Seminole County to vote on increased gas and utility taxes next week

Gas could get more expensive in Seminole County in 2026 if a proposed tax vote goes through next week.

The Seminole County Commission meets next Tuesday, Aug. 12 starting at 9:30 a.m. Two tax increases are on the agenda.

One is to levy a 5 cents per gallon Local Option Fuel Tax, starting in 2026. And the other is to increase the utility tax surcharge from 4% to the maximum of 10%.

Seminole County is facing a $35 million deficit this coming budget year, and will also likely vote in September to increase its property tax rate.

A Wawa and a 10,000-square-foot daycare

Separately, the Winter Springs Planning and Zoning Board meets Aug. 7, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

That board will consider plans for a Wawa gas station at Tuskawilla Boulevard and State Road 434. There’s also a separate vote on a parcel to add parking for that project.

*The Winter Springs Planning and Zoning Board will consider plans for a daycare in the Winter Springs Town Center this week.*

The Winter Springs Planning and Zoning Board will also discuss The Learning Center, a 10,000-square-foot daycare at State Road 434 and Michael Blake Boulevard. That project is part of a controversial debate over whether the developer should pay about $250,000 in arbor fees to clear the land.

Want to contact your elected leaders and weigh in on this topic? Find the Seminole County Commission contact information here. Find the Winter Springs Planning and Zoning Board here. Have a news tip or opinion to share with OCN? Do that here.

Abe Aboraya is a Report for America Corps Member