Surtax I - 1989 to 1997
Sarasota County’s infrastructure surtax was first approved by voters in 1989.
Surtax II - 1997 to 2007
The infrastructure surtax was renewed again by voter referendum in 2007.
Surtax III - 2007 to 2024
The current surtax program, Surtax III, has a term of 15 years and will expire on Dec. 31, 2024.
What is an infrastructure surtax?
Under Florida state law, counties may impose a discretionary sales surtax to invest in local infrastructure improvements. Such surtaxes must be approved by a majority of voters in a referendum. In three successive referendums, Sarasota County voters have authorized a 1% sales surtax, on top of the 6% state sales tax, to invest in capital improvement projects for the County, School District and municipalities. The one-cent sales surtax applies to the first $5,000 of any purchase that is subject to the state sales tax. Proceeds from the surtax may only be used to invest in public infrastructure projects such as parks, roads, sidewalks, libraries and schools; it may not be used to pay for general operating expenses.