TALLAHASSEE, Fl. - The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday and will decide the fate of the All for Transportation tax in Hillsborough County.
- High Court heard oral arguments in All For Transportation lawsuit
- Justices questioned validity of tax language
- A close decision might delay Florida Supreme Court ruling
- More Hillsborough County stories
County residents approved the tax in the 2018 midterm elections by almost a 60 percent margin. Since January 2019, Hillsborough County has collected $225 million in tax revenue and is waiting for approval from the high court to use it.
The county and its residents were represented in the state’s highest court by some heavy hitters.
Arguing on their behalf were former U.S. Senator George Lemieux and former Florida Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero.
But during arguments, some of the justices’ line of questioning implied the charter amendment could be in jeopardy.
Even the chief justice described arguments for the recently voter approved charter amendment as a “scheme” and questioned the validity of the tax.
"But it seems like to me, at the very best, this is...what's involved in this is deceptive double talk," said Chief Justice Charles T. Canady.
The eventual timeline of a ruling is even more uncertain.
While normally a ruling by the high court should be expected anywhere from four to six weeks after today's arguments, there is a twist to the ongoing saga.
Only five justices heard today's arguments.
That's in line with hearing a case.
But according to the Florida Supreme Court, "at least four must agree for a decision to be reached."
There are also normally seven justices on the bench, but two have been elevated to federal judgeships.
If there's a close three to two vote in the case, the two new justices would have to weigh in.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has until the last week of March to name them. A ruling could happen after that.