Art that Gives Back: Kids Tag Art Store Opens with New Ways to Support School Art Programs

TAMPA, Fla., February 3, 2025 – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Kids Tag Art store is now open for the 2024-2025 school year! This innovative program, brought to Hillsborough County by Tax Collector Nancy Millan in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Hillsborough Education Foundation, gives fifth-grade students a unique opportunity to design their own vanity license plates while learning about local government.

When the Tax Collector’s Office introduced Kids Tag Art to Hillsborough County, Millan envisioned a program that would both educate students and strengthen art education in local schools. Today, that vision has become reality, with all proceeds from merchandise sales going directly back to each participating school’s art program to fund essential supplies and resources.

“The Kids Tag Art Program brings out the amazing creativity in our fifth-grade students while teaching them about the role of local government in their community,” said Nancy Millan, Hillsborough County Tax Collector. “Every time I see these young artists’ faces light up when they show us their designs, I’m reminded of why this program is so special. We’ve raised over $100,000 for our schools’ art programs, with each participating art teacher receiving over $800 in direct classroom funding in 2024 to purchase essential art supplies – ensuring our students have the tools they need to explore their artistic talents. I am so grateful for our community sponsors – including Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union and the Brooks Foundation – whose donations make a meaningful impact to ensure the success of this program.”

What’s new this year? The online store now offers more than just license plates! You can shop for student-designed:

• Key chains
• Mugs
• And other fun items

Shopping is easy – just visit hillstax.org/shop to browse the collection. You can search by student name or school to find specific artwork.

Support your local school’s art program by purchasing these unique designs. Every purchase helps provide art supplies and resources directly to participating Hillsborough County school art programs, ensuring students have the materials they need to continue creating and learning.

About Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office:

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for collecting and distributing local property, tangible, business, and tourist development taxes, ensuring the funding of vital services at the state and local levels. As an agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, we provide motor vehicle, vessel, and mobile home titles and registrations, issue driver licenses and ID cards, and administer written and road tests. We also issue disabled parking permits, collect tolls, and clear toll violations.

In partnership with other state and local agencies, we offer additional services such as issuing certified copies of Florida birth certificates, concealed weapons permits, vehicle for hire permits, and hunting and fishing licenses. The taxes and fees collected are distributed in accordance with Florida Statutes to the appropriate agencies or municipalities.

At the core of our work is a commitment to empowering our community through accessible, innovative, and convenient services. Guided by the values of doing the right thing, going the extra mile, and working together as #TeamHCTC, we strive to lead the way in amazing service experiences. For more information, visit hillstax.org