FAQ
What is the millage referendum?
Polk County Public Schools is asking voters to approve a 1.0 mill ad valorem property tax increase on the November ballot. If passed, the funding would support teacher and staff compensation, school safety, fine arts, workforce development, early childhood education, and athletics. It lasts four years and is monitored by an independent citizens’ oversight committee.
What is the ballot language?
In order to recruit and retain teachers and educational support staff; enhance school safety; and support career and technical education, fine and performing arts, and early learning programs, shall the School District of Polk County, Florida, levy an additional one mill in ad valorem property taxes each year for four years, with proceeds shared with charter schools as required by law and monitored by an independent citizens’ oversight committee.
What are the millage's effective dates?
A 4-year increase from July 1st, 2027 – June 30th, 2031.
How much will this cost me?
About $17 per month for the average Polk County homeowner. That comes out to roughly $200 per year.
How much does the referendum generate?
An increase of 1 mill is projected to generate approximately $76–$82 million annually.
Where does the money go?
80% goes directly to additional compensation for all school-based employees. The remaining 20% funds school safety and security, fine and performing arts, workforce development and career-technical education, early childhood education, and athletics.
Who receives the compensation funds?
The funds are not limited to classroom teachers. Compensation goes to all school-based and school-related employees, including teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers and transportation staff, counselors, social workers, school safety personnel, custodial and cafeteria staff, facilities and maintenance staff, and school administrators.
Why do teachers need a raise?
Florida’s teacher and support staff pay ranks among the lowest in the country, and Polk County sits below the state average. Polk’s starting teacher salary is $47,500 per year. The average salary after a full career is $51,613. Compare that to other large Florida counties:
District
Starting Salary
Avg Salary
Broward
$51,402
$58,813
Miami-Dade
$50,050
$57,395
Duval
$48,700
$56,364
Hillsborough
$48,000
$59,163
Orange
$49,475
$59,309
Palm Beach
$53,000
$61,847
Polk
$47,500
$51,613
Polk is not just behind the state average. It is the lowest average salary in the Big 7 by a significant margin. The district is losing staff to surrounding counties and to the private sector, and the gap will keep widening without action.
Is Polk County unusual for not having this already?
Yes. Every other large Florida county already has a dedicated education millage. Hillsborough passed theirs in 2024. Orange and Palm Beach have had one since 2022. Broward and Miami-Dade as well. Duval too. Polk is the only one in the Big 7 that does not.
What about the proposed state property tax changes?
Florida is considering raising the homestead exemption from $25,000 to $250,000. If that passes, most Polk County homeowners would see their overall property tax bill drop meaningfully. Voting yes on the millage would put a small portion of those savings back into local schools. For most homeowners, the net effect would still be a reduction in what they pay overall.
How long does the millage last?
Four years. Voters would then decide whether to renew it.
Who is running this campaign?
This is a citizen-led effort under Citizens for Quality Education Polk, Inc. Legislation passed in 2025 prohibits Florida school districts from advocating for referendums on their own behalf. These citizens represent parents, community and business leaders who are advocating in the best interest of Polk County Public Schools for teachers, employees and students, as well as safe learning environments.
What can I do?
Vote yes in November. If you want to do more – donate, display a yard sign, and/or share what you know with who you know. If you are a teacher or school employee, your personal/professional experience will compel voters to clearly understand the need. Firsthand accounts matter from trustworthy people. Sharing your story with a neighbor or coworker before Election Day may inspire a yes vote more than you might think.