School Board approves placing half-cent sales tax on November ballot

The Orange County School Board at its Tuesday, April 23, meeting approved the placement of a referendum on the November ballot to continue the half-cent sales tax.

If approved by the voters of Orange County, the referendum will help fund the district’s capital construction needs for the next ten years.

According to Orange County Public Schools, more than 50% of the revenue collected from the tax comes from tourists and non-Orange County residents.

The tax has generated more than $4 billion for school construction and renovation since 2002. The tax has helped fund the renovation or replacement of 136 schools and the construction of 65 new schools. 

"The half-cent sales tax will generate funding over the next decade to maintain and update current schools and build new schools in high-growth areas of the county," OCPS officials said in a press release. "In addition, this funding will help to enhance student security and provide updated technology in schools."

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners will decide whether or not to approve the placement of the referendum on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot at one of its upcoming meetings.

To read the complete resolution, click here.

For more information on the referendum, click here.