Polk County leaders are moving quickly to address a potential budget gap that could arise if Florida voters approve Amendment 3. Commissioner Bill Braswell announced a proposal to replace the county’s half‑cent indigent health‑care sales tax with a new 1% infrastructure sales tax.
Why the change is being considered
Amendment 3 would reduce the county’s property‑tax revenue by roughly $135 million out of the $400 million currently collected. The loss would force deep cuts across county services unless alternative revenue is found.
The existing health‑care sales tax generates between $80 million and $90 million each year. It funds the construction of clinics that serve about 1% to 2% of Polk residents and maintains a $100 million reserve. Braswell’s plan would retire that tax and replace it with a 1% infrastructure sales tax projected to bring in about $180 million annually.
Impact on taxpayers
Braswell explained that a homeowner who currently pays $1,000 in property tax could see their sales‑tax burden rise to roughly $259‑$300 under the new structure. He emphasized that the proposal would move forward regardless of the amendment’s outcome, aiming to preserve essential services.
Uncertainties and next steps
County officials have not yet identified which specific programs would face cuts if the shortfall materializes, though Braswell assured that public‑safety funding would remain intact. It also remains unclear whether state lawmakers will relax existing rules that limit the use of infrastructure sales‑tax revenue for operating expenses.
If the proposal proceeds, the county commission will place the measure on a special election ballot next year. Because Florida law restricts resident votes on sales taxes to general elections, the final decision by voters would not occur until the 2028 general election.
The proposal reflects a broader conversation in Florida about how local governments will fund services amid changing state tax policies. Polk County’s approach underscores the tension between maintaining essential health‑care facilities and investing in roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
