2026 Referendum 3 Hillsborough

Referendum 3- Why voting YES is the right answer    

Since 2018 the school board and oversight committee have spent money wisely 

One-Half Cent Sales Surtax for Public School Air Conditioning and Capital Improvements Shall a one-half cent school capital outlay sales surtax be continued for a ten (10) year levy by the School Board of Hillsborough County beginning January 1, 2029, to fund air conditioning replacement and repairs, capital improvements and construction of other schools, building enhancements for school security and other maintenance needs?

Citizens Oversight Committee

Overview of the Half-Penny Sales Tax

• Original Approval: First approved by voters in November 2018. [1]
• Current Status: Set to expire at the end of 2028; the renewal would continue the levy beginning January 1, 2029. [1, 2]
• Tax Rate: Continues the existing 0.5% sales surtax (does not raise the rate). [1]
• Financial Impact: Estimated to cost the average Hillsborough County household about $86 per year, with a significant portion (roughly 25%) paid by visitors and tourists. [1]
• Revenue Generated: Expected to raise between $121 million and $131 million per year. [1]

Use of Funds & Accomplishments

• Total Invested: Over $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion invested in district facilities since 2018. [1, 2]
• Local Economic Impact: More than $716 million in contracts awarded to local area businesses. [1]
• Key Projects:
  • Replaced air conditioning systems at over 177 schools.
  • Repaired and replaced aging roofs.
  • Upgraded student safety and campus security enhancements.
  • Renovated athletic facilities, repaved parking lots, and updated classroom technology. [1, 2, 3]
• Commitment: District leaders committed to spending at least $500,000 at every individual public school. [1]

Fast Facts

The funds the school district receives from the Half-Penny Sales Tax is spent on specific projects to improve our public schools. Those specific projects include:

• Replacing or overhauling air conditioners
• Fixing leaky roofs
• Exterior and interior painting
• Upgrading safety and security systems
• Providing state-of-the-art equipment
• New playgrounds
• New classroom technology
• Improving recreational tracks and fields

Project Updates

Since our first round of funds arrived in April of 2019, we have completed more than 1,000 construction projects at our schools.

During the summer of 2026, our operations department oversaw 9 major HVAC projects, totaling over $59 million in repairs or replacements. Additionally, other maintenance projects and repairs took place at our schools and facilities, including: new playgrounds, track repairs, kitchen and cafeteria improvements, painting, window replacements, and modernization of school elevators.

As of September 2026, we have invested more than $1.335 billion into our schools, with $745 million awarded to local businesses.

These infrastructure improvements would not be possible without support from our community and the taxpayers of Hillsborough County. We thank you for realizing the importance of these essential projects and the positive impacts these project completions have on the teaching and learning environment in our schools.