Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is calling on Miami-Dade County leaders to reduce spending and provide tax relief to residents after identifying more than $470 million in what he described as excessive and wasteful spending in the county’s proposed 2025-2026 budget.
The findings were released Wednesday by the Florida Agency of Fiscal Oversight (FAFO), which reviewed Miami-Dade County’s finances as part of a broader effort to identify government spending that could be reduced without impacting essential public services.
According to Ingoglia, Miami-Dade County’s proposed budget includes approximately $470 million in spending that taxpayers should not be required to fund.
“In Fiscal Year 2025-2026 alone, Miami-Dade County excessively and wastefully spent $470 million in taxpayer funds and over the last three years they have excessively and wastefully spent more than $800 million, showing that local governments won’t stop spending unless they are forced to,” Ingoglia said.
“That is why property tax reform is necessary, and the voters have the opportunity to vote on it in November. Let’s make Florida more affordable.”
More Than $800 Million Identified Over Three Years
According to the report, Miami-Dade County has accumulated more than $807 million in excessive spending over the last three fiscal years.
The review found that while Miami-Dade’s population increased by approximately 154,000 residents, representing growth of 5.72%, county spending increased by more than $1.07 billion during the same period.
FAFO analysts argued that spending growth significantly outpaced population growth, raising concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability and taxpayer burden.
Potential Tax Savings for Homeowners
The report suggests Miami-Dade County could reduce its property tax millage rate by 0.83 mills without affecting fundamental government services.
If implemented, homeowners could see meaningful annual savings:
- A home with a taxable value of $500,000 could save approximately $413 annually.
- A home with a taxable value of $600,000 could save approximately $496 annually.
- A home with a taxable value of $700,000 could save approximately $579 annually.
The findings are likely to add fuel to Florida’s growing debate over property taxes and local government spending.
Tax Reform Remains Top Political Issue
Property taxes have emerged as one of the most significant political issues facing Florida homeowners heading into the 2026 election cycle.
State leaders have increasingly argued that local governments should reduce spending before asking taxpayers for additional revenue.
Ingoglia has made fiscal accountability a central focus of his tenure as Chief Financial Officer, repeatedly highlighting local government budgets across Florida.
According to his office, more than $3.1 billion in excessive spending has been identified statewide through oversight efforts.
Support from Taxpayer Advocacy Groups
The findings were praised by taxpayer advocacy organization Americans for Prosperity.
“Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for continuing the fight for Florida’s taxpayers and bringing transparency to the citizens of Miami-Dade County,” said Greg Ungru of Americans for Prosperity.
“We must ensure that our local officials remain fiscally responsible and good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
Why It Matters
The debate over government spending and property tax relief is expected to remain front and center in Florida politics. As housing costs and insurance premiums continue placing pressure on families, state leaders are increasingly scrutinizing local government budgets and arguing that spending reductions could provide meaningful financial relief to homeowners.
