My oath to the law and the taxpayers of Sarasota County

As your tax collector, when I took the oath of office, I made a solemn commitment to faithfully execute the duties of my office and to uphold the laws of the state of Florida. My oath of office isn't a suggestion, it is a binding promise to every taxpayer that I will follow Florida law, even when it is politically inconvenient.

It does not bend to convenience, public pressure, or political disagreement. It is a promise to the taxpayers I serve and one I intend to keep.

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There is a current dispute regarding the state-mandated commission charged by the Tax Collector’s Office to the School Board. Let me be clear: this is not a new fee, and it is required by law. Unfortunately, much of the public narrative has suggested otherwise, which has only fueled misunderstanding.

For nearly 24 years, the Sarasota County government has been paying the School Board's portion of this fee. This practice originated under a prior tax collector who served for nearly half a century. However, after consulting with highly respected CPAs and legal counsel, it became evident that this arrangement did not align with state law, unless the County Commission voluntarily offered to pay the School Board's share. In a recent County Commission meeting, the board voted unanimously to stop paying the School Board’s portion. Again, this is not a new fee to the Tax Collector’s office, we simply started charging the fee to the School Board instead of the county. 

This is not a matter of opinion or preference; it is a matter of legal obligation.

I fully recognize that there is a difference of opinion on this issue. The Sarasota County School Board believes the county should continue absorbing this cost. I respect their position, even as I disagree with it. In fact, in an effort to avoid unnecessary conflict and expense, I respectfully asked the school district’s superintendent, in person and in writing, to pause any legal action until the Florida attorney general issues an opinion on a nearly identical situation in neighboring Manatee County.

Waiting for the attorney general’s guidance could have provided clarity for all parties and potentially saved Sarasota County taxpayers the cost of litigation. Unfortunately, the school district chose not to wait and took the “lawyer-up” approach that will waste taxpayer money.

That is their right, but I will not break the law or ignore my oath just to avoid disagreement. 

I will continue to follow the law as it is written and if the Florida attorney general or courts ultimately determine a different course of action, I will abide by that decision fully and without hesitation.

This situation could have been resolved more collaboratively and at far less cost. I strongly feel my invitation to pause and wait for the Attorney General’s response was a reasonable request. We are now in a position of expensive litigation that is not in the public’s interest. 

Until then, I remain committed to one guiding principle: the rule of law.

It is not always easy. It is not always popular. But it is always the right thing to do.