It Still Makes Cents.
Vote For the Half Cent Sales Tax on November 3rd
Keep local dollars working for safer roads, stronger public safety, better stormwater systems, and critical infrastructure throughout Okaloosa County.
A HALF-CENT THAT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE
Okaloosa County voters are being asked to renew the existing half-cent sales surtax for another ten years.
What does half a cent mean?
- The surtax is 0.5%, or just 50 cents on every $100 in taxable purchases.
- Those cents add up to major investments in the critical needs our community depends on.
Roads
Improving roads, bridges, sidewalks, and intersections to reduce congestion and keep Okaloosa County moving safely.
Stormwater
Investing in flood control, drainage, and water quality improvements that help protect homes, roads, and our environment.
Public Safety
Supporting critical law enforcement and public safety facilities, equipment, and infrastructure that help protect our community.
Infrastructure
Funding essential public facilities, land acquisition, and community infrastructure improvements that support a growing Okaloosa County.
Why Renew It?
Renewal keeps this dedicated funding source working for Okaloosa County, allowing communities to continue addressing critical infrastructure and public safety needs without interrupting the progress already underway.
It’s not a new tax. It’s a renewal of an investment already working for Okaloosa County.
SEE YOUR CENTS AT WORK
See how half-cent surtax funding is being used across Okaloosa County.
Featured Projects
Southwest Crestview Bypass
CURRENT PROJECT: District 3
This multi-phase project expands PJ Adams Parkway, adds new roadway connections and an I-10 interchange, and improves east-west and north-south mobility to support growth and reduce congestion in the Crestview area.
College Blvd / Forest Rd Multi-Use Path & Traffic Improvements
CURRENT PROJECT: District 1
This project improves vehicle and pedestrian safety around Northwest Florida State College by upgrading key intersections and adding a two-way multi-use path along College Boulevard and Forest Road.
Lake Lorraine Area Stormwater Improvements
COMPLETED PROJECT: District 2
This project upgraded the aging Lake Lorraine stormwater system to improve drainage, reduce localized flooding, and address deteriorated pipes and sediment buildup throughout the area.
West 98 Collector Transportation Improvements
CURRENT PROJECT: District 4
The West 98 Collector Transportation Improvement project aims to alleviate traffic congestion along US 98 and enhance mission readiness at Hurlburt Field.
Redwood Ave & John Sims Pkwy Sidewalk Improvements
COMPLETED PROJECT: District 5
Description: Pedestrian traffic around Redwood Avenue and Plew Elementary School in Niceville had grown significantly, creating the need for new sidewalks.
Commons Drive Improvements
District 2
This project upgraded the aging Lake Lorraine stormwater system to improve drainage, reduce localized flooding, and address deteriorated pipes and sediment buildup throughout the area.
See the full picture
Visit Okaloosa County’s official project dashboard to explore all completed, active, and planned projects.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Okaloosa County continues to plan for future transportation, stormwater, public safety, and community infrastructure needs throughout the county.
See the projects currently identified for future investment and learn what improvements are being planned for your community.
As proposed by Okaloosa County staff. Will require Board of County Commissioners approval.
YOUR CENTS. ACCOUNTED FOR.
Dedicated to Infrastructure
Citizen Oversight
Public Approval
Public Reporting
Want to see the numbers for yourself?
View the County's official dashboard, financial reports, project updates, and meeting records.
Testimonials
"A true game-changer for public safety"
“The half-cent surtax that the people of Okaloosa County approved has been a true game-changer for public safety. One of the biggest things it made possible is our new countywide P25 radio system with 12 new towers and modern radios that finally put every law enforcement, fire, and EMS agency in the county on the same interoperable network.
"Now first responders can communicate clearly and reliably across the entire county, whether it’s a routine call, a major incident, or a disaster. I’m grateful the community invested in this infrastructure because it lets us focus on serving and protecting the people we swore to keep safe.”
~ Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden
"Investing in infrastructure today helps ensure Okaloosa County is prepared for the growth and opportunities of tomorrow."
“Economic development is about more than attracting new companies. It is about making sure we have the infrastructure, public safety resources, and quality of life needed to support the businesses and families already here while preparing for future growth.
It is also important for residents to understand that this is not a new tax. It is a renewal of the existing half-cent sales surtax that Okaloosa County voters originally approved in 2018.
Decisions about how we invest in our infrastructure today will shape Okaloosa County for years to come. I encourage residents to learn what the renewal would fund, understand how the existing surtax has been used, and make an informed decision about the future of our community.”
~ Nic Dezinski, Chairman, One Okaloosa Economic Development Council
Renewing the Existing One-Half Cent Surtax
is Endorsed By
STAY INFORMED
Follow the campaign for project updates, community stories, important dates, and the latest information about the half-cent renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a surtax?
A surtax is an additional sales tax that individual counties can choose to impose on top of the statewide 6% sales and use tax. It's sometimes called a local option county sales tax. In Okaloosa County, voters approved in 2018, a half-cent (.5%) sales tax increase to address the rapid growth of the County, aging infrastructure like roads and stormwater systems, and the demand for public safety needs throughout the County. The current surtax is set to expire in 2028 unless the voters approve another 10-year term for this fund.
Click to learn about the voter-approved infrastructure surtax projects.
Who pays the surtax?
Everyone who makes a purchase at a business where sales tax is applied, pays the half-cent surtax. In Okaloosa County, due to the vibrant tourism industry, one third of the funds collected in the surtax fund are paid by visitors traveling through the County and through their activities during their stay (hotels, restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, etc).
Click to learn about the voter-approved infrastructure surtax projects.
Where do the generated funds go and how are they spent?
The revenue is divided among cities based on population, with the majority going to Okaloosa County (66.51%). The other municipalities receive allocations based on their population size. Funds must be used for critical infrastructure needs that include public safety improvements, traffic flow improvements, water quality initiatives and can be used to leverage additional funding via grant or partner matches specifically for infrastructure improvements.
Click to learn about the voter-approved infrastructure surtax projects.
Who oversees this fund to ensure it is spent responsibly?
A citizens’ committee oversees project spending to ensure government accountability. Every decision this committee makes must also be reviewed and voted on by the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners.
Click to learn about the voter-approved infrastructure surtax projects.
Is the voter-approved infrastructure surtax working?
Yes. It has surpassed expectations since collections began in 2019.
Major successes of the surtax fund include the stabilization of all County-maintained dirt roads, the implementation of the P25, Phase II, 800Mhz radio countywide emergency communication system and the ability to leverage the fund for matching grants to further magnify the benefits for additional infrastructure improvements. The surtax revenue has also played a major role in the construction of the Southwest Crestview Bypass which will improve traffic flow in and around the Crestview area.
- Total Surtax Revenue Collected (as of June 9, 2025): $127 million
- Total Projects: 56 (active and complete)
- Total Completed Projects: 15 (with four additional projects in the substantially completed phase)
Click to learn about the voter-approved infrastructure surtax projects.
What would have happened if we did not have the voter-approved infrastructure surtax?
Without the surtax fund, necessary infrastructure improvements like expanded traffic solutions and public safety improvements would be substantially delayed. Infrastructure would be at risk of failing without a long-term improvement solution placing a greater burden upon the County’s general fund and therefore placing a burden on other County services.
The voter-approved infrastructure surtax has been used to address the ever-present traffic issue in north Okaloosa County. Without this resource, traffic complications would persist beyond the current roadway demands and lead to greater motorist frustrations.
If voters decide to approve this successful fund again, County leadership will use this vital tool to improve traffic issues around the County, including along County-maintained roads near and around State Road 85.
Click to learn about the voter-approved infrastructure surtax projects.
How do I submit ideas for future infrastructure projects?
Please email your ideas to the Surtax Project Manager Carisse LeJeune at clejeune@myokaloosa.com
Click to learn about the voter-approved infrastructure surtax projects.
Where can I view the latest information on money collected and projects?
You can view funding information, allocations and details on each project at https://bit.ly/OkaloosaSurtaxDetails
Click to learn about the voter-approved infrastructure surtax projects.
How do I find out who manages and maintains my road?
You can see which agency is responsible for a road at https://bit.ly/WhoManagesMyRoad. It will show you the name of the agency and how you can make contact with them.
Click to learn about the voter-approved infrastructure surtax projects.
What projects will be added to the list if they voters approve renewing the surtax in 2026?
2026 Needs List
Candidate Projects for the Infrastructure Surtax Renewal
- College Blvd intersection improvements
- Santa Rosa Blvd improvements
- Mar Walt Dr improvements
- West 98 Collector
- Northwest Crestview Bypass
- Gap Creek area stormwater improvements
- Hollywood Blvd improvements
- 3rd Ave stormwater improvements
- Eglin Dr sidewalk
- Poquito Rd & Sunset Ln intersection improvements
- Sunset Blvd area stormwater improvements
- Rocky Bayou area stormwater quality
- Commons Dr improvements
- Edgewater Dr sidewalk
- Bluewater Blvd pedestrian improvements from SR 20 to Oakmont Dr
- Oakmont Dr pedestrian improvements
- Antioch Rd improvements
- Log Lake Rd improvements
- Rocky Bayou Dr multi-use path from Forest Rd to Crossing Blvd
- Rocky Bayou Dr and SR 20 intersection improvements
- Redwood and SR 20 intersection improvements
- John Givens Rd & Adora Teal Way intersection improvements
- Dirt to pave on antiquated platted roads – “The Last 8 Miles”
- Sidewalk improvements
- Pavement preservation & equipment
- Land acquisition for parks and conservation
- Multi-purpose building at OCSO training center
- 911 radio recorder
- Evidence section fire suppression upgrades at OCSO headquarters
- Larry Ashley training center elevator
- Multi-function crisis command & mobile E911 vehicle
- Facilities
- Debt service
KEEP OKALOOSA COUNTY MOVING FORWARD
Vote FOR the half-cent sales tax renewal