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Governor Rick Scott

Gov. Scott's Securing Florida's Future Budget Supports Continued Record Education Contributions

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Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget supports the Florida Lottery’s core mission of providing funding for education in Florida by investing $176.8 million in the Florida Lottery. In FY 2016-17, the Florida Lottery had a record sales year resulting in $1.66 billion in contributions to education.
Governor Scott said, “We know a great job begins with a great education, and the Florida Lottery is working to provide our students with the tools they need to succeed in college and careers. We will continue to support the Florida Lottery so they can keep making historic investments in Florida’s education system.”
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes

  • Vendor Fee Budget Alignment – Following a record sales year which resulted in $1.66 billion in contributions to education, the Governor’s budget provides an additional $7.6 million for ticket vendors, which will cover projected game sales and help continue increased education contributions.
  • Information Technology – Provides for a business intelligence software upgrade to replace the current system which is 10 years old and will reach the end of support in December 2018.  The Governor’s budget provides more than $1.3 million for IT equipment to increase innovation and efficiency.

Florida Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell said, “Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget reflects his continued and unwavering commitment to investing in education and strengthening Florida’s economy. The Lottery will continue doing all we can to maximize contributions to Florida’s education system.”

Gov. Scott: Securing Florida’s Future Budget Makes Historic Investments and Cuts Taxes

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Governor Rick Scott today visited Northern Tool + Equipment in Jacksonville to announce his Securing Florida’s Future budget which proposes $180 million in tax cuts to help Florida families. The Governor’s recommended budget also invests record funding in Florida’s education system, transportation, and environmental protection while continuing to support law enforcement and keep Florida’s economy growing.
Governor Scott said, “When I made the decision to run for Governor in 2010, a lot of people doubted that a businessman who had never been in politics could cut taxes and get our state back to work. For years, politicians in Tallahassee had run our economy into the ground through tax increases, frivolous spending and a lack of focus on job creation. I have spent every day since taking office fighting to get Florida on the right track by turning back the harmful policies of past politicians and I am proud of the work we have accomplished to secure Florida’s future by creating an environment where Floridians of all ages have the tools they need to succeed in our state. Today, I am proud to announce my budget which cuts taxes and makes historic investments in education, transportation and Florida’s environment.
“Turning around Florida’s economy would not have been possible without our hard work to cut taxes and encourage business to thrive here in the Sunshine State. Since I took office, I have been proud to work with the Florida Legislature to cut taxes 75 times saving Floridians more than $7.5 billion. Together, we have paid down $9 billion in state debt and made government more efficient to save even more taxpayer money. These accomplishments have helped secure future success and prosperity, and have made it possible for more than 1.3 million Floridians to find a job so they can support their families. As we look ahead to the future of Florida, it is important to continue fighting every day to make sure that our children and grandchildren have every opportunity to lead successful lives in the Sunshine State. Our Securing Florida’s Future budget advances Florida’s record of success and represents years of fighting to do what’s right for Florida families and I will keep fighting every day to secure Florida’s future for every Florida family.”
Cuts Taxes and Fees
The Securing Florida’s Future budget proposes to cut taxes by $180 million including reducing the fee when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license, reducing traffic citation fines for individuals attending driving school and implementing a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday and three one-week disaster preparedness sales tax holidays in May, June and July.
Protects the Environment
To continue protecting Florida’s world-class beaches, award-winning and nationally acclaimed state parks, renowned springs and iconic Everglades, Governor Scott is recommending more than $3.8 billion, including record funding to preserve Florida’s environment and keep the state beautiful for generations to come. This includes:

  • A record $355 million for Everglades restoration including $50 million to expedite repairs for the federal Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee;
  • A record $55 million for Florida’s springs;
  • A record $100 million for Florida’s beaches;
  • A record $50 million for Florida’s state parks;
  • More than $21 million to help Florida’s citrus industry following Hurricane Irma; and
  • $50 million for Florida Forever to help preserve and protect our natural lands.

Invests in Education
For the sixth straight year, Governor Scott is recommending historic funding for education. The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests historic amounts of funding in voluntary pre-kindergarten, K-12, state colleges and universities to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in the Sunshine State. Historic investments include:

  • An additional $11.6 million for a record total of more than $408 million for Florida’s VPK program, a quality free education initiative, which serves more than 158,000 four and five-year olds;
  • More than $21.4 billion in state and local funding for Florida’s K-12 public schools. This historic funding equates to $7,497 per student – an increase of $200 per Florida student– the highest total funding, state funding and per-student funding for K-12 in Florida’s history;
  • $15 million in funding for a brand-new program to expand opportunities for middle and high school students to learn coding and computer science;
  • $12 million in funding to establish the English Language Learners Summer Academics program. This program will be focused on reading improvements and making sure students in grades 4 – 8 displaced by Hurricane Maria have access to summer academies.
  • Historic funding for higher education including record state operating funding for Florida’s higher education system of more than $1.2 billion for Florida colleges, and more than $2.4 billion for Florida universities; and
  • More than $23 million for Bright Futures scholarships and ensures the Bright Futures Academic Scholars award will continue to cover 100 percent of tuition and fees for all semesters, including summer, for all eligible students. There are also NO tuition increases included in the budget.

Healthy Florida Families
The Securing Florida’s Future budget makes important investments to keep Florida families healthy:

  • $53 million to continue Florida’s fight against the national opioid epidemic;
  • More than $1 billion in mental health and substance abuse funding, including $14.7 million for community-based behavioral health services;
  • More than $1.3 billion for Florida’s child welfare system which includes more than $10 million for an additional 130 Child Protective Investigator and Florida Abuse Hotline Counselor positions. Under Governor Scott, the number of CPIs has increased by nearly 300 and the number of by Florida Abuse Hotline counselors has increased by nearly 50;
  • More than $198 million, a more than $2 million increase over current year funding, for maintenance adoption subsidies which provide funding for the families of children who are adopted from foster care to receive the services they need. This funding will also provide critical post adoption services for more than 37,000 children. Since taking office, Governor Scott has championed investments for the adoption of more than 20,000 children from Florida’s child welfare system;
  • $2 million for the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to provide employment services to approximately 1200 individuals with behavioral health needs and those with developmental disabilities who are ready to work; and
  • More than $18 million to add approximately 900 individuals who are in crisis into the APD waiver program. This is the sixth year that Governor Scott has provided funding to enroll individuals into the APD waiver program to help them live, learn and work in their communities.

Secures Great Transportation for Florida’s Future
The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests a record $10.8 billion for the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure that more than 20.7 million residents and more than 112 million visitors are able to move safely and effectively throughout the state. Since 2011, Governor Scott has overseen the investment of $85 billion in funding for roads, bridges, airports and seaports. This includes priority investments in Florida’s seaports exceeding $1.4 billion.
Keeps Florida’s Communities Safe and Strong
The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests $5.3 billion in public safety, an increase of nearly $200 million over current year funding, and makes important investments to support Florida’s dedicated law enforcement officers. Key public safety investments include:

  • $30 million for Florida’s state law enforcement agencies to use for additional pay raises to award Florida’s nearly 4,800 sworn state law enforcement officers;
  • $1.3 million to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for incident command vehicles and emergency ordinance disposal vehicles to strengthen counterterrorism and intelligence efforts;
  • More than $8 million for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to provide a 10 percent salary increase for Florida’s Juvenile Detention and Probation Officers;
  • $317,000 and three positions for DJJ to establish the Office of Youth and Family Advocacy which will serve as a firsthand resource working directly with youth and families to foster communication and amplify their voice in the ongoing improvement of the juvenile justice system; and
  • $68 million and 476 positions for the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) to better serve inmates with mental illness.

Invests in Florida’s Emergency Preparedness and Response
The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes a total of $1.4 billion for the Florida Division of Emergency Management to continue to prepare for and respond to both manmade and natural disasters. This reflects a 257 percent increase over the current year level of funding of $390.6 million. This funding will also support communities and state operations in disaster response and rapid recovery related activities due to Hurricane Irma and other prior storms. This is the highest level of funding since Governor Scott took office.
Invests in Florida’s Veterans Community
The Securing Florida’s Future budget recommends $178 million to support active duty military, veterans and their families.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget highlights.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget FAQ.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget complete budget.

Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget to Support Florida Elders and Families

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Governor Rick Scott’s 2018-19 Securing Florida’s Future budget recommends $12.5 million for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to serve more than 1,100 elders in need, invest in programs that support Florida families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and make necessary changes to outdated technology that will enable Florida’s Aging Network better serve seniors and their caregivers.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida is proud that so many elders are choosing to call our state home and we are fully committed to providing them with the services and support they need. These important investments are essential to helping our elders remain healthy, safe, and independent so they, and their families, can continue to enjoy our great state.”
Governor Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget includes:

  • $3 million to provide services for additional elders with Alzheimer’s disease and relief for their caregivers through the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI);
  • $5 million for home and community-based services for more seniors at risk for nursing home placement through the Community Care for the Elderly Program (CCE);
  • $1 million to provide services for more of the frailest individuals through the Home Care for the Elderly Program (HCE);
  • $2.65 million to improve the Department’s client assessment processes and technology, including replacement of the 26-year-old Client Information and Registration Tracking System (CIRTS); and
  • $876,000 for the Aging and Disability Resource Centers to assess needs and provide services to elders across Florida.

Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Jeffrey Bragg said, “With the highest percentage of elders in the nation, we must continue to set an example by investing in essential home and community-based services that best meet their needs. I am so grateful for the leadership and support of Governor Scott in providing these increases year after year – more than $163 million since 2011 – and for his commitment to serving Florida’s 5.2 million seniors.”
Jaime Estremera-Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer of the Area Agency on Aging for Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, Inc. and Vice President of the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging (F4A), said, “I am very thankful to Governor Scott for his support and investments in these programs that are vital for frail elders in Florida and allows us to help them maintain their health and independence in their own homes and communities.”
Debbie Moroney, ACSW, CEO, Alzheimer’s Project, Inc., said, “ADI is such an important program that supports caregivers and those with Alzheimer’s disease in Florida. Governor Scott has once again recognized the critical need for respite services for the selfless caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. They need our continued support, and I applaud the Governor for his continued support of our efforts.”   
Lisa Bretz, MSW, Executive Director, Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, said, “Through this increased funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Governor Scott has shown his support for our organizations in our mission to promote the independence, dignity, health, and well-being of seniors and their caregivers, and we applaud him for providing this funding for us again.” 
Andrea V. Busada, President of the Board of Directors, Florida Association of Aging Services Providers (FASP), said, “We are extremely pleased with the Governor’s continued commitment to enhancing the tools and technology at the Department of Elder Affairs which will allow service providers to more effectively serve our seniors.”
For more information about the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, visit www.elderaffairs.org.

Gov. Rick Scott to Unveil 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future Budget

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, November 14th, Governor Rick Scott will unveil his 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget at Northern Tool + Equipment in Jacksonville.
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 10:30 AM
WHERE: Northern Tool + Equipment
10000 Atlantic Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32225
Following the announcement, the Governor’s budget staff will host a pen and pad background briefing with credentialed press. No visual or audio recording equipment will be permitted. This will be an in-person meeting ONLY. No call-in information will be provided.
WHAT: Pen and Pad with OPB Staff
WHEN: 3:00 PM
WHERE: The Governor’s Large Conference Room
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Gov. Scott Announces $178 Million Investment for Florida’s Active Military, Veterans and Their Families

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Also supports Proposal that Gives Free Tuition to Families
of Fallen First Responders, Law Enforcement & Military

Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose $178 million in total funding to support active military, veterans and their families in Florida as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. He also announced his support for a proposal being considered by the Constitution Revision Commission to provide free tuition to the families of fallen first responders, state law enforcement officers and military members who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The proposal provides 120 credit hours per family at a Florida state college, university or participating technical school. Each family would be entitled to one four-year degree. If passed by the CRC, the proposal will be on the ballot in 2018 and would require approval of 60 percent of Florida voters. The CRC proposal, P 49, was filed by Commissioner Emery Gainey and can be found HERE.
Governor Scott said, “I am a proud Navy veteran and my father served during World War II, and this Veterans Day, I was honored to remember the courageous people I had the opportunity to serve with. There is no greater sacrifice to one’s community or country than giving your life to protect others. We will never be able to repay our fallen officers or service members who have bravely given their lives, but it is our duty to ensure that their families are supported as if they were our own.
“I am proud to announce today that I will propose a $178 million investment to help make sure Florida continues to be the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation for years to come. Our military, first responders and law enforcement members make the courageous decision to put their lives on the line every day to protect our country, families, and communities and I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session as we continue to do all we can to support these heroes. I will also fight this year to give voters the chance to approve a proposal to be included in our state’s constitution that gives free tuition to the families of our fallen law enforcement, first responders and military members.”
Governor Scott’s $178 million investment for Florida’s active military, veterans and their families includes:

  • $200,000 for search and rescue vessels and protective equipment for our National Guardsmen to use during deployment;
  • Nearly $8 million to begin operations at the Lake Baldwin State Veteran Nursing Home, which will allow this facility to serve more than 110 veterans in the coming year;
  • $2 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan;
  • $2 million for the Florida Defense Support Task Force, which helps support our military and defense communities and the many families who rely on them; and
  • $2.7 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home, including $1 million for Veterans Florida to continue their mission of helping veterans find great jobs at Florida businesses.

Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association, said, “The Sheriffs of Florida support proposal 49, brought forward by Sheriff Gainey, that provides death benefits to surviving family members of first responders who are killed or injured in the line of duty. Our most important asset is our people, and their families who support them in their service to our communities. Securing the future of our families is a noble act, and these death benefits provide educational opportunities for the surviving spouse or children to ensure they are able to provide for their families and contribute to the economy. We thank Governor Rick Scott and are grateful to the Constitution Revision Commission for considering this proposal as it truly does the right thing for our heroes and their families.”
In 2016, Governor Rick Scott signed SB 7012 which protects the families of fallen law enforcement officers and first responders by providing the fallen individual’s monthly salary to the beneficiary for their lifetime. The expanded benefit applies to all Special Risk class members of the Florida Retirement System. Special Risk includes law enforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, probation officers, and other employees whose job may put them at risk.
More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.

Gov. Scott Applauds New Sanctions Against Maduro Regime

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Governor Rick Scott today applauded the work of the Trump Administration on the announcement of new sanctions against ten Maduro government officials. Earlier this year, the SBA unanimously approved Governor Scott’s proposed resolution to prohibit the State of Florida from investments to benefit the Maduro regime. Currently, the Governor’s proposal to further this state policy has been filed in the Florida Legislature.
Governor Scott said, “For far too long, Nicolas Maduro has put his desire to stay in power above the needs of his people. I am glad that the Trump Administration has taken further action to hold this dictator and his regime accountable. As Maduro continues to brutally oppress the people of Venezuela, I will continue to do everything I can to help bring freedom and democracy to the millions of Venezuelans suffering at the hands of this ruthless dictator.
“In Florida, we’ve been clear that we stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela who are struggling for their freedom. We have taken action to prohibit the state from making investments that benefit the Maduro regime, and we are working to make our recent action even stronger. We work relentlessly to shine a light on Maduro’s crimes against his people and the need for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Today, we renew our call for Maduro to step down and completely release all political prisoners now.”

Gov. Scott Highlights $180 Million in Tax Cuts for Florida Families

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Governor Rick Scott visited Weather Tite Windows, a family-owned and operated window and door replacement company in Tampa Bay, to highlight his proposal for $180 million in tax cuts for Florida families as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. The Governor’s proposal includes sales tax holidays to help families prepare for the school year and hurricane season, and reductions to many of the fees on driver’s licenses. Since 2010, the Governor has cut taxes more than 75 times, saving Floridians more than $7.5 billion. In August, Governor Scott also announced that he will propose an amendment to Florida’s Constitution to make it harder for politicians to raise taxes by requiring a supermajority vote by future Florida legislatures to raise any taxes or fees. Read more HERE.
Governor Scott’s $180 million tax cut package includes:

  • Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families $88 Million – The Governor’s recommended budget includes funding for four sales tax holidays which will save Floridians an estimated $88 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holidays include:
    • $73 million from a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday; and
    • $15 million from three one-week disaster preparedness sales tax holidays which would take place in May, June and July.
  • Reduction in Driver’s License Fees to Save Floridians $87 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reduce the fees for driver’s licenses. These fees were increased in 2009, prior to Governor Scott taking office. These fee cuts include:
    • $67 million in savings from reducing the fee for a renewal of a regular driver’s license by more than 58 percent from $48 to $20; and
    • $20 million in savings from reducing the fee on an original regular driver’s license by more than 43 percent from $48 to $27 and the fee on an original Commercial Driver’s License by more than 10 percentfrom $75 to $67.
  • Reduction in Traffic Citation Fines to Save Floridians $4 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reinstate the 18 percent reduction of eligible traffic citation fines, which was repealed in 2009 prior to Governor Scott taking office, for individuals who attend a basic driver improvement school.

Gov. Scott directs activation of State Emergency Operations Center to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria

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Governor Rick Scott directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to activate the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to Level 2. This means the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) has activated, enhancing coordination between federal, state and local emergency management agencies. Today’s activation is in response to theFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offering Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) to Puerto Rican families in Florida who were displaced by Hurricane Maria.
Governor Scott said, “Since Hurricane Maria made landfall and devastated Puerto Rico, Florida has taken every opportunity to help families impacted by this storm and assist Puerto Rico in its recovery. Last week, I traveled to Puerto Rico for the second time since Hurricane Maria at the request of Governor Ricardo Rosselló to help with their power restoration efforts. Today, with more than 140,000 Puerto Ricans having arrived in Florida following Hurricane Maria, I have directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to upgrade the activation status of the State Emergency Operations Center. This will ensure that local, state and federal agencies are all working together and enhance the delivery of resources at the state’s Disaster Relief Centers at Miami and Orlando international airports as they prepare to assist more families with services like crisis counseling, educational resources, job placement services, medical services and help getting housing and drivers licenses. This direction will also facilitate greater planning and support a more efficient and coordinated response as we respond to the needs of these families.”
All TSA expenses and costs will be paid for directly by FEMA with federal funding. All state emergency management costs related to sheltering for displaced Puerto Rican families in Florida are 100 percent reimbursable by FEMA due to the Florida’s federal Host State Agreement. For more information on the federal Host State Agreement between the State of Florida and FEMA, click HERE.
For more information on FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance, click HERE.

Governor Scott Announces Free Admission to Florida State Parks on Veterans Day

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida State Parks will be offering free admission for all families and visitors on Veterans Day, November 11th, to honor all who have served and are currently serving in our U.S. military. Florida State Parks offer year-round discounts on Annual Entrance Passes to those who currently serve or have served in the U.S. military, veterans with service related disabilities and surviving spouses of members of the U.S. military who have fallen in combat.
Governor Scott said, “As a Navy veteran myself, I am proud to honor our veterans by offering free entry to the best state park system in the nation. Our award-winning state parks offer countless of opportunities for families and friends to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. This Veterans Day, I encourage all Florida residents and visitors to visit a state park and to recognize our military heroes for their selfless sacrifices.”
DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein said, “It is an honor to offer free entry to Florida’s outstanding state parks for all visitors as a sign of appreciation for our veterans. Florida State Parks are home to some of the most special places in the country, and we invite everyone to come out and enjoy these prized natural resources.”
In celebration of Veterans Day, several parks are hosting special events this weekend:

  • Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is hosting Honoring Veterans: Past, Present and Future on Nov. 11, 2017.
  • Highlands Hammock State Park is hosting the 32nd Annual Civilian Conservation Corps Festival on Nov. 11, 2017.
  • Fort Clinch State Park is hosting History of the American Soldier on Nov. 11, 2017.
  • The Barnacle Historic State Park is hosting The Barnacle Under Moonlight Concert on Nov. 11, 2017.

For a full list of events, please visit floridastateparks.org.
Florida State Parks preserve an abundance of historical and cultural sites that provide opportunities for reflection and remembrance. At Orman House Historic State Park in Apalachicola, visitors can pay respect to Vietnam veterans at the park’s Three Servicemen Statue, a bronze replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about annual entrance passes and discounts here.
*This offer does not include the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. All other use fees, such as overnight accommodations, will be charged as usual on Nov. 11, 2017.

Gov. Scott Highlights $180 Million in Tax Cuts for Florida Families

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Governor Rick Scott visited Global Business Solutions, Inc., an information technology company, in Pensacola to highlight his proposal for $180 million in tax cuts for Florida families as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. The Governor’s proposal includes sales tax holidays to help families prepare for the school year and hurricane season, and reductions to many of the fees on driver’s licenses. Since 2010, the Governor has cut taxes more than 75 times, saving Floridians more than $7.5 billion. In August, Governor Scott also announced that he will propose an amendment to Florida’s Constitution to make it harder for politicians to raise taxes by requiring a supermajority vote by future Florida legislatures to raise any taxes or fees. Read more HERE.
Governor Scott’s $180 million tax cut package includes:

  • Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families $88 Million – The Governor’s recommended budget includes funding for four sales tax holidays which will save Floridians an estimated $88 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holidays include:
    • $73 million from a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday; and
    • $15 million from three one-week disaster preparedness sales tax holidays which would take place in May, June and July.
  • Reduction in Driver’s License Fees to Save Floridians $87 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reduce the fees for driver’s licenses. These fees were increased in 2009, prior to Governor Scott taking office. These fee cuts include:
    • $67 million in savings from reducing the fee for a renewal of a regular driver’s license by more than 58 percent from $48 to $20; and
    • $20 million in savings from reducing the fee on an original regular driver’s license by more than 43 percent from $48 to $27 and the fee on an original Commercial Driver’s License by more than 10 percentfrom $75 to $67.
  • Reduction in Traffic Citation Fines to Save Floridians $4 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to reinstate the 18 percent reduction of eligible traffic citation fines, which was repealed in 2009 prior to Governor Scott taking office, for individuals who attend a basic driver improvement school.