CHARLOTTE
MAKES SENSE.
On November 3, 2026, Charlotte County voters will decide whether to extend the existing one-cent local option sales tax for another 20 years.
The tax has been in place for more than 30 years, helping fund roads, public safety facilities, schools, parks, and other local improvements. The proposal would continue the current tax rate, not increase it.
The Penny Explained
A LOCAL INVESTMENT
THAT
MAKES SENSE.
Charlotte County’s one-cent local option sales tax is an additional 1% sales tax collected on purchases subject to Florida sales tax. Revenue is used to fund eligible capital improvement projects throughout Charlotte County.
For more than three decades, this local investment has helped build and improve the places where we live, work, learn, and play.
1%
EXISTING
LOCAL SALES TAX
The proposal would maintain the current rate without increasing it.
20 YEARS
PROPOSED EXTENSION
If approved, the extension would run from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2046.
30+ YEARS
LOCAL PROJECT FUNDING
The existing tax has helped support improvements throughout Charlotte County for more than three decades.
LOCAL
INVESTMENT
Every dollar generated by the tax is spent on projects within Charlotte County.
Where the Money Goes
INVESTING IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY.
Revenue from the one-cent sales tax is designated for capital improvement projects in Charlotte County.
The proposed project list includes investments in several areas:
ROADS &
INFRASTRUCTURE
- Harborview Road Phase 2
- Edgewater-Flamingo corridor
- Taylor Road improvements
- Related utility improvements
PUBLIC SAFETY
- Replacement fire stations
- New fire stations
- Public Safety Training Institute
SCHOOLS &
EDUCATION
- School security improvements
- Career and technical education facilities
- Career training equipment
PARKS &
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
- Park improvements
- Recreation center renovations
- Library facilities
Who Pays?
RESIDENTS AND VISITORS
BOTH CONTRIBUTE.
The tax is collected on eligible taxable purchases made within Charlotte County. That means both residents and visitors contribute when making taxable purchases.
WHAT ABOUT GROCERIES AND MEDICINE?
Groceries and medicines that are exempt from Florida sales tax remain exempt from the local one-cent sales tax.
DOES THIS AFFECT PROPERTY TAXES?
No. This proposal concerns the existing local sales tax, not an increase in the property tax rate.
Why 20 Years?
A LONGER-TERM PLAN
FOR
GREATER IMPACT
.
According to Charlotte County, a 20-year extension would provide a longer-term funding source for capital improvements. The County says the proposed term would help support long-range planning, provide opportunities to use bond financing to complete projects sooner, and create opportunities to pursue matching grants.
What’s on the Ballot?
KNOW WHAT YOU’RE VOTING ON.
On November 3, 2026, Charlotte County voters will be asked to decide whether to extend the existing one-percent local option sales tax. Here is the official ballot language:
BALLOT LANGUAGE (OFFICIAL TEXT)
Extension of the One Percent (1%) Local Option Sales Tax from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2046.
Should the one percent local option sales tax be extended for twenty years from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2046, with the proceeds to be used for infrastructure as defined by law, including public safety, public infrastructure and utilities, quality of life, and schools?
A VOTE FOR THE EXTENSION
means the existing tax would continue for the proposed 20-year period.
A VOTE AGAINST THE EXTENSION
means the proposed 20-year continuation would not be approved.
Election Day
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
QUICK ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS.
Is this a new tax?
No. Charlotte County voters first approved the one-cent local option sales tax in 1994, and it has been renewed several times since. This ballot question asks whether to extend the existing tax for 20 more years.
Are groceries and medicines taxed?
No. Groceries, medicines, and other items that are exempt from Florida sales tax are also exempt from the local one-cent tax.
Does this affect property taxes?
No. This proposal concerns the existing local sales tax, not an increase in the property tax rate.
Will the sales tax rate increase?
No. The extension would continue the current 1% local rate. Charlotte County's total sales tax rate would stay at 7% (6% state plus 1% local).
Where is the revenue spent?
Revenue is used for capital improvement projects in Charlotte County, including public safety facilities, roads and utilities, schools, parks, and community facilities. The City of Punta Gorda also receives a share for its own projects.
What projects are included?
The proposed list includes road and utility projects such as Harborview Road Phase 2 and the Edgewater-Flamingo corridor, replacement and new fire stations, a Public Safety Training Institute, school security and career education improvements, and park, recreation center, and library projects.
Do tourists pay this tax?
Yes. The tax applies to taxable purchases made in Charlotte County by anyone, including visitors. The County estimates that visitors pay about 20% of the revenue.
How long would the extension last?
20 years, from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2046.
Where can I see the full project list?
Visit the Projects page on this site, or see Charlotte County's official 2026 sales tax extension page at charlottecountyfl.gov.
YOUR COUNTY. YOUR BALLOT.
YOUR DECISION.
The one-cent sales tax extension is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Take a few minutes to review the proposed projects, get the facts, and make an informed decision.
