El impuesto sobre las ventas de un centavo
On Nov. 8, 2022, Sarasota County residents will decide whether to extend the one-cent infrastructure sales tax that has been in place since 1989.
Cómo funciona el impuesto al centavo
Según la ley del estado de Florida, los condados pueden imponer un recargo de ventas discrecional para invertir en mejoras de la comunidad local. Debe ser aprobado por la mayoría de votantes en referéndum. En tres referendos sucesivos, los votantes del condado de Sarasota han autorizado una sobretasa del 1% sobre las ventas, además del impuesto estatal sobre las ventas del 6%, para invertir en proyectos de mejora de capital para el condado, el distrito escolar y los municipios.
Este 1%, o impuesto sobre las ventas de un centavo, solo se aplica a los primeros $ 5,000 * de cualquier compra que esté sujeta al impuesto estatal sobre las ventas (máximo de $ 50).
Una cuarta parte de los ingresos se asigna al distrito escolar. El 75% restante se distribuye entre el condado y los municipios en función de la población.
Los ingresos solo se pueden utilizar para invertir en proyectos públicos como parques, carreteras, aceras, bibliotecas y escuelas; no se pueden utilizar para pagar los gastos generales de funcionamiento.
Próximas reuniones públicas y talleres
Frequently asked questions
What is an infrastructure surtax?
A voter-approved one percent sales tax used to invest in local infrastructure improvements, such as public safety, roads, sidewalks, parks, libraries and schools. Proceeds may not be used to pay for operating expenses.
Is this a new tax?
No, it is an extension on the current penny sales tax that funds capital improvement program projects, such as new roads and schools. A substantial portion is generated by non-residents. Visitors to our are contribute more than 20% of this sales tax.
What does this tax apply to?
The one-cent sales surtax applies to the first $5,000 of any purchase that is subject to the state sales tax.
How long has Sarasota County had an infrastructure sales surtax?
In 1989, Sarasota County voters first authorized the one percent sales tax and have extended it twice since then, in 1997 and 2007.
How is the infrastructure sales tax used?
Every penny collected goes toward infrastructure improvements in the county. One-quarter of the revenue is allocated to the Sarasota County School District. The remaining 75% is distributed among Sarasota County, the cities of North Port, Sarasota and Venice, and the Town of Longboat Key, based on population.
When does the current surtax expire?
The current tax will expire Dec. 31, 2024.
If a continuation is approved, how long will this tax be in effect?
Sarasota County voters will have an opportunity in November 2022 to continue the tax for another 15 years, from 2025-2039.
How is a sales tax different from a property tax?
Property taxes (ad valorem) are assessed based on property ownership. Sales taxes are generated from monetary transactions/purchases made in Sarasota County. Tourists and visitors to Sarasota County help support county infrastructure services through a sales tax.
Are there items exempt from the sales tax?
Yes. There are a number of exemptions, including groceries and prescription drugs. For a full listing, view Florida Statute 212.08 at https://bit.ly/3x0TOvZ.
Can revenue from the surtax be used to fund operating expenses such as staff?
No. The revenue can be used to build a library, for example, but cannot be used to pay for operating or maintaining the library, or for library staff.
Will the project list be permanent, or can it change?
The project list may change over time. If surtax revenues vary significantly from the forecast, or if community priorities change, the project list may be amended. Any changes would be preceded by a public hearing and vote by elected officials.
Who gets to vote for the surtax?
All registered voters in Sarasota County will have the opportunity to vote for the surtax extension in the 2022 general election.
Who decides on the projects that are built from surtax funding?
The elected bodies of Sarasota County Government, municipalities and School Board will decide the list of projects based on feedback from staff and the community. Changes to the program and all expenditures are reviewed annually by a citizen oversight committee.
What future projects will these tax dollars fund?
A list of potential projects is currently in development and will be posted on sarasotacountysurtax.net. The official list of projects approved by the elected bodies will be posted on the website by April 2022.
Can the public provide input on projects?
Yes. Find times, dates and locations for public meetings and workshops at sarasotacountysurtax.net (Calendar & Resources).
Surtax History