What is annexation?
Annexation is the process of adding unincorporated property to the boundaries of an incorporated municipality, such addition making such real property in every way part of the municipality. Municipal annexations are governed by Chapter 171 of the Florida State Statutes.
Throughout Pinellas County there are properties that are in unincorporated Pinellas County meaning they are not incorporated into any municipality, regardless of their mailing address, therefore their form of local government is Pinellas County itself. Annexation allows these unincorporated properties to incorporate into a municipality in order to become a part of the city and receive certain city benefits.
What is a Planning Service Boundary?
The City of Largo, under Florida State Statutes, has what is called a "Planning Service Boundary", or PSB. Any unincorporated property within the PSB is eligible to submit an annexation agreement in order to incorporate into the City.
View our Planning Service Boundary map.
Why did I receive this brochure in the mail?
The City mails out these brochures to unincorporated property owners, such as yourself, within our PSB in order to share all the benefits of being a part of the City of Largo. When the City plans for the long-term future, all properties within our PSB are taken into consideration, even unincorporated properties. Largo plans for the entire area in hopes that one day all unincorporated neighborhoods will be a part of our community and in order for the City to provide efficient services to all Largo residents while eliminating duplication of services.
What benefits do I receive by submitting an annexation agreement?
When you submit an annexation agreement to the City of Largo, you will have access to the benefits listed in the brochure:
- City's garbage service at $21.18 a month (billed bi-monthly on your Pinellas County water bill). This includes twice a week pick-up for regular trash, once a week pick-up for recycling and yard waste, and four free bulk pick-ups a year
- In-City rate to the City's sanitary sewer service (if applicable)
- In-City rate to the City's recreational facilities and programs
- Access to reclaimed water (if applicable)
What is the City's annexation process?
Annexation is a two-step process. The first step is signing an annexation agreement which provides you access to the benefits listed above within two weeks of submission. Staff sets up delivery of the garbage cans and starts service on your behalf, so you do not have to call to set up service.
Once the annexation agreement is recorded by the City Clerk's Office you will receive a copy of the annexation agreement in the mail. Although you have received a completed agreement in the mail, you are still in unincorporated Pinellas County for the time being.
The second step is the official annexation. In order for a property to be annexed, it has to be contiguous to property that is in the City of Largo. Largo usually conducts annexations on a quarterly basis. When the City is ready to begin the official annexation process the property owner will receive a letter in the mail notifying them the City is moving forward with the annexation of the property. This process takes approximately two months to complete and when done, the property owner will receive a package in the mail welcoming them to the City of Largo!
What changes after annexation?
After the official annexation is complete, below is what will change:
Property Taxes
In unincorporated Pinellas County you pay three separate fees on your tax bill that will no longer be part of your Largo tax bill: MSTU, Library Service and Fire fee. After annexation, these three fees will go away and be replaced with Largo's tax rate fee.
Stormwater Fee
The stormwater fee will change. Unincorporated properties pay their stormwater fee at the end of the year on their tax bill, this shows up under the Non Ad-Valorem Assessment as Surface Water Assessment. After annexation, property owners will begin paying a Largo stormwater fee bi-monthly on their Pinellas County water bill instead. A single-family property on average pays $117.74 annually in unincorporated Pinellas County versus $79.80 annually in the City of Largo.
Properties may be eligible for a refund on the County's Surface Water Assessment after annexation into the City of Largo. Property owners may be reimbursed, on a pro-rate basis, from the date of annexation to the end of that fiscal year.
Tax Fees
The City of Largo levies a utility tax on the purchase of electricity, metered or bottled gas, fuel oil, and water service. This tax is levied at the state-allowed maximum of $0.04 per gallon of fuel oil, and 10% of services provided for the remaining utilities. This 10% tax appears on your Duke Energy utility bill and Pinellas County water bill when officially annexed into the City.
Public Utilities must pay a franchise fee to the City in return for the right to use piblic rights-of-way for transmission lines, pipes, wires, etc. This 6% fee appears on your Duke Energy and Clearwater Gas (if applicable) utility bill when officially annexed.
Emergency Provider
When you reside in unincorporated Pinellas County, the emergency provider is the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Once annexed into the City of Largo, the emergency provider switches to Largo's Police Department.
Code of Ordinances
Unincorporated property owners follow Pinellas County's code of ordinances and comprehensive development code. Once annexed into the City of Largo, property owners will be required to follow Largo's code of ordinances and comprehensive development code.
Other Benefits
You will now be able to vote in Largo's local election cycle and have your voice heard. You may also apply to sit on the various advisory boards the City offers.
What does not change after annexation?
There are properties that have a Clearwater, FL mailing address even though they are inside Largo's PSB. Following annexation into Largo, these properties maintain their Clearwater, FL mailing address, it does not change.
Largo Fire Rescue is your service provider while in unincorporated Pinellas County. Once annexed into the City they remain your service provider, this does not change.
Your water service will always remain with Pinellas County.
How can I request an annexation agreement? Who can I speak to if I have more questions?
Please feel free to contact Isabella Nunez, Economic Development Coordinator, at 727-586-7360 Option 1 or at inunez@largo.com to otain an annexation agreement and for any additional questions you may have.
