Half Cent Sales Tax - FAQs

In Hernando County, a half-cent sales tax is applied to the purchase of some goods and services sold throughout the county. The tax is collected by Hernando County and forwarded to the school district to fund maintenance, repair and the renovation of educational facilities.
Hernando County voters have approved a sales tax for educational capital projects 3 times:
 - January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2003
 - January 1, 2005-December 31, 2014
 - January 1, 2016-December 31, 2025

Everyone who buys taxable goods in Hernando County, including visitors, tourists and full/part-time residents, pay the half-cent sales tax.

The half cent sales tax amounts to ½ cent for every $1 (.50 for every $100) spent here in Hernando County. The half-cent sales tax is only collected on the first $5,000 of any single purchase.

Since 2016 the district has collected an average of $11,000,000 per year.

By state law, money raised by the half-cent sales tax can only be used for capital projects (Section 212.055(6), Florida Statutes). The school district uses these revenues for school facilities improvements that include roof repair/replacements, renovations, HVAC upgrades/replacements and remodeling. State law prohibits using the half-cent sales tax for operational expenses.

Capital projects are identified and prioritized in the district’s Five-Year Work Plan, which is updated annually. 

Many capital projects are multi-year projects or will be completed in phases. While at any given time, projects throughout the district are being planned, are underway or have been completed - of those original projects listed on the referendum - approximately 76 of the major projects have been completed. Many small district-wide maintenance projects have also been completed with half-cent sales tax revenues.

A Citizens’ Advisory Committee was formed to monitor the district’s planning and progress. They meet and report to the School Board quarterly. Committee meetings are always open to the public. You can review the committee’s findings and learn how to become a committee member here:
https://www.hernandoschools.org/departments/facilities-construction/half-cent-citizens-advisory-committee

Research indicates school facility investments lead to improvements in student attendance, effort and test scores.
Do School Facilities Matter?
https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5sw56439

Yes. The average amount of lottery funds received by the Hernando School District is approximately $0.97 per student each year.

An educated population is essential to creating a strong community. Better schools have a direct impact on lowering crime rates, lead to less strain on social programs and help improve the economic strength of the community.