Understanding the Proposed Florida Property Tax Amendment and Potential Impacts to Mosquito Control
A proposed constitutional amendment approved by the Florida Legislature will appear on Florida's November ballot for voter consideration. If approved by at least 60 percent of voters, the amendment would increase Florida's homestead exemption and could affect local government revenues throughout the state.
The Pasco County Mosquito Control District (PCMCD) is committed to providing factual information regarding how mosquito control services are funded and how the proposal could affect mosquito control operations, in accordance with Section 106.113, Florida Statutes.
Our Role
PCMCD is not advocating for or against the amendment.
The decision rests entirely with Florida voters.
Our responsibility is to help residents understand:
- How mosquito control services are funded
- The essential services provided by Mosquito Control Districts in Florida
- The potential operational impacts that may result from changes in property tax revenues
Mosquito Control Is Critical Public Health & Public Safety Infrastructure
Mosquito control is often viewed simply as a nuisance reduction service. In reality, it is a critical component of Florida's public health infrastructure that helps prevent mosquito-borne disease, supports emergency preparedness and disaster recovery, protects agriculture and tourism, and preserves the quality of life that residents and visitors enjoy throughout our state.
Info Sheet Economic Impact_2025Updated.pdfMosquito control is a preventive service. Unlike many government services that respond after a problem occurs, mosquito control works to reduce public health risks before disease outbreaks develop. Continuous surveillance, monitoring, and control efforts help prevent conditions that could otherwise require significantly greater public health and emergency response resources.
For 75 years, PCMCD has protected public health and quality of life in Pasco County through science-based mosquito management and disease prevention programs.
PCMCD provides:
- Disease surveillance and monitoring
- Mosquito population surveillance
- Larval and adult mosquito control operations
- Emergency response and disaster recovery support
- Public education and prevention programs
- Operational research and scientific monitoring activities
Together, these services help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease, support emergency preparedness and post-disaster recovery, protect tourism and outdoor recreation, safeguard workforce productivity, contribute to Florida's agricultural economy, and preserve the quality of life enjoyed throughout Pasco County.
Just as roads, bridges, stormwater systems, and utilities provide the physical infrastructure that allows communities to function, mosquito control provides the public health infrastructure that helps keep Florida's communities healthy, resilient, and economically vibrant. Without sustained mosquito management, increased disease risk and mosquito populations can affect public health, outdoor activities, tourism, agriculture, emergency response, and overall quality of life.
Funding Structure
PCMCD is an independent special district funded almost exclusively through ad valorem property taxes. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, our total ad valorem revenue is $13,134,124.
Unlike many counties and municipalities, mosquito control districts do not have statutory authority to generate revenue through other sources such as utility or impact fees, sales tax, or any other alternative recurring revenue sources.
As a result, changes to property tax policy can have a direct impact on the District's ability to sustain the personnel, equipment, surveillance programs, aircraft, vehicles, laboratories, and operational readiness necessary to provide effective mosquito control services.
Potential Financial Impacts
Because mosquito control relies primarily on recurring property tax revenues, significant reductions in those revenues could affect the District's long-term operational capacity unless alternative funding sources are identified.
Based on estimates provided by the Pasco County Property Appraiser's Office the information below represents the potential financial impact of this proposed amendment:
Phase 1 – Homestead Exemption increase to $150,000
- Approximately $2.7 million annual revenue reduction to PCMCD funding
- Approximately 20% reduction in current operating revenue
Phase 2 – Homestead Exemption increase to $250,000
- Approximately $4.4 million annual revenue reduction to PCMCD funding
- Approximately 33% reduction in current operating revenue
Any future operational decisions would be evaluated by the District's Board of Commissioners based on available funding, community needs, and public health priorities.
75 Years of Protecting Public Health
In 2026, PCMCD celebrates 75 years of service to Pasco County.
Since 1951, the District has protected residents and visitors through provided continuous mosquito surveillance, disease prevention, emergency response, and science-based mosquito management in an effort to protect residents and visitors in Pasco County. For seventy-five years, these services have helped support a healthier, safer, and more resilient Pasco County.
Frequently Asked Question
Is PCMCD telling people how to vote?
No. PCMCD does not advocate for or against ballot initiatives. Our role is to provide factual information regarding mosquito control services, funding sources, and potential operational impacts so residents can make informed decisions.
Learn More
We encourage residents to stay informed and review information from multiple sources as they prepare to participate in the November election.
For questions or additional information, please contact PCMCD at 727-376-4568.
