Public Q&A

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Public Q&A: Ask About FLOST

Have a question about the Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST)—how the 1% sales tax works, millage rollbacks, homestead exemptions, or HB 581? Use the form to send us your question. We review each submission and add clear, plain-English answers to this public Q&A page. If your topic has already been asked, we may combine questions to keep the page easy to navigate.

To help us answer accurately, please include your location (Unincorporated White County, Cleveland, or Helen) and, if applicable, the type of property you’re asking about. We won’t publish your contact details; they’re used only if we need clarification.

This page is for public education only and does not advocate how to vote. For election-specific items (polling places, registration, ballot questions), please contact the White County Elections Office. For parcel-specific billing or assessment matters, reach out to the appropriate tax office. Any information collected and maintained by White County is subject to the open records law. And remember: do not use this form to report emergencies—call 911.

Does FLOST fund new projects or services?

No. FLOST revenue is restricted to property-tax relief through millage rollbacks. It isn’t general-purpose funding.

Can a city’s millage go below zero because of FLOST?

No. Cities can’t have a negative millage. If a city’s rollback would drop below zero, the excess is returned to the County to further reduce the County millage.

How is FLOST different from SPLOST?

SPLOST typically funds voter-approved capital projects. FLOST is different—it’s dedicated to property-tax relief via millage rollbacks.

Does FLOST change my homestead exemption?

No. Homestead exemptions continue under local policy and state law. FLOST reduces the millage rate itself; it doesn’t change your exemption type.

I rent—does FLOST help me?

FLOST reduces property-tax millage applied to properties in general, including rental and commercial properties. Whether that affects your rent depends on individual landlord and market decisions.