Broward County FY27 Budget Workshop – August 25, 2026

The Broward County Commission held a budget workshop on August 25, 2026, to review the proposed FY27 budgets for Port Everglades, the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) program, the Transportation Capital Program, the Surtax Program, and the General Capital Program. Commissioners discussed revenue trends, capital needs, and policy priorities, and directed staff to provide further analyses on several topics.

Port Everglades Budget Presentation

• Port Director Joe Morris reported that in FY25 the port set all-time records for cruise (4.77 million guests), cargo (1.167 million TEUs), and energy (131.8 million barrels).
• FY26 year-to-date performance is 12% above forecast, driven by cruise (20% increase).
• The recommended FY27 operating budget includes an 11% revenue increase and a 2% expense increase, with total revenues forecast at $100 million from cruise alone for the first time.
• A proposed daily parking rate increase from $20 to $25 is expected to generate $19.1 million in parking revenue.
• The five‑year capital improvement program exceeds $1 billion, with $100 million reserved for the deepening and widening project. The project’s total cost is estimated at $1.35 billion; the port’s share is about 35%.
• Commissioners expressed strong support for the port’s performance but raised concerns about parking availability, especially during peak times and in conjunction with convention center events. Vice Mayor Geller noted that the port has never turned away a cruise guest for parking, but peak periods require creative management. New parking structures are in the pipeline (mid‑port 2,000 spaces, north port 4,500 spaces).
• Commissioner Fisher requested a detailed parking dashboard presentation. Staff will provide updates.
• Discussion on shore power: AECOM design study approved; first shore power expected by 2029.

Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Program

• Senior Budget Analyst Jenna Lyons reviewed the TDT program. FY26 revenues are approximately $135 million (record), boosted by one‑time events (IPW, FIFA, NCAA). FY27 is projected at $126 million, assuming a return to stabilized levels.
• Operating expenditures include $23.4 million for marketing (FY27), $15 million annual arena operating component, and $9.1 million annual debt service for the convention center expansion through 2051.
• Beach capital program receives $7.4 million annually from TDT. Recent segment costs have escalated (Segment 2: $98 million, Segment 3: $65.9 million).
• Commissioner Davis questioned the use of synthetic plants in landscaping, expressing concern about health and consistency with past bond promises for green space. Dr. Rado explained that state law preempts local regulation, but county investments do not use synthetic materials.
• Commissioner Rogers sought information on TDT challenge grants distributed to municipalities. Staff will provide a list of past and current grants.
• Commissioner Eudine praised the growth of TDT revenues over the past decade (from ~$40‑50 million to $135 million). He noted potential headwinds from international visitor declines and a possible El Niño winter.
• Senator Geller raised concerns about a legislative push to broaden TDT uses (e.g., affordable housing). Stacey Ritter, Visit Lauderdale, strongly opposed broadening, arguing it would jeopardize tourism funding and the industry’s support. Senator Geller indicated he would continue to oppose expansion.
• Commissioner Furr suggested using TDT funds for coral restoration and ecotourism. Staff will explore legal nexus.
• Commissioner Davis requested better outreach to municipalities so they feel included in tourism promotion.

Transportation Capital Program (Gas Tax Funded)

• Sunjin Zanker noted that gas tax revenues have declined 7.8% from the FY26 adopted budget due to increasing electric/hybrid vehicles. FY27 revenues are $58.9 million (county portion).
• The five‑year program totals $418.7 million, supporting bridge maintenance (94 bridges), road resurfacing, traffic engineering, transit operations, and public works.
• Commissioner Eudine asked about the possibility of temporarily waiving the local option gas tax to provide relief for residents. Staff will research the legal and fiscal implications, including impacts on municipalities and funded services.
• Commissioner Udine requested a list of the eight planned bridge projects and the schedule for bridge maintenance.

Surtax Program

• The five‑year surtax program totals $2.8 billion, including $1.35 billion for the airport‑seaport connector (estimated $1.5 billion total), $453.2 million for BCR South (contingent on $200 million federal share), and $430.5 million for public works.
• Oversight Board approved all 27 proposed projects on August 14, 2026.
• Commissioner Rogers expressed skepticism about achieving commuter light rail, citing FEC freight priority and political dynamics. He advocated focusing on improved bus service, bus shelters, and overpasses.
• Commissioner Fisher asked about autonomous vehicles. Corey from Broward Transit reported early discussions with Sunrise for a microtransit pilot using autonomous vehicles, funded by grants. Mayor Udine expressed concerns about job losses and liability; staff will return with a detailed analysis of advantages and impacts on taxi/ride-hail industries.
• Commissioner Davis highlighted the need to address sidewalk safety for pedestrians and cyclists, suggesting using interest earnings from the surtax for pilot programs.

General Capital Program

• Elijah Anderson presented the FY27‑31 general capital program, primarily funded by property taxes (FY27: $105.1 million). Key FY27 appropriations include $52.9 million for the Emergency Operations & Communications Center, $24 million for the Broward Cultural Center (completion expected 2028), and $22 million in bonds for the Forensic Science Center cost overrun.
• The program also sets aside $20 million per year for a resiliency plan and $46.7 million for a new parks and recreation headquarters in the out years.
• Commissioner Udine requested an update on the juvenile justice building condition and repairs to the water feature at Central Broward Regional Park. Staff will follow up.
• Commissioner Eudine emphasized the importance of funding parks and libraries, which are heavily used by residents and are not considered core services under the property tax amendment.

Key Outcomes

• Staff will provide a parking dashboard update and presentation to the Tourism Development Council.
• Staff will explore the feasibility and implications of temporarily waiving the local option gas tax.
• Staff will bring back a list of bridge projects and a detailed analysis of autonomous vehicle deployment, including job and liability considerations.
• Staff will investigate using TDT funds for coral restoration and ecotourism, and will provide a list of past TDT grants to municipalities.
• Commissioners directed staff to prioritize long‑term parking solutions and to ensure municipalities are actively engaged with Visit Lauderdale for tourism promotion.
• The board will hold a separate session to discuss the Port Everglades law enforcement feasibility study at a later date.