The Brief

SANFORD, Fla. - Seminole County drivers and utility customers will see higher bills next year after county commissioners approved tax increases on Tuesday aimed at closing a $34 million budget deficit.

What we know:

The Seminole County Commission voted 4-1 on Tuesday to approve two tax increases starting Jan. 1, 2026. The local gas tax will rise by 5 cents per gallon to 12 cents, putting it in line with Osceola and Volusia counties but double Orange County’s rate.

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Commissioners also approved increasing the public service tax rate in unincorporated areas from 4% to 10%, which will add about $9 per month to customers’ utility bills. The measures are designed to close a $34 million budget deficit.

The backstory:

Commissioners said gas

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