Sarasota, FL town hall & government
Sarasota spent $250.8 million in the year to September 30, 2024, about $4,371 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Sarasota's government.
Who runs Sarasota
From public records (Open States and Wikidata), which can lag behind an election. If a name is out of date, tell us: when two neighbors agree, it's hidden until the records catch up.
Where Sarasota's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Fees & charges 28%
- Property taxes 19%
- Sales taxes 15%
- Utility sales 10%
- Interest, fines & other 8%
- From the state 7%
- Other taxes & licenses 6%
- From the federal government 4%
- From other local governments 2%
Who works for Sarasota
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Sarasota County School District
Sarasota's K–12 school district, shared with North Port, Venice and Longboat Key. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from Florida districts overall: 55% local, 29% state, 15% federal
- Local 82%
- State 8%
- Federal 10%
Of the $15,458 per pupil, $9,200 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Which schools Sarasota kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Sarasota pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Sarasota's government
Who represents Sarasota
Sarasota is represented in Congress by Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody and Representative W. Gregory Steube. Ron DeSantis is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.