Amendments

2026 AMENDMENTS

Candidate
2026 Amendment 1

Amendment 1- BUDGET STABILIZATION FUND

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL): "This is a foolish constitutional amendment proposal. We already have a maxed out rainy day fund and have run the largest surpluses in state history. Any additional revenue should be used for lower taxes, including assisting local governments with grants so that homestead properties can be exempt from local property tax. Surplus revenue could also be used to remove tolls once the property tax issue is settled. I recommend a NO vote.

Florida's Reserve Fund Proposal

  • Expanding the Maximum Fund Capacity: The measure proposes to lift the ceiling on the state's Budget Stabilization Fund from 10% to 25% of net general revenue collections.  
  • Enforcing Regular Contributions: Lawmakers would be mandated to make yearly transfers into the rainy day account, contributing either $750 million or whatever amount is necessary to reach the new 25% limit, whichever is lower.  
  • Outlining Withdrawal and Suspension Criteria: Accessing these accumulated reserves or pausing the annual contribution would be subject to strict parameters, such as a two-thirds legislative vote for critical state needs or exemptions triggered by prior-year withdrawals. 

 

2026 Amendment, Informed Voter
2026 Amendment 2

EXEMPTION OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY   

2025 HB 1215 BILL   Danny Alvarez- Why I Filed This Bill(by Representative Alvarez, D.): Farmers are the lifeblood of our State and removing barriers to their survival and therefore our own is essential to making sure we have a safe and secure food supply. The Tangible Personal Property tax literally handicaps a struggling sector of our society that we so desperately rely on. Getting rid of it allows Farmers and Ranchers the chance to reinvest their money in themselves in order to insurer we all have a better tomorrow.  Senate Bill 318   Analysis     PASSED UNANIMOUSLY IN THE HOUSE & SENATE 2025. SIGNED BY THE SEC OF STATE. 

2026 Amendment, Informed Voter
2026 Amendment 3

INCREASED HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION  - “CFO Ingoglia continues to identify spending that greatly outpaces population and inflation growth in local governments across the state. Auditing local governments is the necessary first step to right-sizing budgets and ultimately being able to provide homeowners with meaningful property tax relief. We are proud to support the CFO in his call for responsible and transparent governance for Florida's taxpayers.”   

  • Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia Announces Over $278 Million in Hillsborough County Budget as "Excessive, Wasteful Spending"  BRANDON, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced that Hillsborough County is excessively spending $278 million above the amount that would account for population growth and inflation in its General Fund Budget. CFO Ingoglia is calling upon Hillsborough County to remove this waste from their budget and offer property tax relief to Hillsborough County residents.  

    • Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Hillsborough is yet another large metro area where excessive spending is out of control. Taxpayers are fed up with their local governments spending recklessly while asking the taxpayers for even more money. These numbers are proof positive that the issue is spending, not revenue. Taxpayers deserve property tax relief and to know the truth about the Hillsborough County budget.”  

    • Karen Jaroch, Mom and co-founder of Fix Our Roads First said, “As a longtime resident and mom who raised four children in Hillsborough County, I’ve seen how rising property taxes strain family budgets. Commissioners hold discretionary power to either lower property taxes, fund critical infrastructure like roads and sidewalks, or spend our tax dollars on non-essential projects that make our homes less affordable. I’m grateful CFO Ingoglia is shining a light on the latter and fighting to lower our property taxes, which will improve the lives of families in Hillsborough County.” 

  • Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia Announces Over $39 Million in Citrus County Budget as “Excessive, Wasteful Spending”
2026 Amendment, Informed Voter, Voter Guide
2026 Referendum 1 Hillsborough

REASONS FOR VOTE NO TO ELECT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 

2026 HILLSBOROUGH REFERENDUM, Informed Voter, 2026 Amendment
2026 Referendum 2 Hillsborough

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Informed Voter, 2026 Amendment, 2026 referendum
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.

2026 Amendment, 2026 referendum, Informed Voter