With voter approval, counties can increase the statewide 6% sales tax to 7% to be used for a wide range of capital infrastructure needs. Charlotte County and its residents have benefited from six 1% local option sales tax programs, starting in 1994 with the latest approved in 2020.
The 1% local option sales tax has funded many projects over the last 25 years, helping Charlotte County through economic issues such as property tax reform, reductions in state and federal assistance, and unfunded mandates from the state and federal level. The City of Punta Gorda, by state statute, receives about 10% of the revenue based on its population. The 1% sales tax funds have helped our community in the past and can continue to do so in the future.
Sales tax, including the 1% local option sales tax, is paid by all; not just residents, but tourists and visitors. Everyone who uses our roads, facilities and services while in Charlotte County should pay their share. The 1% local option sales tax generates one cent for each dollar spent, and is therefore sometimes referred to as the One Cent Sales Tax.
2020 Sales Tax Extension
Approved by voters in November, 2020, the 1% local option sales tax will be extended for six more years. From 2021 to 2026, one cent on each dollar spent in Charlotte County will fund the following projects:
- Charlotte County Public Schools – School Security Upgrades
- Water Quality Infrastructure | Info
- Family Services Center – Phase 2 | Info
- Edgewater Drive Phases 3-5 Design and Phase 4 Construction | Info
- Harborview Road | Info
- New Fire Station 17 | Info
- Airport Rescue and Firefighting Training Prop | Info
- Radio Management Warehouse | Info
- CCSO Administration/911 | Info
- Fire Station 6 Replacement | Info
- Fire Station 3 Replacement | Info
- CCSO District 4 and Training Complex | Info
- Port Charlotte Beach Park Recreation Center Renovation | Info
- G.C. Herring Park | Info
- William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park | Info
- Bicycle, Pedestrian Sidewalks and Trails | Info
- Water Quality – Vacuum Stations | Info
- CCSO District 2 Office | Info
- Charlotte Sports Park Renovation | Info
- South County Annex | Info
- Edgewater Drive – Phase 3 | Info
- Port Charlotte Beach Park Pool | Info
- Library Renovations