FAQs

How Does it Work?

At Spring Hill Timebank members may login and find out about upcoming activities, create service offers and requests and arrange with other members to provide or receive a service.

Members earn Time Credits (hours) after each service they provide, and then can spend those Time Credits on whatever they want from the listed service offerings. There are also opportunities to donate hours earned to local charities.

What are Time Credits (hours)?

When you spend an hour providing a service to another Timebank member, you or the Timebank will record the exchange. A Time Credit (hour) will be added to your account and subtracted from the account of the member who received the service. (Quarter and half-hours may be recorded too.)

Does a Time Credit have a monetary value?

No. Time Credits operate outside of the market economy, and only track the time people provide services for each other.

Are Time Credits taxable?

Time credits have been ruled tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS views Timebanking as a charitable exchange ("The provision of friendly neighborly services..."), so presently there is no tax consequence for the services that members provide.

What kind of services are typically offered by Timebank members?

Timebank services encompass many forms of skills and assistance: animal care, life coaching, tutoring, teachings, crafts and hobbies (knitting, fishing, etc.), running errands, cooking, reading aloud, housecleaning, sewing, taxi service, hair cutting, computer help, gardening, yard work, and more. Services can be as simple as a comfort call to someone needing human contact, to medical and health care services, or sharing a cup of tea.

Can I offer driving or running errands as a service?

Driving is a popular service, and it can be very beneficial to those needing someone to run errands or take them to where they need to go. When using your car to perform Timebank exchanges, please be familiar with the Terms of Service page on your Timebank site.

What are the benefits of joining?

Joining the Timebank gives you access to the talents, time, and skills of your neighbors, while giving you an opportunity to help others in meaningful ways. It's a great way to get connected with others in your community, one hour at a time!

How do I join?

Joining is easy. Use the links below and follow the simple directions.
Spring Hill Timebank
St. Pete Timebank
Tampa Bay Timebank

Can a business or organization join?

Yes. A business, organization, or agency can join as an organizational member. This creates one account for the organization, which the organization's representative canuse to give and receive services for the organization. Organizations can earn Time Credits by providing meeting rooms, offering classes to other Timebank members, or providing volunteers to fill a service request. Organizations can spend Time Credits by having others help them with needs such as yard work, inventory, moving, website design, graphic design, extra staffing for special events, etc.

What does it cost to join?

Because each Timebank is somewhat autonomous, some Timebanks charge dues and some do not. Some may not charge dues for individual members but may charge for organizations to join. Some Timebanks hold fundraisers to help pay their website and administration costs. Some Timebanks have their own 501c3 designation and can accept donations, while others do not. See your local Timebank's policies on joining, dues, and donations.

Do I have to live in Florida to join?

We are focused on Florida. If you live outside the area you are welcome to join, however the distance may limit your physical exchanges. Distance is not a problem for exchanges done via the internet or telephone. See a list of other time banks here!

What about safety?

Although all Timebank applicants agree to the Terms of Service and ascribe to the Five Core Values, some Timebanks have policies regarding specific rules, regulations, membership agreements, joining policies and operating policies. Prior to arranging an exchange, each Timebank member is responsible for determining whether they are comfortable interacting with another member. We encourage members to personally meet other members in a public location (such as one of our potlucks) prior to meeting privately.

Individuals with criminal records are generally excluded from the Timebank, with potential exceptions for minor offenses.

What if I don't have computer access?

Public access computers are available at public libraries. If you don't use a computer, your Timebank coordinator can connect you with an E-buddy to take care of the computer stuff for you.