FAQs / Resources
Property tax values (an important part of what funds county services, including public safety) declined by 38% after fiscal year 2007-08, and the commission held the millage rate flat to prevent an increase in residents’ property taxes during the recession.
The county commission voted to place the sales tax option on the ballot as a means of addressing a backlog of public safety and transportation projects that accumulated during our community’s economic downturn during the Great Recession of 2008.
The sales tax would be the most equitable funding source, as an estimated 30% of the tax would be paid for by visitors, helping to pay for the road and public safety resources they use while in the county.
Questions
Q: What’s the difference between property taxes and a sales tax?
Property taxes are paid only by property owners.
A sales tax is paid for by everyone; residents and visitors alike.
Q: Why was the Penny Sales Tax established?
A: The county commission voted to place the sales tax option on the ballot as a means of addressing a backlog of public safety and transportation projects that accumulated during our community’s economic downturn.
Q: When was the Penny Sales Tax established?
A: The sales tax option is on the 2016 presidential primary ballot. All registered county voters, regardless of party/no-party affiliation were eligible to vote on this referendum.
Q: How were needs prioritized?
A: The county commission held a series of public workshops and hearings beginning in 2015 to communicate the purpose of the initiative prior to the 2015 presidential primary ballot. Each agency/municipality presented its list of most pressing needs. Priorities were identified based on areas of critical need.
Q: Can the sales tax pay for staff salary increases and operational expenses?
A: No. Per Florida Statute 212.055(2), the sales tax cannot pay for staff raises and operations. The tax can only pay for one-time purchases using one-time money.
Q: How much has been collected so far?
The Penny Sales Tax began collecting revenues in January 2017 after voters approved the referendum via the 2016 presidential primary ballot.
2016-17 - $ 25,710,753.38
2017-18 - $ 40,791,198.92
2018-19 - $ 42,537,298.26
2019-20 - $ 44,270,007.45
2020-21 - $ 52,561,047.37
2021-22 - $ 62,671,512.76
2022-23 - $ 65,962,613.03