Statement by Florida TaxWatch President and CEO on House Tax Package

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -

Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro released the following statement on the Florida House’s concept tax package, released earlier today in the House Ways and Means Committee -

“Ensuring that Florida has a welcoming tax climate for business and residents is crucial in improving the state economy, creating jobs and keeping money in the pockets of hard-working taxpayers. Florida TaxWatch applauds the Florida House for their commitment to this goal through their proposed tax package.

“The package addresses numerous TaxWatch recommendations, including reducing the onerous business rent tax, which is the only statewide sales tax on commercial leases in the nation. The tax suppresses small businesses and makes Florida less competitive in the global economy.

“The package also establishes 3 sales tax holidays - Back to School (ten days), disaster preparedness (nine days) and veterans (one day) - the benefits of which have been highlighted in Florida TaxWatch research.

“Florida TaxWatch looks forward to continuing to work with policymakers on this issue and hope they keep looking for ways to save taxpayer money through smart tax cuts and government efficiency.”

In addition to the sales tax holidays and a reduction to the business rent tax, the package increases tax credits available for voluntary brownfields clean-up and research and development. Diapers and incontinence products, feminine hygiene products and certain agricultural and animal health products would also all be permanently exempt under the proposal, with college textbooks being exempt for one year.