Manatee County Voters Approve Both Local Referendums

Manatee County voters cast their ballots to approve two proposed local referenda on Tuesday. The measures needed at least 60 percent approval to pass. 

Optional School Board Millage Continuation - PASSED 

This local referendum was a request by the school district to continue funding for student achievement through the renewal of the optional additional 1 ad valorem millage point from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

The funds can be used for school safety and security, recruiting and retaining teachers and staff, additional instructional time and support, early literacy programs, career and technical education, STEM, visual and performing arts, athletics, and public charter schools. An independent citizen committee oversees the spending to ensure proper use of the funds.

The measure passed with over 80 percent of Manatee County voters voting in favor. 

Tourist Development Tax Referendum - PASSED 

The county sought to levy and collect an additional one percent Tourist Development Tax from all short-term rentals of all lodging or accommodations to provide additional revenue to fund the improvements and operation of the convention center, sports complexes, aquariums, beaches, promoting tourism, and all other permissible uses.

High-impact tourism counties, as defined by the state, are eligible to put the extra millage point on the ballot. Previously, qualifying counties could pass the increase via the board of county commissioners. Each eligible county, including neighboring Sarasota and Pinellas counties, has done so. However, a 2022 statute passed by the Florida Legislature requires counties to put the increases to a vote. Manatee County received its certification from the state as a high-impact tourism county earlier this year, meaning it was the first county to put such a referendum before local voters for approval.

The measure passed with more than 68 percent of Manatee County voters voting in favor.