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Okaloosa commissioners unanimously place half‑cent infrastructure surtax renewal on November ballot
Summary
After a public hearing with several business and civic groups in support, the Okaloosa County Commission unanimously approved placing a 10‑year half‑cent local option infrastructure surtax on the November 2026 ballot; clarified ballot language adds 'land acquisition' to uses.
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously March 3 to place a renewal of the county’s half‑cent local option infrastructure surtax on the November 2026 ballot. The proposed extension would run 10 years beginning Jan. 1, 2029, and the presented ballot language explicitly lists eligible uses, including essential law enforcement and public safety facilities, land acquisition, traffic congestion reduction, roads/bridges/sidewalks, flood control and water‑quality improvements, equipment, debt service and other public facility improvements subject to citizen oversight.
Deputy county administrator Jason Autry said the program to date has invested roughly $136 million and leveraged about $270 million in total project value, producing an approximate 2:1 project leverage. Autry also told the board that about one‑third of certex revenue is collected from visitors in a typical year and that during peak season tourists can contribute a majority share of receipts for some projects.
Supporters at the public hearing included the Fort Walton Beach and Crestview chambers of commerce, the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors and the Okaloosa Economic Development Council, which said the surtax has funded roads, stormwater and safety infrastructure that supports economic development and helped keep the county’s millage rate lower than it otherwise would be.
Ballot language and oversight: County attorneys proposed clarified ballot language that specifically adds "land acquisition" to the enumerated uses; the board voted to adopt the clarified language to go before voters. Commissioners stressed the renewal would use a citizen advisory committee and project list—emphasizing transparency and continued public input on priorities and project lists.
Next steps: With board approval the item will be put on the Nov. 2026 ballot for voters to decide. If the surtax is approved by voters, the county will follow the posted citizens‑advisory process and a published project list to allocate funds.
