Here's when you can expect a Hillsborough transit tax refund notice — and how to process a claim

TAMPA, Fla. — Within the next month, Hillsborough County residents will receive mailed instructions on how to submit a refund claim for the defunct county transportation sales tax. 

The timeline is laid out in a plan approved by a judge on Friday. It comes after years of legal wrangling over what should happen to the more than half a billion dollars collected through the Hillsborough transportation sales tax which the Florida Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional in 2021.

Outlined in the state budget signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the money will be divvied up between county road improvement projects, a county tax holiday, legal fees and a refund program for people who apply.

RELATED: $569 million collected in a short-lived tax could go back to Hillsborough County for road projects

THE QUESTION

VERIFY viewers John and Charlene have asked if the refund process is underway and whether former residents will be eligible?

THE SOURCES

• Florida Department of Revenue
• Court documents, motion for preliminary approval of class action settlement
• General Appropriations Act
• FLTaxRefund.com

THE ANSWER

Yes, the refund process has begun for the voided Hillsborough County transportation sales tax, and anyone will be able to apply with "appropriate documentation."

RELATED: Hillsborough will finally see money from its controversial transit tax, but not as much as most would prefer

WHAT WE FOUND

Requesting a refund of the now-voided Hillsborough transportation sales tax will be a lot like submitting a claim for a class action settlement.

The process, detailed in court documents, hinged on a judge's approval and DeSantis signing the state budget, both of which have now happened.

The budget, signed by DeSantis on June 12, directs the transfer of $170 million to a settlement fund. 

A claims administrator will be appointed by a court to oversee the process of providing refunds to impacted taxpayers with valid claims. The money will also be used to reimburse legal fees and costs to provide notice of the settlement.

Anyone with “appropriate documentation” will be able to apply for a full refund — whether they live in Hillsborough County or not, according to the agreement approved by a judge.

People without receipts will be eligible to claim up to $100, only with proof of residency. You must be able to show you lived in Hillsborough County during some period the tax was collected between 2019 and 2021.

But as is the case in all class action settlements, ultimate payout amounts will depend on how many people file claims.

County residents should receive a notice in the mail by the end of August. Additionally, email notices will also be sent, and anyone will be able to access an official settlement website to submit a claim. 

Legitimate emails will link to the website FLTaxRefund.com. A call center can also be reached at 1-888-715-9373.

You must submit your claim online or by mail by December 31, 2024. 

People who’ve already received a refund or have a pending request through the Florida Department of Revenue are not eligible.