Public hearing on non-ad valorem assessments for fire and emergency services.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO USE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTING
NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS
DeSoto County , Florida (the County) hereby provides notice, pursuant to section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, of its intent to use the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments throughout the unincorporated area of the County and the incorporated area of the City of Arcadia to fund the cost of providing fire protection services, facilities, and programs and emergency medical services, facilities, and
programs, commencing with the Fiscal Year beginning on October 1, 2026 and continuing until discontinued by the County. The County will consider the adoption of a resolution electing to use the uniform method of collecting such assessments authorized by section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, at a public hearing to be held at 3:00 p.m. on February 24, 2026, in the DeSoto County Administration Building, 201 East Oak Street, Suite 103, Arcadia, Florida 34266. Such resolution will state the need for the levy and will contain a legal description of the boundaries of the real property subject to the levy. Copies of the proposed form of resolution, which contains the legal description of the real property subject to the levy, are on file at the Office of the County Administrator in the DeSoto County Administration Building located at 201 East Oak Street, Suite 201, Arcadia, Florida 34266 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
In the event any person decides to appeal any decision by the County with respect to any matter relating to the consideration of the resolution at the above-referenced public hearing, a record of the proceeding may be needed and in such an event, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the public hearing is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the County at (863) 993-4800 at least two (2) business days before the hearing. Hearing impaired persons can access the foregoing telephone number by contacting the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8770 (Voice) or 1-800-955-8771 (TDD).
DATED this 15th day of February, 2026.
By Order of:
Mandy Hines, County Administrator
DESOTO COUNTY, FLORIDA
Publish: 02/15/26
400371   3980516