OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Early voting is underway in Osceola County and one item on the ballot is asking residents if they want to renew a 1-cent infrastructure sales tax. The tax can only be used to pay for public projects like schools, public safety, parks, and roads.

What You Need To Know

  •  Voters in Osceola County are being asked if they want to renew a 1-cent infrastructure sales tax

  •  Funds raised by the tax can only be used to pay for public projects like schools, parks and roads

  • Officials say 75% of the revenue created is split between the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, and Osceola County, based on population

  • The remaining 25% goes to the Osceola County School District

Of the tax revenue, officials say 75% is split between the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, and Osceola County, based on population. The remaining 25% goes to the Osceola School District.

Experts estimate that tourists end up paying about half the tax. 

Voters are not being asked to create a new tax, but will decide on renewing what's in place. Superintendent Debra Pace said the tax generated $18 million last year for the growing school district, which serves 60,000 students. She said it will help fund new transportation facilities in the future if extended. 

“Which we know will allow us to improve our operational efficiencies so that we can reduce some dead-head time and really pick up operational savings by having our drivers spend less time on the road and more time strictly serving students,” Pace said.

Pace said future revenue will also be invested into school safety and securing entry points on campuses. 

“All of our new designs have secure lobbies, but our older buildings we have been retrofitting little by little and it’s a priority for the board that we enhance that in every school,” she said.

There is a lawsuit challenging whether the tax is legal on the ballot as written. State Rep. Anthony Sabatini filed the lawsuit on behalf of a resident suing Osceola County, which argues the language of the ballot initiative is unclear.

“It’s a deceptive tax proposal that confuses people," Sabatini said. "It’s a very serious tax, and if you’re a small business owner and you buy a lot of goods, you’re going to be seeing a huge tax increase if you’re constantly purchasing goods for your store."

Sabatini said a judge is scheduled to hear arguments in the case next week.​

Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Mary Jane Arrington said the election is already ongoing and voters will have the chance to cast a ballot on the proposal, regardless of what happens with the lawsuit.