Brevard County Advances Plans to Renew Indian River Lagoon Sales Tax

Brevard County commissioners have initiated steps to place a referendum on the November 2026 ballot, seeking voter approval to renew the ½-cent sales tax dedicated to the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program.

 

To gather community input, the Commission has scheduled public workshops at 5 p.m. on Monday, January 5, at Titusville City Hall, and at 5 p.m. on Monday, January 12, at Palm Bay City Hall.

 

"This simply empowers staff to do the due diligence that needs to be done," stated Thad Altman, the newly appointed Commission chairman, emphasizing the importance of public participation.

 

The Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program, established in 2016 through a voter-approved ½-cent sales tax, has been instrumental in funding over 100 projects aimed at reducing pollution and restoring the lagoon's health. The tax is projected to generate approximately $586 million over its 10-year span, with an estimated 20% contributed by visitors through the state's tourist tax.

 

Despite these efforts, the lagoon continues to face significant challenges. Decades of development, excessive fertilization, failing septic systems, and sewage spills have introduced excess nutrients into the water, fueling algae blooms that smother seagrass—an essential component of the lagoon's ecosystem. Restoring the lagoon is estimated to require about $5 billion and 20 years of dedicated work.

 

In recent developments, the City of Melbourne secured over $9 million in grants for lagoon protection projects, including upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities and the installation of baffle boxes to trap pollutants before they enter the lagoon.

 

As the 2026 expiration of the current sales tax approaches, the Commission's proactive steps aim to ensure continued funding for the lagoon's restoration. Community engagement through the upcoming workshops will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this vital environmental initiative.