FAQs
How are the lakes in Orange County managed?
Orange County does not have general tax funds allocated for aquatic plant or lake management. Self-imposed taxing districts (MSTU/MSBU) can be formed as a funding mechanism for lake management services, such as invasive aquatic plant management. Property owners within these units pay for services that benefit their particular area. Residents can work with Orange County to form an MSTU or MSBU for funding lake management activities. An MSTU is a Municipal Service Taxing Unit based on ad valorem (value) taxes using a millage rate; property owners pay different rates based on their property value. An MSBU is a Municipal Service Benefit Unit based on non-ad valorem (non-value) assessments using a flat rate; property owners pay the same rate or fee. The funds are collected on each property owner’s property tax bill annually. These funds are placed into an account that is overseen by Orange County and can be used only for the management of the lake, as described in the applicable resolution.
Contact us at Lakes@ocfl.net for more information about establishing an MSTU/MSBU.