Oakland Park Is Cutting Taxes Again. Here's What That Means for You

Good news if you own property in Oakland Park: the city is proposing to lower its tax rate for the 12th time in the last 13 years. If commissioners approve it in September, it'll be the lowest rate Oakland Park has set in 18 years.

Since 2014, that steady run of cuts has saved property owners more than $22 million.

How is a city lowering taxes and still growing?

Usually a city cuts rates because it has to tighten its belt. Not here. Oakland Park's property values have climbed for 14 years straight, and this year alone the tax base grew by nearly $70 million from new construction and renovation. More building, more buying, more revenue, even at a lower rate. 

Oakland Park Millage Rate Trend, FY14-FY27

Where your tax dollars are actually going

Next year's $180 million city budget funds things you'd actually notice around town:

The next phase of City Centennial Park
Upgrades at Dewey Hawkins Landing
A new Glenwood Garden
Improvements to Fire Station 87
Road, water, and drainage work throughout the neighborhoods

About half of that is covered by grants and surtax money, not just property taxes.

This follows a run of projects already finished, including the new Oakland Park Library, an upgraded Public Works Complex, and a wave of park improvements. If you've driven through downtown lately, you've probably noticed the difference. It just earned statewide recognition.

Why this matters if you're buying or selling

Buyers almost always ask about property taxes when comparing Oakland Park to Fort Lauderdale or Wilton Manors. A city that keeps lowering rates while still investing in parks and infrastructure is a good sign. It usually means values are healthy and the city is being run well, not just cutting corners to balance a budget.

Want to weigh in?

Three public hearings before it's final, all at City Hall in the Sky Building, 1100 Park Lane East (commission chambers, first floor):

Sept 9, 6:30 p.m.
Sept 14, 6:00 p.m.
Sept 23, 6:30 p.m.