half-cent.

Cynthia Harris

A community activist and repeat candidate for local elected office who spoke out against the proposed tax during public testimony.

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What they’re saying

“I just don't know if the timing is right or the transparency is really at the level to get the buy-in from the public.”

— Mayra Uribe, Orange County Commissioner (orlandoweekly.com)

“By asking for taxes, I feel that you're not respecting the working dollar. Families are stretching their budgets, and I think that government should stretch their dollars as well.”

— Cynthia Harris, Community Activist (orlandoweekly.com)

What’s next

Demings proposed that county commissioners could potentially consider a similar proposal for the 2028 election cycle, once he is out of county office.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the challenges local governments face in trying to generate new revenue for infrastructure and conservation projects, even when a significant portion of the funding would come from tourists and businesses. The county's previous failed transportation tax measure and concerns about affordability for residents suggest the need for a carefully crafted proposal and public engagement to build support.