Budget
How are Penny funds distributed and invested?
Pinellas County Government is investing Penny funds based on a long-term Capital Improvement Plan. This plan was established based on public input before the 2017 referendum, available funding and community needs; it is updated annually.
Each city sets its own Penny funding priorities in accordance with state law.
$2.38 billion Projected Penny Revenue 2020-2029
88.7% of Penny revenue
to fund projects in the unincorporated county and the 24 cities, like:
- Roads, bridges & trails
- Water quality & flood prevention
- Public safety & community vitality
- Parks & preserves
Revenue is split between Pinellas County and each city based on population for projects decided by each community.
11.3% of Penny revenue
to fund projects that fulfill countywide needs, including:
- Court & jail facilities: 3%
- Economic development: 4.15%
- Affordable housing: 4.15%
The County and 24 cities made an agreement to invest a set amount on jail and court facilities, economic development capital projects and support for affordable housing.
Detailed Estimated Revenue Distribution 2020-2029
What it pays for: Penny vs. Property Tax
The Penny allows more projects to be done without more property taxes.
Penny Sales Tax
Pays for only long-term capital projects like roads, bridges, stormwater systems and parks.
Paid by everyone who spends money in Pinellas County, including visitors.
Property Tax
Pays for regular government services, operations and routine maintenance of public facilities.
Paid by Pinellas County property owners.
Did you know?
100% of the Penny comes back to Pinellas County for investment in projects determined by each city and countywide.
How does the Penny impact local tax rates?
A majority of county governments in Florida have a local sales tax like the Penny for various purposes, including infrastructure, public hospitals, emergency services, transportation, indigent care and others. Pinellas County has a sales tax rate of 7 percent, close to the statewide average rate of 6.95 percent.
