Major software modernization plus streamlined DMV/tax processing reported to be delivering ‘unprecedented operational efficiencies to support municipal partners amid Amendment 3 restructuring’
Following the official financial closeout for the 2026 fiscal year — which ended on Sept. 30 — Sarasota County Tax Collector Mike Moran announced on Nov. 6 that his office is returning $18,982,803 in excess fees and unspent operational funds to local taxing authorities.
“This surplus remittance surpasses budget projections by $873,837, while internal operational expenditures closed $777,714 under budget,” a Tax Collector’s Office news release pointed out.
Pursuant to Section 218.36 of Florida Statutes and Rule 12D-11.008 of the Florida Administrative Code, the release explained, “the unspent revenues will be remitted proportionately to the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners and respective local taxing authorities, ensuring public tax dollars directly benefit the residents of Sarasota County.”
Further, the release noted, “The substantial return comes at a pivotal moment as local municipal partners navigate fiscal shifts and organizational adjustments resulting from the passage of Amendment 3.” That Florida constitutional amendment won support of approximately 62% of the state’s voters marking their Nov. 3 General Election ballots in favor of it, as The Sarasota News Leader has reported. It needed to meet the 60% threshold to go into effect.
“By maintaining high-efficiency motor vehicle (DMV) services, tag and title administration, and property tax collection workflows, the Tax Collector’s Office ensures sustained budgetary relief and financial predictability for local government partners,” the Nov. 6 news release continued.
“Our new leadership team remains dedicated to disciplined financial stewardship, transparency, and operational excellence,” said Moran in the release. “Returning nearly $19 million in excess fees demonstrates that investing in cutting-edge modernization and practicing rigorous fiscal restraint can happen simultaneously,” he added.
During a July 7 presentation to the County Commission about his 2027 fiscal year budget, Moran presented a slide showing that he expected his office’s excess revenue for the 2026 fiscal year to be $18,108,966, with a projected figure of $15,876,169 for the 2027 fiscal year.
“We are completely self-sustaining,” Moran stressed that day. However, he told the board members, “We are not allowed to keep any reserves whatsoever.” That is why his office ends up giving the “excess” to the county, Moran said.
“In a perfect world,” Moran pointed out to them, no “excess” would exist. “You should collect the appropriate amount of fees to carry out the functions …”
In response to a News Leader inquiry this week about how much of the “excess” money went to county government, the county’s Office of Financial Management responded in a Nov. 12 email:
“The Tax Collector’s office received $29,110,423 from taxing authorities and $6,629,006 from other commissions/fees, for a total of $35,739,429; they spent $16,756,626; and are now ‘returning’ $18,982,803 back to the districts. Sarasota County’s portion of this return (after paying interest and the [Sarasota County] School Board’s commission) is $14,372,439. Of which, $8,800,663 is General Fund [money] and the remainder is related to the respective districts.”
The General Fund is the primary repository of property tax revenue. It pays for the operations of county departments and those of the constitutional officers — such as the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office — that generate little or no revenue on their own.