Frequently Asked Questions about joining the City of Largo

Annexation is a two-step process. The first step is to have a completed Annexation Agreement between a property owner and the City of Largo. Under an Annexation Agreement, in-City services will be given to the property, however the property will still be part of unincorporated Pinellas County. The second step is the actual annexation of the property which involves bringing the Annexation Agreement in front of the Largo City Commissioners to authorize the annexation and formally bring the property into the municipal boundary. Once the City Commission has approved the annexation, the property will officially be recognized as being part of Largo, and at that time will have complete access to all of Largo’s City services including the Largo Police Department. The property owner will begin to pay Largo taxes, can vote in the Largo election cycle and have a say in what happens in their community. They will have enhanced local representation from leaders and decision-makers who are focused on your community.

Yes, Forward Pinellas has established a Truth in Annexation worksheet where the property owner inputs their financial information and it will estimate the difference in annual taxes and fees before and after annexation, based on the information you provide.

The City has also created a sample Cost Benefit Analysis for the High Point Fire Tax District and Largo Fire Tax District.

No, staff needs the original signed Annexation Agreement. Please make sure to have all property owners sign in the appropriate blocks, have each signature witnessed, and have a notary notarize each property owner’s signature separately in the appropriate blocks.

Once the agreement is received by Staff, it takes approximately two weeks to begin service. Largo provides a City issued garbage container and a blue recycling container for free. Staff will arrange for the containers to be dropped off so there is no need to contact the Solid Waste Department (727-587-6760). When the containers are delivered you will be provided with your pick-up schedule dates. The cost is $21.18 a month and is billed bi-monthly on your Pinellas County water bill. The following is included in the cost:

• Regular garbage is picked up twice a week

• Recyclables are picked up once a week

• Yard Waste is collected once per week as part of your standard curb side service. Please bag or containerize yard waste for easy collection.

• Largo provides a four (4) times per year bulk-service pick-up.

Yes, once it is recorded by the City Clerk’s office you will receive a copy in the mail.

No, you do not have to complete anything on your end. When the City has decided to move forward with the annexation of your property you will be notified before and after the annexation is complete via mail. The annexation involves bringing the property in the form of an ordinance in front of City Commission for their approval. Two readings are required, a first reading and the second being a public hearing. You do not have to attend the City Commission meetings, however you are more than welcome if you choose to. After the Commission has approved the annexation, you will be notified by letter of the approved annexation, along with a copy of the ordinance and a brochure on City services and how to get involved in your community.

Depending on what tax district your property was in before annexation, your property taxes may slightly go up or down. See below the comparison of millage rates for property taxes:

Although Largo residents pay lower fees for many other public services, there are some additional fees paid by Largo residents that residents living in unincorporated Pinellas County do not pay. See below for comparison:

No, your mailing address will not change.