About Penny for Progress
For more than three decades, the 1¢ Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.) has played a vital role in shaping Pensacola and Escambia County. First approved by voters in 1992 and renewed in 1997, 2006 and 2014, the penny has provided a reliable, voter-approved funding source for community improvements. This dedicated revenue source has enabled over $2 billion in public investment—strengthening infrastructure, supporting local jobs and driving economic growth throughout the region.
Visitors pay a portion of this tax, but all the benefits stay in our local neighborhoods. Since 2009, the extra penny has created jobs and supported projects across the county that directly impact our community's safety, functionality and quality of life, including:
Public Safety: Law enforcement and fire department equipment, facilities, and essential upgrades
Facilities: Major public facilities such as the One-Stop Shop building and the 1,048-bed county jail facility
Transportation and Drainage: Road resurfacing, transportation infrastructure, and regional stormwater improvements
Recreation and Natural Resources: Athletic and recreational parks, artificial reefs, numerous community centers and environmental enhancements
Escambia County residents understand the importance of the penny, and have approved its renewal four times since it was first implemented.
The power of the penny at work in your community.
Escambia County L.O.S.T. IV
Making a Direct Impact for 330,000+ Local Residents
The one cent tax allows our local governments to plan responsibly, undertake major capital improvements and maintain a level of investment that would not be feasible through existing tax structures alone. Without this funding source, many of the projects that improve our community would not be possible.
The Local Option Sales Tax
For more than three decades, the Local Option Sales Tax has played a vital role in shaping Escambia County and the City of Pensacola. First approved by voters in 1992 and renewed in 1997, 2006 and 2014, the one cent tax has provided a reliable, voter-approved funding source for critical public infrastructure and community improvements throughout the greater Pensacola area.
City of Pensacola L.O.S.T. IV
Hear more about the community impact
Escambia County residents share what the Local Option Sales Tax pennies have meant for our roads, infrastructure, and quality of life. Watch these testimonials to hear why they're voting yes to renew L.O.S.T. V this November.
