History of the Penny

Florida Botanical Gardens

Weedon Island Preserve

Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge

Since its incorporation in 1912, the population of Pinellas County has seen dramatic growth. The second smallest county in the state, Pinellas also has the highest population density. According to the 2010 Census, the county has grown to a population of 909,013. In response to this growth and as a result of the 1985 state Growth Management Act, Pinellas County completed a Comprehensive Plan in 1989. This long-range plan identified the projects that would be needed to bring county infrastructure up to the established standards and maintain a desired quality of life. However, the improvements that were necessary would come at a price. At the time, all of the infrastructure improvements were paid for with property taxes. A local 1-percent sales tax was proposed as an alternative to raising property taxes, to be earmarked for projects such as roads, flood control, park improvements, preservation of endangered lands and public safety. Voters passed the Original Penny for Pinellas for 1990 to 2000, the First Extension for 2000 to 2010 and the Current Extension for 2010 to 2020.

 

Sales Tax and the Penny

 

The Penny for Pinellas adds a 1-percent county sales tax to the 6-percent statewide sales tax. With approximately 75 percent of all of the funding for infrastructure improvements paid for through the Penny, it is estimated that to fund maintenance and improvements without the Penny, the county would have to increase property taxes by 2 mills. Funding these projects through a sales tax also means that tourists and seasonal residents pay about a third of the total Penny funds. The total that is collected is shared between the county and the separate municipalities. This tax only applies to the first $5,000 of a single purchase, and necessities such as groceries and medications are not taxed at all.

 

 

 

 

 

return to top