SARASOTA COUNTY - Sarasota County invites the public to learn about updated fire assessment proposed rates for Fiscal Year 2026. 

To meet the growing demand for fire services to both residential and non-residential areas, the county continually seeks to enhance the level of emergency services provided by the fire department. Each year, fire assessment rates are reviewed as part of the budgetary process to ensure adequate funding for fire protection services in our community. Following a comprehensive review of service delivery, the fire department’s proposed 2026 budget includes several public safety enhancements recommendations such as:

• Adding 17 firefighters to the department for the continued initiative of three-person staffing on four fire engines.
• Increased costs for personnel, supplies, equipment and services.
• Maintain critical financial reserves.
• Construction of Fire Station 7 (Lakewood Ranch and Waterside).
• Capital improvement funding for projects at existing fire stations.

To support these public safety enhancements, the fire department recommends the increase of fire assessments rates to approximately: 

• $2.81 per month for an average 2,500 square-foot home.
• $3.25 per month for an average 1,600 square-foot multi-family residence.
• $28.42 per month for an average 10,000 square-foot non-residential building.

Residents are encouraged to attend any or all of the following meetings to learn more about the changes to fire assessment rates, understand the methodology used, provide comments, or ask questions. These one-hour meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m., on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Aug. 19, Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd Sarasota.
• Wednesday, Aug. 20, Sarasota County Fire Station 23, 1930 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis.
• Monday, Aug. 25, Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave Sarasota.

Fire assessments are the primary funding source for fire protection services in unincorporated areas of Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota. These fees are based on the square footage of a building and are charged against real property.

The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners will vote on the final fire assessment rates for Fiscal Year 2026 on Sept. 10, 2025.

For more information, call 311 or visit scgov.net/firefees.