St. Petersburg GO Bond / SPAR Program
The Chamber Building
100 Second Ave. N., Suite 150
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 821-4069
stpete.com
October 7, 2026
Dear Chamber Members,
St. Petersburg GO Bond Referendum: What a Yes or No Vote Means
November 3, 2026 | City of St. Petersburg Ballot Question
St. Petersburg voters will decide whether to authorize the City to issue up to $600 million in general obligation bonds for storm resilience improvements to its stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water systems. Bonds could be issued in one or more series, each maturing within 30 years. The City’s property-taxing power would back repayment.
The ballot describes eligible work including floodwater protection, drainage and pump stations, wastewater collection and treatment, and drinking water distribution and supply. The City identifies this work as part of St. Pete Agile Resilience (SPAR). Approval would authorize borrowing; it would not approve a fixed list of construction contracts or require the City to borrow the full amount at once.
| If you vote YES | If you vote NO |
| The City could issue the bonds and levy property taxes to repay principal and interest. The City says this funding would allow eligible improvements to be completed faster. | The City would not receive this bond authorization. It says SPAR work would continue through utility-fee funding, with improvements delivered over a longer period. |
What could it cost?
The City currently estimates approximately 0.96 mills, or $96 per year for each $100,000 of taxable property value, under its proposed bond plan. This is an estimate, not a fixed tax bill. Taxable value differs from a property’s sale price and reflects applicable exemptions. Actual costs would depend on the amount and timing of borrowing, interest rates, and future taxable values.
Separate ballot questions: This City referendum is separate from Florida’s statewide Amendment 3. Each requires its own vote.
Provided by the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce for voter education. The Chamber makes no recommendation on the GO bond referendum.
Sincerely,
Chris Steinocher
President and CEO