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Cents & Sensibility Chapter 4: Unfunded Mandates

Published on 10/25/2025
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Last updated: 10/25/2025 6:00 PM

​​With all the discussions happening across Florida about local government budgets, Alachua County is joining the conversation through this series: Cents & Sensibility: Alachua County’s Budget in Eight Chapters.

Chapter 4: Unfunded Mandates

An unfunded mandate occurs when the state or federal government requires counties to provide certain programs or services but doesn't provide enough, or any, funding to pay for them. These unfunded mandates quietly drain millions from Alachua County's general fund. Property taxes are the largest component of the general fund. Each year, these mandates limit counties' ability to use locally raised revenues for locally originated programs and services. For residents, that can mean fewer community programs, service reductions, and higher taxes. 

Read Chapter 4: Unfunded Mandates in full

Catch up on previous chapters
Read Chapter 3: Understanding Property Taxes 
Read Chapter 2: What is the General Fund
Read Chapter 1: How You Shape the County Budget

For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or msexton@alachuacounty.us

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