TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Supreme Court discussed the "All for Transportation" case on Wednesday.
What is All for Transportation?
All for Transportation is the common term for the voter-approved sales tax referendum funding transportation. It is a one-cent sales tax that was passed in November 2018. The tax started being collected in 2019.
Why is it heading to court?
Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White filed a lawsuit against the referendum. White claims the surtax is legally deficient. However, a Hillsborough County judge upheld the tax in June 2019. Appeals were filed shortly after which is why it's heading to the Florida Supreme Court.
What happens on Wednesday?
The hearing on Wednesday is expected to last less than one hour. Both sides will be giving roughly a 20-minute argument. Raoul Cantero, a former Justice of the Florida Supreme Court appointed by Jeb Bush will be presenting oral arguments on behalf of AFT.
The honorable George LeMieux, a Republican U.S. Senator from 2009 to 2011, will be arguing on behalf of Hillsborough County. Stacy White is representated by Chris Altenbrand of Banker, Lopez and Gassler.
When will the ruling come down?
No decision is expected on Wednesday. A decision is expected in about 4 to 6 weeks.
What about the money that's been collected?
More than $207 million has been collected from the one-cent sales tax since January 2019. Right now, it cannot be dispersed.
Where would the money go?
Once the lawsuits are over and the money is dispersed, the tax will fund new roads, fixing sidewalks and mass transit. You can read about all of those proposed projects by clicking here.
