Los Angeles voters this week approved Measure FD, raising the city's sales tax from 10.25% to 10.75% to pay for more firefighters, new vehicles and upgraded fire stations.
The half-point increase is expected to generate nearly $350 million a year for the Los Angeles Fire Department. The region's stretched firefighting resources became visible during the devastating 2025 fires.
Shoppers likely won't pay the higher rate until spring. The measure starts collection on the first day of the first calendar quarter that begins more than 110 days after the City Council adopts the ordinance, which makes the exact date hard to pin down.
First, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder must certify county election results, a step due by Dec. 3. The city's rate stays at 10.25% until then.
For a sense of scale, a $1,000 laptop now carries $102.50 in sales tax. The increase would add $5 to that bill.
Not all of that money goes to the city. California charges a base sales tax of 7.25%, and cities layer their own rates on top.
Under state law, the city tax applies to goods such as furniture, clothing, toys, antiques, giftware and restaurant food. Grocery food and medicine are exempt.
