FY26 General Increase
The Board of County Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, which included a general increase for classified and exempt employees:
- All eligible employees received a 3% increase calculated and applied on the employee’s actual salary.
- Employees at the maximum of their pay grade received a lump sum.
When was the general increase effective?
Effective October 5, 2025, all eligible classified and exempt employees hired before September 21, 2025, received a general increase which appeared on their October 24, 2025, paycheck.
Who was eligible for the general increase?
Permanent (not temporary) employees were eligible.
Please note that per Personnel Rule 3, an Appointing Authority can defer or deny the granting of the increase for new hires, promotions, pay adjustments, demotions, and voluntary demotions within 90 days of a general increase and for disciplinary action within a 12-month period which has not become inactive.
What if the increase brought an employee's pay rate above the pay grade maximum?
Employees for whom a pay rate increase would exceed the maximum for their associated pay grade received an increase that brought their pay rate to the new maximum. The remainder of the adjustment was awarded in a single lump sum payment.
What if an employee was at the maximum for their pay grade?
Employees whose hourly rate was at or above maximum for their associated pay grade received a single lump sum payment rather than an increase to their hourly pay rate.
Did the pay plans change in FY26?
Yes. Pay grades were increased by 2% – including the minimums, midpoints, and maximums. View the updated pay plans.
What if I have questions?
Please contact Human Resources at (727) 464-3367 or email pay.class@pinellas.gov.
10/29/25