TAMPA, Fla. — After years of legal wrangling, state lawmakers this year approved what will happen to more than half a billion dollars collected through the now-voided Hillsborough transportation sales tax.
The Florida Supreme Court found the tax to be unconstitutional in 2021.
Money will be divvied up, with a portion – roughly $256 million of the $589 million collected – going toward county road improvement projects. The remaining money, as outlined in the state budget proposal approved by lawmakers, will go toward a county tax holiday, legal fees, and a refund program for people who apply.
VERIFY viewer John G. in Lutz asked if it’s true that the county is accepting refund requests. And if so, how does he apply?
RELATED: $569 million collected in a short-lived tax could go back to Hillsborough County for road projects
THE QUESTION
Is Hillsborough County accepting refund requests for the voided transportation tax?
THE SOURCES
- Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen
- Florida Department of Revenue
- Court documents, motion for preliminary approval of class action settlement
- General appropriations act
THE ANSWER
No, Hillsborough County is not accepting refund requests. Once approved, the process will be handled by a settlement administrator.
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 hinges on two things: a judge's approval, and Governor Ron DeSantis signing the state budget.
The budget approved by lawmakers 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 laid out in court documents awaiting a judge's approval.
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 will receive a notice in the mail to file a claim once a judge grants approval and the state budget is signed, likely no later than the start of the state’s fiscal year on July 1. An official settlement website will also be set up with information and filing deadlines.
People who’ve already received a refund or have a pending request through the Florida Department of Revenue are not eligible.
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