Ballot
Renewal
This is not a new Tax
This is a renewal of the 2018 voter-approved tax, not a new tax. Funds are dedicated to public school improvements only.
In 2018, Hillsborough County voters approved a one-half cent sales surtax dedicated entirely to school facilities. This November’s Referendum 3 doesn’t create a new tax or raise the rate. It continues the same one-half cent, at the same rate, for the same purpose: safer, better-maintained schools across the county.
$86
Estimated cost per household, per year, less than $8 a month
Exempt
Groceries and prescription drugs are not taxed
First $5K
Large purchases are only taxed on the first $5,000 spent
Why This Vote Can't Wait
It’s the same one-half cent surtax, at the same rate, but timing still matters.
Planning takes years, not months
Facility work — HVAC replacements, roofing, safety upgrades — needs 2 to 3 years of planning, design, and permitting before crews ever break ground.
A late renewal shrinks that runway
If the vote is delayed, the planning window narrows, even though scheduled repairs and upgrades continue to be needed.
Renewing now keeps the work continuous
A yes vote this November keeps projects moving on schedule, with no gap and no restart.
What Students & Families Gain
Safer Schools
Better learning environments for students and teachers
Benefits for families and the county
No increase in the tax rate
What The Ballot Says
Official ballot language as it appears on the 2026 ballot.
REFERENDUM ON ONE-HALF CENT SALES SURTAX FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL AIR CONDITIONING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS.
SHALL A ONE-HALF CENT SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY SALES SURTAX BE CONTINUED FOR A TEN (10) YEAR LEVY BY THE SCHOOL BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2029, TO FUND AIR CONDITIONING REPLACEMENT AND REPAIRS, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND CONSTRUCTION OF OTHER SCHOOLS, BUILDING ENHANCEMENTS FOR SCHOOL SECURITY AND OTHER MAINTENANCE NEEDS?
________ FOR THE ONE-HALF CENT TAX
________ AGAINST THE ONE-HALF CENT TAX