A continuation of the half-cent sales tax
that has transformed
Santa Rosa County Public Schools
for nearly 30 years.
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This is a renewal — not a new tax · Every dollar stays local · Every project serves our students
1997
First approved by Santa Rosa voters
1/3
Revenue paid by tourists & visitors, not residents
$25
Maximum tax on any one purchase, including a vehicle.
$0
Goes to Tallahassee or Washington
Essential Facts About the Half-Penny
1
This is a renewal — not a new tax
The half-penny simply continues the existing half-cent sales tax. It does not increase taxes on Santa Rosa County residents.
2
It has a proven track record.
First approved by voters in 1997 and last renewed in 2016, the half-penny has funded critical improvements across Santa Rosa County Public Schools—building new schools, renovating older facilities, and expanding classroom technology. Notable projects include:
- East Bay K-8 and Wallace Lake K-8
- Soundside High School
- Central School Rebuild
- Technological infrastructure upgrades and computers at all schools
- Energy savings upgrades at Gulf Breeze High, Milton High, Locklin Technical, Hobbs Middle, King Middle, Bagdad Elementary, Berryhill Elementary
- Fieldhouses at Pace, Gulf Breeze, Jay, and Milton High Schools
Central School athletic complex (field, press box, lighting, bleachers, and track)
3
Projects are delivered on time and on budget.
All construction projects are competitively hard-bid to ensure the best value. Careful oversight and limited change orders have saved taxpayers millions while keeping projects on schedule.
4
Strong taxpayer accountability is built in.
If renewed, an independent citizens' oversight committee will review all spending and have full access to records—ensuring transparency and accountability at every step.
5
It supports future school needs.
Continued funding will help build new schools, upgrade existing facilities, and expand students' and teachers' access to modern technology.
6
Every dollar stays local.
All the revenue from the half-penny is spent on local school projects. No money from the half-penny money goes to Tallahassee or Washington.
7
Funds are restricted to school improvements.
Dollars can only be used for "brick-and-mortar" needs, such as buildings, safety enhancements, and technology infrastructure—not for salaries or administrative costs.
8
There is a clear, transparent plan.
The following links outline exactly how funds will be used and invested.
9
Tourists and visitors to Santa Rosa County help pay for our schools.
A University of West Florida study found that about one-third of the surtax revenue comes from visitors.
10
Without the half-penny, many school projects would simply be left undone.
11
Essentials are exempt.
Groceries, medicine, and services are exempt. The tax applies only to the first $5,000 of a purchase. As such, the maximum surtax paid on any one purchase is $25, even on large purchases like a vehicle.
What You Need to Know About the Half-Penny
The following documents outline exactly how funds will be used and invested in Santa Rosa County schools.
Keep the Half-Penny
Help protect this critical investment in
Santa Rosa County's
students, schools, and future.
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Paid political advertisement sponsored and paid for by Half-Penny for Education,
1211 W. Garden Street, Pensacola, FL 32502