FLOST Sales Tax Increase Took Effect Jan. 1 in Gordon County

A voter-approved Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) took effect Jan. 1, raising the total sales tax rate in Gordon County to 8 percent.

The one-percent increase was approved by voters in November and was intended to provide property tax relief by shifting a portion of local government funding from property taxes to consumer spending. County officials said the tax would be collected throughout 2026, with total revenue applied to reduce the county’s 2027 millage rate.

Local businesses, particularly small retailers and restaurants, were advised to update point-of-sale systems to ensure the new rate was properly applied beginning Jan. 1. Failure to collect the correct amount could have resulted in accounting issues or penalties.

Officials emphasized that the FLOST was designed to spread the tax burden more broadly, including among visitors who shopped or dined in the county, while easing pressure on homeowners.