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.
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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.
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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