WALB is working to produce a video for this story. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch our livestream.

COLQUITT COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) – Colquitt County voters will soon decide whether to approve a new tax measure known as the FLOST, or Floating Local Option Sales Tax, in the upcoming November 4th election.

The proposal, created as part of House Bill 581 during the 2024 Georgia General Assembly session, was approved locally by 74% of voters in last year’s election. Earlier this fall, all city councils and the Colquitt County Commission agreed to “opt in,” making the measure eligible for the ballot.

According to county officials, the FLOST is not a tax increase but a tax shift — moving part of the local government’s funding from property taxes to sales taxes. The goal is to reduce property tax burdens by offsetting every dollar collected in sales taxes with an equal reduction in property taxes.

If approved, officials project the FLOST could generate about $8 million in its first year, leading to an estimated 51% reduction in both city and county property taxes.

“The FLOST helps shift part of the tax burden from homeowners to those who spend money in Colquitt County such as travelers, visitors, and out-of-town business guests,” the county explained.

If passed, collections would begin in January 2026, with property owners seeing reductions reflected on their 2026 tax bills. The full impact of the FLOST would take effect by the 2027 tax year.

Residents with questions can contact the county at (229) 616-7400 for more details or educational materials about the proposal.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.