For the past 20 years, a 1% local option sales tax has been collected upon taxable transactions occurring within Charlotte County for the purpose of funding infrastructure. Initially levied in 1994, voters have since approved extensions of sales tax four times. On November 4, 2014, Charlotte County voters approved an additional 6-year extension of the 1% local option sales tax. On November 3, 2020 ballot voters approved 6-year extension of the 1% local options sales tax to fund the projects above. 

The local option sales tax is a discretionary sales tax authorized under Florida law, and must be approved by a majority of the electors voting in a referendum. The revenue and any interest accrued can be used:

• To finance, plan or construct infrastructure;
• To acquire land for public recreation, conservation or protection of natural resources;
• To provide loans, grants or rebates for residential or commercial energy efficient improvements; and
• For economic development projects (up to 15%).

Monies may not be used for operational expenses related to infrastructure. 

Charlotte County receives 89.6% and the City of Punta Gorda receives 10.4% of the funds. This distribution is calculated pursuant to state law and based on population. Currently, the annual revenue from the sales tax is $18 million with the City’s share being approximately $2 million a year. These pennies (over $350,000,000 in total) have provided funding for the quality of life projects throughout our community.  It is anticipated that future sales tax revenue if approved by voters will result in $2.2 to $2.7 million dollars per year. The following are just a few of the major projects that were funded by sales tax over the last two decades:

• Charlotte County Justice Center, Jail and Historic Courthouse
• Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
• Center for Performing Arts at Charlotte High School
• South County Regional Park
• Piper Road, Burnt Store Road and Aqui Esta Roadway Improvements
• Punta Gorda Pathways
• New Public Works/Utilities Campus
• Downtown Flooding Improvements
• City Public Safety Building and Fire Stations on Aqui Esta and Acline Road

The entire list of projects since 1994 is available here.

A Local Option Sales Tax Committee has been established to discuss projects which could be proposed to use sales tax funds to spread the cost of these projects among not only local residents but also seasonal visitors and tourists. Currently the Committee is in the process of reviewing and ranking potential projects. The Committee's agendas, minutes, and meeting video recordings are available on the Meetings page. The schedule to provide proposed projects for consideration by the electorate is available here.

 
City of Punta Gorda Previous 1% Local Option Sales Tax Project List