With voter approval, counties can increase the statewide 6% sales tax to 7% to be used for a wide range of capital infrastructure needs. Charlotte County and its residents have benefited from six 1% local option sales tax programs, starting in 1994 with the latest approved in 2020.
The 1% local option sales tax has funded many projects over the last 25 years, helping Charlotte County through economic issues such as property tax reform, reductions in state and federal assistance, and unfunded mandates from the state and federal level. The City of Punta Gorda, by state statute, receives about 10% of the revenue based on its population. The 1% sales tax funds have helped our community in the past and can continue to do so in the future.
Sales tax, including the 1% local option sales tax, is paid by all; not just residents, but tourists and visitors. Everyone who uses our roads, facilities and services while in Charlotte County should pay their share. The 1% local option sales tax generates one cent for each dollar spent, and is therefore sometimes referred to as the One Cent Sales Tax.
