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County manager outlines new local sales tax options after 2026 legislature
Summary
Walton County’s county manager summarized 2026 legislative outcomes that allow local governments to propose a floating local option sales tax (FLOST) and a local homestead option sales tax; both require intergovernmental agreement and voter approval and are presented as tools that could provide property tax relief if adopted.
County Manager John briefed the board on April 14 about legislative changes from the 2026 session that could affect local tax policy.
John said the legislature opened new local options: a floating local option sales tax (FLOST) and a local homestead option sales tax. He explained that the FLOST would require the county and cities to negotiate how revenue would be split through an intergovernmental agreement and then be submitted to voters via local referendum (the county could send it to the November ballot). County staff described the FLOST as a potential 1 percent sales tax added to existing local sales taxes that, if adopted, would be designed to provide property tax relief across commercial, industrial and residential property by reducing the rollback millage rate and showing the property tax reduction on each individual tax bill.
John noted that other bills that would have capped budgets or ad valorem revenue did not pass. The briefing was informational; no formal action was taken. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timing and mechanics during the county manager’s report.
