Buchanan proposal on school-tax fees now law

A proposal that requires county governments to either pay tax-collector fees on school taxes or waive them all together is now Florida law.

The provision, proposed by State Rep. James Buchanan, R-Sarasota, was part of a broader tax package signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis this week. The accommodation addresses, for now, a dispute between Sarasota County Schools and Tax Collector Mike Moran’s office over such a fee, referred to as a commission.

The legislation went into effect July 1 for one year.

“We have an opportunity in this tax package to provide statutory clarity and flexibility so these dollars are used the way voters intended,” Buchanan previously told the Observer. “When it comes to our kids and their education, it’s simply the right thing to do.''

Both Buchanan and State Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, said they expect more comprehensive legislation on the topic will be addressed in the 2027 legislative session.

At issue is a 2% fee charged by Moran’s office on revenue generated by an additional 1-mill school tax approved and renewed several times by Sarasota County voters. In August of 2025, Sarasota County commissioners shifted the responsibility of paying the fee to the School District after more than 20 years. The School District then sued Moran’s office, seeking to claw back the $2 million in fees it said it was owed.

Days after a May County Commission vote to reverse its August shift, $2.1 million was refunded to the School District.

In court documents, the School District has asked for and been granted permission to amend its complaint against the Tax Collector no later than July 20.