Hillsborough County teachers and support staff are set to receive significant pay raises following the voter-approved property tax increase. This measure, passed in November, aims to bolster teacher salaries and improve educational programs, though it also means higher property tax bills for homeowners. The implementation of these changes is now underway as the new school year begins.
Key Takeaways
- Teachers will see an average pay increase of $6,000, while support staff will receive an additional $3,000 annually.
- Homeowners will experience higher property tax bills, with an additional dollar levied for every $1,000 of assessed home value.
- The property tax increase is projected to generate approximately $177 million annually for Hillsborough County Public Schools.
- The funds are earmarked for staff compensation and enhancements to academic and enrichment programs.
Property Tax Increase Funds Teacher Raises
Hillsborough County teachers and support staff are returning to school with enhanced paychecks, thanks to a property tax increase approved by voters last November. This initiative provides teachers with an average raise of $6,000 and support staff with an additional $3,000. These raises are effective immediately, offering much-needed financial relief and recognition for educators.
Homeowner Impact and Tax Notices
While educators benefit from the salary increases, homeowners are preparing for the financial impact of higher property taxes. The millage rate increase translates to an additional $1 per $1,000 of a home’s assessed value. "Truth in Millage" (TRIM) notices, detailing the proposed taxes, began arriving in mailboxes in late August. For a home with the county’s median assessed value, this equates to an average annual tax increase of around $250. Homeowners have a window to request a reassessment if they believe their property has been overvalued.
Funding Allocation and Program Enhancements
The voter-approved millage is expected to generate an estimated $177 million annually for Hillsborough County Public Schools. The district plans to allocate these funds towards increasing compensation for all school staff, including teachers, support personnel, and administrators. Beyond salary boosts, the revenue will also support the expansion of academic programs, arts, physical education, and free full-day Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) for thousands of students.
Referendum’s Path to the Ballot
The path to placing the referendum on the ballot was not without its challenges. Initially, some Republican county commissioners voted to postpone the referendum until 2026. However, a judge’s ruling mandated that the referendum be placed on the November ballot, overriding the commission’s decision. This legal intervention ensured that voters had the opportunity to decide on the crucial funding measure.
Future Outlook
The additional millage is set to remain in effect through June 2029, with collections anticipated to begin in January 2026. Hillsborough County now joins other Florida counties like Pinellas, Sarasota, and Hernando that have successfully implemented similar voter-approved referendums to support their local school districts.
Sources
- Hillsborough teachers head back to school with raise after property tax increase, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Hillsborough voters to decide this year on property tax increase for schools, teacher pay, Florida Politics.
- Hillsborough County Public Schools millage referendum starts this school year, wtsp.com.
- Hillsborough County Commission blocks tax increasing pay for teachers: ‘Unprecedented action’, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Cut property taxes, improve transit? Hillsborough Republican floats a plan, Tampa Bay Times.