• More than 35% is paid by tourists and part-time residents
• Provides a revenue source other than a property tax
• Necessities, such as groceries and medicines are not taxed
• Only the first $5,000 on any single purchase (such as a car) is taxed
• Improved roads, reduced flooding, increased safety, and enjoyable parks – all for about 22¢ per person per day
• It’s equitable – everyone pays their fair share of preserving, protecting, and improving our community
• Revenues from the Penny are restricted to capital improvement projects

The Penny for Pinellas is the one-cent additional local government option sales tax on sales pursuant to Section 212.055(2), Florida Statutes. The local option sales tax piggybacks the state sales tax and applies to all sales, use, services, rentals, admissions and other authorized transactions. In addition, the tax is not subject to any sales amount above $5,000. Proceeds from the local option sales tax can only be used for capital projects. Pursuant to interlocal agreements for the Original Penny for Pinellas (1990-2000) and the Extended Penny for Pinellas (2000-2010), the amount of revenue collected from the tax is distributed based on population within the cities and unincorporated area after $80 million, from both the Original and Extended Penny, is allocated for criminal courts and jail facilities. The Penny for Pinellas constitutes the major revenue source for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Prior to the adoption of the Penny for Pinellas, the property tax levy was the primary funding source for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). During the 1980’s, millage rates ranging from 0.500 mill to 2.091 mills were levied annually to provide the capital funding needs of the County. The Penny for Pinellas provided for property tax relief, as the Penny replaced property tax as the primary capital funding source. Approximately 40% of the Penny for Pinellas is paid by visitors and seasonal residents.

View Penny for Pinellas Overview video