News Summary
Orlando is set for an audit by Florida’s Department of Governmental Efficiency, driven by rising property taxes and spending practices. Scheduled for August 11 and 12, this audit will assess spending on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, as well as environmental policies. Despite not increasing tax rates, Orlando’s budget has grown significantly due to rising property values. The audit aims to promote fiscal accountability and transparency in public fund management.
Orlando is set to undergo an audit by Florida’s Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), a move prompted by rising property taxes and spending practices. The audit will take place at City Hall on August 11 and 12, as announced in a letter to Mayor Buddy Dyer dated July 30. This scrutiny comes as concerns mount over the management of public funds amid soaring property tax collections which have increased by over $120 million, representing a 55% rise from 2020 to 2025, significantly outpacing inflation and population growth.
The audit specifically aims to investigate spending related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as well as “Green New Deal” policies that have been prioritized by the city. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ingoglia, along with Governor Ron DeSantis, advocates for local government audits to identify potential waste and mismanagement of taxpayer money. Mayor Dyer has expressed the city’s commitment to cooperate fully with the audit and to showcase responsible financial management practices.
In its investigative efforts, DOGE is seeking information on approximately 50 items connected to various city departments, including the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Hispanic Office of Local Assistance. The evaluation also aims to cover the city’s funding for homeless services through programs like Accelerate Orlando, which was established with around $58 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to tackle issues of affordable housing and homelessness.
Orlando’s Clean Energy policies, which have been a central focus since 2003, aim for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, with a long-term goal of operating solely on clean and renewable energy by 2050. These initiatives reflect an investment in environmentally sustainable practices within the community. Several city facilities, including City Hall and various fire stations and police headquarters, have incorporated solar energy usage as part of these efforts.
Despite not increasing property tax rates, Orlando’s budget has experienced substantial growth due to the rising property values, translating into higher tax revenues. For the 12th consecutive year, Orlando proposed maintaining a tax rate of $6.65 per $1,000 of taxable value. The proposed budget for the current fiscal year stands at approximately $1.8 billion, which includes allocations for expanding police and fire personnel as well as enhancing services across the city.
While ten cities and counties in Florida are contemplating raising tax rates due to escalating police, fire, and construction costs amid inflation, Orlando aims to demonstrate a shift in budgeting culture. Mayor Dyer has emphasized a conservative approach to spending, advising departments to return any unused budget allocations as a means to maintain fiscal discipline.
This audit is part of a wider effort by state officials to promote property tax reform, prompted by previous audits indicating significant growth in local government budgets attributable to COVID-era funding. The growing scrutiny reflects a heightened awareness and demand for more accountability in how public funds are managed and utilized.
As the situation develops, more updates regarding the outcomes of the audit and any resultant changes to Orlando’s financial practices can be anticipated.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: Florida DOGE Audit
- Wikipedia: Orlando
- Click Orlando: Orlando DOGE Audit
- Google Search: Orlando government spending
- Orlando Weekly: Visit Orlando Audit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- Fox 35 Orlando: Orange County Audit
- Google News: Orlando property taxes
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
