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Commissioners give first reading to renew 5¢ per‑gallon local fuel tax for 10 years
Summary
The board approved first reading of Ordinance 2025‑03 to reauthorize a 5¢ per‑gallon local option fuel tax for 10 years beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Staff said the tax yields about $467,000 annually and is dedicated to transportation capital projects under Florida statute.
The Hardee County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 21 voted unanimously on the first reading to renew the county’s local option fuel tax at 5 cents per gallon for a 10‑year period starting Jan. 1, 2026.
Diane Moore, Hardee County budget manager, said the tax — originally adopted in February 2005 and renewed twice since — is authorized by Florida statute and is restricted to transportation capital expenses, meeting adopted comp‑plan needs and immediate local transportation problems; proceeds may also be pledged for bonds. Moore said the tax currently generates about $467,000 per year and is returned to local governments according to interlocal agreement percentages (Hardee County 89.58%; City of Bowling Green 1.8%; City of Wauchula 8.31%; Town of Zolfo Springs 1.3% as presented).
Commissioners asked staff for examples of projects funded by the tax; staff said the funds have supported chip‑seal programs and that the county has paved approximately 51 miles of roadway over the last decade using local transportation dollars. Staff noted the tax revenue is restricted and often rolled forward to fund eligible projects rather than spent on general operations.
Commissioner Flores moved to approve first reading of Ordinance 2025‑03, imposing the 5¢ local option fuel tax. Commissioner Wells seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Moore said the ordinance was advertised in the county paper and will return for a subsequent reading as required by statute.
No changes to the distribution percentages were reported at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to provide more public examples of projects that have been completed with the funds.
