News Summary
The Hillsborough County Commission has approved $17 million for three transportation projects funded by the controversial All for Transportation tax. Approved despite being deemed unconstitutional, these funds aim to enhance transportation infrastructure in the county. With remaining funds from the tax after legal disputes, the commission targets improvements for Plant City and ZooTampa, among others. Legislative approval will be necessary for larger funding allocations in the future as challenges related to funding and project management loom.
Hillsborough County, Florida – The Hillsborough County Commission has approved the first set of transportation projects funded by the now-controversial All for Transportation tax, allocating $17 million to three key initiatives. This development comes despite the tax being deemed unconstitutional by the Florida Supreme Court in 2021, raising questions about the future of transportation funding in the area.
The All for Transportation tax, which was approved by voters in November 2018, was intended to generate nearly $16 billion over 30 years through a penny sales tax. Before its declaration as unconstitutional, the tax had successfully raised approximately $570 million. However, the 2021 Supreme Court ruling brought an abrupt halt to the tax’s implementation.
Following the court’s decision, a Tampa judge determined that the remaining funds must still be allocated for transportation purposes within Hillsborough County. After accounting for legal fees and required refunds, approximately $256 million remained from the tax funds, which had been left unallocated since the ruling.
With this recent approval, the Hillsborough County Commission has earmarked the funds for projects aimed at improving vital transportation infrastructure. The first three approved projects will benefit Plant City, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and ZooTampa. These initial projects mark the beginning of the county’s plans to invest available funds into transportation upgrades.
Looking ahead, more substantial funding allocations for larger transportation projects across Hillsborough County, including in Tampa and Temple Terrace, are expected to be announced. However, these future projects require legislative approval before any funds can be released.
The Florida Legislature has already outlined specific road projects that will receive funding, with a deadline set for completion by 2030. This timeline may influence how and when additional projects are prioritized within the county’s transportation plan.
Commissioner Ken Hagan has raised concerns about the need to balance funding for local projects with state-mandated projects. His apprehension hints at potential challenges ahead in securing and managing transportation funds effectively to meet the county’s needs without causing future funding complications.
A looming issue that may affect transportation funding in Florida is the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). A report by Florida TaxWatch indicates that the rise in EV popularity is likely to diminish fuel tax revenues in the state, with projections suggesting a 20% drop in Transportation Trust Fund income by 2040. According to estimates, the transition to EVs and hybrids has already led to a significant annual reduction in gas tax revenue, ranging between $46.4 million and $78.3 million.
In response to the anticipated decline in fuel tax revenue, legislative proposals have been put forward to help mitigate the impact. Suggestions include redistributing some sales tax revenue to the Transportation Trust Fund to compensate for losses due to the rising number of electric and hybrid vehicles in the state.
While Hillsborough County makes strides toward initiating new transportation projects, it remains ensnared in ongoing legal battles surrounding the All for Transportation tax. A pending class-action lawsuit challenges the validity of the tax and addresses issues related to taxpayer refunds, which adds another layer of complexity to the county’s transportation funding situation.
Hillsborough County’s proactive steps in approving these projects signal an ongoing commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, even in the face of legal and financial challenges created by the controversial tax and the evolving landscape of vehicle taxation. As the situation develops, residents will be watching closely to see how the county navigates these complexities to meet its transportation needs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 13 News: Hillsborough Commissioners Approve Projects
- Florida Governor: 2025-2026 Budget Announcement
- WFLA: Hillsborough Transportation Tax Refund Checks
- Transport Topics: States Lift Fuel Tax Rules
- Florida Politics: EVs and Florida Gas Tax Revenues
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
