Fire-Rescue Funding

Funding for Escambia County’s fire service is provided through a fire protection Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU). An MSBU is an assessment on property that receives a special benefit such as fire protection. Each private dwelling unit within the unincorporated area of Escambia County is assessed an MSBU fee of $50 annually. Commercial property is assessed based on the square footage of the business at .0248 cents per square foot. In addition, agricultural property is assessed at $10.83 per parcel, and .03 cents per acre over the first acre. The current assessment generates approximately $5,400,000 per year in revenue and is collected through the County Tax Collector’s Office.

All revenue generated by the MSBU must be used exclusively for fire-rescue services. This includes operating expenses for fuel, oil, station utilities, office supplies, personal protective equipment, fire trucks, fire stations, and other fire fighting tools and equipment. In addition, the fire protection MSBU provides funding for salaries and benefits of forty (40) career daytime firefighters and five (5) support personnel.

When compared to other counties in Florida, Escambia County’s fees for fire protection are more than amiable. For example, Polk and Marion Counties are of comparable population and property valuations when compared to Escambia County. However, Polk County residents pay $70 per year for residential occupancies and commercial assessments range from $64 to $3,225 for fire protection. Marion County residents pay $72 for residential occupancies under 2000 square feet, and assessments begin at $144 per year for commercial occupancies.

The Escambia County Fire Chief and the Executive Committee of the Volunteer Firefighters Association work together closely to effectively allocate funds for the operation of sixteen (16) fire districts throughout Escambia County, as well as distribute funds for fire service capital improvements. The entire budgeting process is done under the auspices of the Board of County Commissioners.