You Can Vote on Temple Terrace Tax Breaks Today

Today is Election Day, and all registered voters in Temple Terrace regardless of party affiliation can weigh in on a that would offer tax exemptions to new and existing businesses.

The the measure. The idea behind the referendum is to draw in business, which would in turn stimulate economic development and create new jobs, city officials have said.

The amount of the exemption would vary from business to business, officials have said. Qualifying new businesses could claim an exemption of 50 percent to 75 percent of the value of property improvements and tangible personal property. Expanding businesses also would be eligible for the exemption based on added improvements and increased tangible property value.

The amount of exemption is based on the amount of a business’ investment, the number of employees and other factors, officials have said. A business could be exempt for 5 to 10 years based on these factors.

If favored by voters, the measure would go to the Temple Terrace City Council for final approval. It would last for a period of 10 years, expiring on Jan. 31, 2022.

The referendum reads:

Shall the City Council of the City of Temple Terrace be authorized to grant, pursuant to Section 3, Article VII of the State Constitution, property tax exemptions to new businesses and expansion of existing businesses to encourage economic development and establish new jobs?

Local polling places include:

• All Peoples Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave.
• Bible Based Fellowship Church, 8718 N. 46th St.
• , 8610 Temple Terrace Highway
• , 10002 N. 56th St.
• First United Church of Tampa, 7308 E. Fowler Ave.
• , 6161 E. Fowler Ave.
• Hillel Jewish Student Center, 13102 N. 50th St.
• , 9008 Harney Road
• Orange River Estates HOA Clubhouse, 7620 Wakulla Drive
• , 502 Druid Hills Road
• , 420 Bullard Parkway
• , 5030 E. Busch Blvd.
• , 11400 Morris Bridge Road
• , 415 Woodmont Ave.

If you don’t know your precinct, enter your address here. The polls open in Hillsborough County at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

In order to vote, you will have to present a photo and signature ID. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Florida driver’s license
• Florida ID card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
• Debit or credit card
• Military ID
• Student ID
• Retirement Center ID
• Neighborhood Association ID
• Public Assistance ID

Only registered Republicans can vote for the . Although a number of candidates have dropped out of the race, nine names will appear on the ballot. Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Jon Huntsman, Gary Johnson and Rick Perry withdrew too late to have their names removed from the ballot. Active candidates are , , and .

To find out more about voting, visit the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website or call the office at 813-744-5900.