This November, voters in Hillsborough County will vote to keep the Half-Penny Promise made in 2018. This referendum renewal is a vote to invest in school facilities, safety and technology and ensures that our students and teachers have stronger schools and greater opportunities.
Renewal
This is not a new tax
Referendum 3 doesn’t create a new tax. It renews the same one-half cent surtax voters approved in 2018, at the same rate, for the same purpose. But timing matters: facility planning takes years, and a delayed vote creates a real gap for schools. That’s why it’s on the ballot this November.
What the 2018 Tax Has Built
Since 2019, the one-half cent sales tax has delivered real, measurable results, improving every school in the district while keeping dollars local and accountable.
$1.5b
Dollars collected and invested in Hillsborough County schools since 2019.
1,088+
Projects completed ensuring that each school received at least $500,000 in upgrades and improvements
205+
Projects in process to be completed before the end of 2028
25%
Of the dollars collected are from tourists visiting Hillsborough County
$800M+
Awarded to local businesses, keeping tax dollars working right here in Hillsborough County
25%
Of the dollars collected are from tourists visiting Hillsborough County.
Transparency & Accountability
Every Dollar Tracked and Public
Every dollar collected is tracked by an independent Citizen Oversight Committee, six citizens with no affiliation to the school district and no financial stake in any funded project. Referendum finances are independently audited and publicly reported, so the community always knows where the money goes.
Citizen Oversight Committee
Audited & Reported
Public Records
Promises Kept
What the Last Vote Built
Renewing the one-half cent sales tax keeps the Half-Penny Promise alive, ensuring every student and teacher has safe, modern schools for years to come. Each completed project, each one underway, and each one planned for the next decade is a commitment to the infrastructure our community deserves.
Community Support
Endorsements
Our community’s leaders, organizations, and businesses stand united in support of renewing the one-half-cent sales tax because they’ve seen what it delivers for our students, our schools, and our future.
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Questions About The Referendum?
We’re here to answer them. Visit our FAQ page for everything you need to know about the one-half cent sales tax and how you can support the Half-Penny Promise this November.
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In The News
Our community’s leaders, organizations, and businesses stand united in support of renewing the one-half-cent sales tax because they’ve seen what it delivers for our students, our schools, and our future.
Get Updates
Stay connected! As we work to keep the Half-Penny Promise for Hillsborough County students and schools, we need you to help share our message.
- Stay informed as the November vote approaches
- Find out ways that you can support the Half-Penny Promise
- Pledge to keep the Half-Penny Promise