Local Politics · Broward County
Broward Schools Sue Tax Collector Over $5.5M in Withheld Referendum Funds
The Broward County School Board and West Park voter James L. Sparks filed a lawsuit on Oct. 8 in Broward Circuit Court against County Tax Collector Abbey Ajayi, alleging her office improperly withheld $5.5 million—2% of the $275 million generated annually—from a 2022 voter-approved referendum funding teacher salaries, safety, security, and mental health services. The tax collector's office, which began independent operations in January 2025, claims the fees are required by statute and says it already disbursed $3.2 million in unplanned revenue interest to offset the dispute. The district faces over $90 million in budget cuts due to enrollment decline and is asking voters to renew the referendum on Nov. 3. This marks the second lawsuit against Ajayi, following a Sept. 30 Broward County Commission suit over more than $8 million owed.