Your November ballot will include a sales tax increase for schools. Here's what to know

When Palm Beach County voters cast their ballots for president on Nov. 5, they'll also be asked whether to approve a half-cent sales tax increase to benefit Palm Beach County's public schools.

This ballot question would be a continuation of the schools' portion of a 2016 penny sales tax increase that also helped local cities and unincorporated Palm Beach County. If this year's ballot measure is approved, Palm Beach County's sales tax will effectively drop to 6.5% from 7% because voters are not being asked to renew the other half-penny increase for cities and counties when it sunsets in December 2025.

If approved, the half penny increase will go into effect in January 2026 and generate $2 billion over 10 years. The tax would end in 2035 regardless of how much money it raises.

The money will be used primarily to upgrade school buildings: replacing aging roofs, renovating restrooms, upgrading lighting and HVAC systems throughout local schools, enhancing school security, buying buses and updating technology, according to the school district's website.



https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/education/2024/09/13/sales-tax-hike-for-palm-beach-county-schools-on-ballot-in-november/75142728007/