SUMTER COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is prioritizing fuel tax education for its residents through the launch of a public information campaign. The campaign’s objective is to educate the community on how local fuel taxes support road maintenance and construction projects across the county. Strategically curated by the county’s public information officers, the campaign includes engaging social media content, a landing page at SumterCountyFL.Gov/FuelTax, and a logo with the slogan, “Your Fuel Taxes at Work.”
To broaden the messaging reach, field crews within the Public Works Department now wear vests with the campaign’s logo. Decals with supporting messaging have also been added to their vehicles. Additionally, TV monitors will soon be installed in libraries and at The Villages Sumter County Service Center in Wildwood to display informational graphics about local fuel taxes.
“A dependable transportation network is essential to emergency response, commerce, and daily life, and fuel tax funding helps ensure those critical services are supported,” said County Administrator Bradley Arnold. “Every dollar entrusted to the county is tactfully stewarded, ensuring we meet transportation needs while optimizing the value of our taxpayers’ investments.”
Fuel taxes collected at the pump are not a single, unified tax. Instead, they are made up of multiple components that are distributed among federal, state, and local governments. While a portion of fuel tax revenue supports statewide and federal transportation systems, Sumter County receives specific locally imposed fuel tax funds that are restricted for transportation-related uses, such as road maintenance, resurfacing, and safety improvements.
Sumter County levies eight cents on every gallon of diesel and motor fuel pumped locally. These funds stay in Sumter County and are allocated to road projects. Two of the eight cents collected are formally known as the Constitutional 5th and 6th Cent. Originally established through a local ordinance adopted in 2008, this tax option is up for renewal in the 2026 General Election in November. With a steadily growing population, Sumter County relies heavily on fuel taxes to keep our roads and community moving safely and efficiently.
“Growth brings opportunity to our county, and keeping fiscal responsibility at the forefront allows us to invest wisely and sustainably for our community’s future,” said Arnold.
To learn more about local fuel taxes, visit SumterCountyFL.Gov/FuelTax.