Half Cent
Investing in Our Students, Together
The half-cent sales tax has provided a reliable, transparent way to invest in Leon County’s public schools—funding critical improvements like safer campuses, modern classrooms, and essential facility upgrades at every school. Because the tax is dedicated to capital projects, it protects classroom dollars for teachers and students while ensuring buildings are maintained without shifting the burden to property taxes. Visitors and commuters help share the cost, making it one of the most efficient and fair ways to support local schools.
Half Penny Revenue Data
Safety, modernization, and competitiveness.
$400 Million
Half Penny Revenue 2012-2027
70,000+
Indivudual LCS Students Impacted 2012-2027
$1.1 Billion
Estimated Capital Expenses 2028-2043
-$620 Million
Deficit if Half Penny is NOT RENEWED
35 Years
Average Age of LCS Buildings
44
School Campuses
September 2026
Members of the community are invited to attend any of the upcoming public information meetings to learn about and discuss the proposed 1/2-cent sales tax referendum appearing on the ballot Tuesday, November 3, 2026. These sessions offer residents an opportunity to receive detailed information on how the proposed local option sales tax would be implemented, the specific public projects and infrastructure improvements it would fund, and the financial accountability measures attached to the revenue. Following a presentation by school district leadership, attendees will have a dedicated Q&A session to ask questions, share feedback, and better understand how this measure may impact the local economy and community development before casting their votes.
OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE
School District Referendum Continuing Sales Surtax to Fund School Technology, Safety, Transportation and Facilities Improvements
To help improve safety and security, maintain high-quality classrooms, and reduce classroom overcrowding by expanding, constructing, and improving school facilities, technology, and transportation, with revenues collected to be shared with eligible charter schools pursuant to Florida law, shall the school district of Leon County continue to levy a one-half cent sales surtax for fifteen years to fund such activities for Leon County schools, with review by a School Board-appointed citizen advisory committee?
Note: This is an extension of an existing tax, not a new one. Leon County voters have approved this same half-penny surtax twice before.