FLORIDA TAXWATCH STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF HB 7109

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro released the following statement on the HB 7109, which passed the House earlier today –
“Florida TaxWatch commends the Florida House for their commitment to Florida taxpayers. Their tax package is a win for the state and will reduce the tax burden on Floridians, allowing them to make their own decisions on how their hard-earned money is spent.
“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. HB 7109 reduces the business rent tax by 1.5 percent for two years. After that, the rate is reduced permanently by 0.5 percent.
“Florida TaxWatch research has found that this onerous tax impedes small businesses and startups from reaching their potential by imposing additional costs upon them, restricting opportunities for growth and forcing companies to cut back on hiring. The House’s tax package would boost our state’s economy and encourage hiring of new employees.
“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 hopes that the Senate passes a similar comprehensive tax package that addresses the burdensome business rent tax and finally provides some relief to Florida taxpayers.”