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Florida Realtors Commends Gov. Scott for Signing HB 7109

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Bill Includes Reduction in Florida’s Business Rent Tax

Maria Wells, 2017 president of Florida Realtors® and broker-owner with Lifestyle Realty Group in Stuart, issued the following statement regarding Governor Rick Scott’s signing of HB 7109 today.
“Florida Realtors® applauds Governor Scott and members of the Legislature for making these tax cuts possible for Florida families. From a Realtor® perspective, I am particularly excited about the first-ever cut to the business rent tax that is included in this bill. The business community has been working to advance this tax cut for several years.
“The most significant steps are often the first ones we take on an issue and this cut opens the door for future reductions of this burdensome tax. More importantly, it puts $61 million back in the hands of businesses to grow and hire more people, and when businesses grow, communities prosper.”
Currently, Florida charges a six percent sales tax on business rent, creating a financial burden for any business that leases space. It is the only state that charges this tax on business rent. Once HB 7109 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2018, the new state tax rate on commercial leases will be 5.8 percent. Lowering the business rent tax will provide Florida businesses with more capital to expand, hire more employees, improve benefits and raise salaries.
Florida Realtors and other members of the Business Rent Tax Coalition have long advocated for a reduction in the state’s business rent tax. Gov. Scott signed HB 7109, which includes other tax cut provisions, during a morning press conference at 3Cinteractive Corp., a mobile marketing service provider in Boca Raton.

Gov. Scott Signs Counterterrorism Legislation

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Governor Rick Scott today signed HB 457 which creates criminal offenses for people who engage in illegal activities in connection with terrorist organizations or commit acts of terrorism.
Governor Scott said, “Last year, Florida came under attack when an ISIS-inspired terrorist stormed into Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and killed 49 innocent people. Today, while we continue to mourn this tragic loss of life, we are doing everything in our power to make sure that no family or community experiences that pain again. This important legislation will help ensure that those responsible for acts of terror like this are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and continue our efforts to prevent future attacks. I’d like to thank the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their hard work on this bill. I’m proud to sign it into law today.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “I thank Governor Scott, the Florida Cabinet and the Legislature for their leadership and dedication to keeping Florida safe. Florida’s crime rate continues to drop thanks to the hard work and dedication of our brave law enforcement officers. It is imperative that law enforcement has the tools and resources it needs to investigate crimes related to terrorism.”
To view the transmittal letter, click HERE.

Nelson introduces bill to speed up Everglades projects

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Florida lawmakers in both the U.S. House and Senate reintroduced legislation today to expedite future Everglades-restoration projects by streamlining the process from planning to construction of a project.
The legislation – introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) – would automatically authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to move forward on any Everglades-restoration project that is ready to begin, without having to wait for additional approval from Congress.
“Restoring the Everglades is a top priority,” Nelson said. “There’s simply too much at stake here in Florida to wait around for Congress to pass a water bill every few years. This bill will allow the Corps to begin work on these projects as soon as they are ready.”
Under the current system, the Corps must inform Congress once they are ready to begin work on a project, and then wait for Congress to authorize that project in a broader water resources bill.
Between 2001 and 2016, Congress only passed three water resources bills, delaying several Everglades projects for years. The $1.9 billion Central Everglades Planning Project, for example, was deemed shovel-ready in Dec. 2014, but wasn’t authorized by Congress until Dec. 2016.
Three Everglades-restoration projects are currently in the planning stage: the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Project, the Western Everglades Project, and the Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project.
If Nelson’s bill is approved, construction on these three projects could begin as soon as the Corps deems them ready – instead of waiting years for Congress to authorize them in a future water bill.
Text of Nelson’s bill is available here.

Gov. Scott Signs Legislation to Cut $180 Million in Taxes for Floridians

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Governor Rick Scott signed HB 7109, which cuts taxes by $180 million for Florida families and businesses. This brings the total amount of taxes cut since Governor Scott has been in office to more than $6.7 billion.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to sign this legislation today that cuts more than $180 million in taxes for Florida families and businesses. Since I’ve been in office, I’ve fought to cut taxes and reduce burdensome regulations to help boost Florida’s economy and ensure our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to succeed in our great state. Every time we cut taxes, we are encouraging businesses of all sizes to create opportunities for families across the state and more money is put back in taxpayers’ pockets.”
The $180 million tax cut package includes:
Decreasing the Tax on Business Rents by $61 Million – Florida is the only state that has a tax on commercial leases which unfairly targets small businesses. This legislation reduces the tax on commercial leases by 0.2 percent in 2018, savingFlorida businesses $61 million a year.

  • Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families $37.9 Million – The tax cut package includes two sales tax holidays, which will save Florida families an estimated $37.9 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holiday savings include:
    • $33.4 million from a 3-day back-to-school sales tax holiday (August 4-6, 2017).
    • $4.5 million from a 3-day disaster preparedness sales tax holiday (June 2-4, 2017). For more information visit www.floridarevenue.com.
  • Cutting Taxes for Low-Income Floridians and Florida Seniors: $32.7 million.
    • $6.9 million by expanding the property tax exemption for Assisted Living Facilities beginning in 2017.
    • $25.8 million by providing a 50 percent discount in property taxes to certain multifamily, low-income housing projects.

To view a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.
To see the full bill, which includes the additional tax cuts, click HERE.

Governor Scott Signs 16 Bills Into Law

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Governor Rick Scott today signed the following bills into law:
CS/CS/SB 18 – Relief of ‘Survivor’ and the Estate of ‘Victim’ – This bill directs the Florida Department of Children and Families to provide a total of $3.75 million in compensation relief to Victor Barahona and the estate of Nubia Barahona.
CS/CS/SB 80 – Public Records – This bill specifies the conditions under which a court may award attorney fees in public record disputes.
CS/SB 818 – Timeshares – This bill revises definitions and requirements for termination of timeshare plans and creates a new section related to the extension of the terms of timeshares.
CS/CS/SB 852 – Human Trafficking – This bill strengthens the oversight for victims of Human Trafficking by creating guidelines for Florida Department of Children and Families to better coordinate services.
CS/CS/SB 884 – Shark Fins – This bill increases penalties for shark finning and codifies a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rule prohibiting this practice.
CS/CS/SB 886 – Public Records – This bill creates a public records exemption for individuals with substance abuse impairment under the Florida Marchman Act.
SB 1020 – Collective Bargaining Impasses – This bill amends the timeline for portions of the Legislature’s process to resolve collective bargaining issues at impasse.
CS/CS/CS/HB 185 – State Park Fees – This bill provides free annual state park entrance passes and a 50 percent discount on campsite fees to foster families, and a free annual state park entrance pass to families who adopt children with special needs.
CS/HB 711 – “Boater Safety Bill”– This bill further reduces registration fees for boats equipped with a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
HB 741 – Department of Business and Professional Regulation Fees – This bill reduces the building permit surcharge assessed on applicable building permits to 1 percent and limits the delinquent license fees to a flat rate of $25.00 for professions under Ch. 455, F.S.
CS/CS/HB 927 – Real Estate Appraisers – This bill updates the types of instruction methods real estate schools may use, amends appraisal management company statutes to comply with changes to federal rules, and eliminates the post-licensure education requirement for trainee real estate appraisers.
CS/CS/HB 1201 – Department of Corrections –This bill changes provisions within the department to help enhance the efficiency, operations, and security of the state prison system.
HB 1233 – Cottage Food Operations – This bill increases the annual gross sales threshold from $15,000 to $50,000, to qualify as a cottage food operation and allows cottage food operations to sell products over the internet.
HB 7045 – OGSR/ Reports of Unclaimed Property – This bill prevents the scheduled repeal of the public records exemption for social security numbers and property identifiers contained in reports of unclaimed property held by the Department of Financial Services.
HB 7067 – OGSR/ Title Insurance Agencies or Insurers/ Office of Insurance Regulation – This bill continues the existing public records exemption for proprietary business information of a title insurance agency or title insurer.
HB 7107 – Homestead Exemption Implementation – This bill would implement a proposed third homestead property tax exemption constitutional amendment if voted into law.
To view the transmittal letters, click HERE.

Gov. Scott Signs Legislation for Boater Safety in Florida

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Governor Rick Scott today signed HB 711, which further reduces registration fees for boats equipped with safety features, such as an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). This legislation is an extension of a boater safety bill signed into law by Governor Scott last year.
Governor Scott said, “Just two years ago, we suffered the heartbreaking loss of two teenagers after sailing from the Jupiter Inlet. This important legislation encourages the use of safety measures to ensure this kind of tragedy never happens again. I’m proud to continue our efforts to keep Florida’s families and visitors safe by signing HB 711 today.”
To view a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.

Governor Scott Signs Legislation to Protect Lake Okeechobee

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Governor Rick Scott today toured Lake Okeechobee and hosted a ceremonial bill signing for SB 10, which helps protect Florida’s environment by authorizing the building of a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee.

WATCH: Remarks by Senator Joe Negron

“…to work with [Governor Scott] and work with our federal partners to make sure that the rehabilitation of the dike around Lake O is done expeditiously, that we expedite it. I had a good phone call this morning with Colonel Kirk about that issue and also about the commitment of the Army Corps of Engineers to work with the South Florida Water Management District and the Legislature as we implement SB 10.… I want to thank everyone who’s here, the Governor, I want to particularly thank Senator Bradley, who sponsored SB 10 in the Senate, also Senator Latvala, who is our appropriations chair, who made sure that we got through the appropriations process and worked to make the final product happen, and lastly Representative Altman, who was the sponsor in the House. I appreciate everything that everyone has done and look forward to this project being completed in a timely manner and thank you again Governor.”

WATCH: Remarks by Ryan Matthews, Interim Secretary, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

“I believe that Florida is the envy of the United States because of our vast resources and our unique ecosystems. I also think we are in a particularly enviable position currently because we have the Governor, who has shown that he will tirelessly fight for Florida’s families and our environment. We have a Governor that has shown he can utilize his relationships and partnerships with  not only President Trump, but federal officials at the highest levels of the government. Because of that, I believe that Florida will see increased appropriations, such as money for the [Herbert Hoover] Dike, which is desperately needed. But also, we’ll see appropriations for federal dollars that are needed for that storage east and west of the lake with the C-43 and C-44 [reservoirs]. SB 10 will provide needed storage south of the lake and we will continue to look at comprehensive ways to restore this beautiful ecosystem… I’d like to thank the Governor for his continued fight and effort to protect Florida’s families and the environment.”

WATCH: Remarks by Dan O’Keefe, Chairman, South Florida Water Management District

Good morning everybody. I really am honored to be here today in the presence of a Governor, whose vision and dedication and tireless efforts, has done more for the Everglades restoration in his six years in office than the prior six administrations combined… By strongly advocating for the crucial dollars necessary to fix the rehab of the Herbert Hoover Dike, our Governor has shown a commitment to protecting the lives of the communities that live in fear of the potential breach and to protect the environment. Once this Dike is repaired, we are very optimistic that we will be able to store more water than any other current project that we have on the books. As Chairman of the largest water management district in the Sunshine State, representing the people of our district, the people of the State of Florida, I’d like to thank the Governor and the Legislature and all of you for your efforts and your leadership to make this happen today.”

WATCH: B-roll following tour of Lake Okeechobee & Remarks by Gov. Scott

“Today is an exciting day. We get to sign SB 10, which is part of continuing to fix the flow of water and the Everglades… This is good for all of us- it’s good for our wildlife, it’s good for our agricultural industry. This is good for our state and especially this part of our state. I’m proud to sign this with all of you here. I’d also like to recognize the individuals that do business down here… and thank them for being here and supporting this… Like everything you do in life, you can’t stop…To have the opportunity to sign SB 10 and focus on how we are going to get storage south of the lake – that’s a big deal and long term, it is going to be a big opportunity. But every day we have to think what we are going to do next- that’s why it’s very important to me that we get the [Herbert Hoover] Dike fixed.”

Nelson, Rubio introduce bill to reform VA

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced legislation today aimed at reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs by making it easier for the VA Secretary to fire poorly-preforming employees.
The legislation aimed at holding VA employees more accountable would also create new protections for VA whistleblowers and ensure that employees who are terminated have an adequate opportunity to appeal their dismissal.
“This bill will help the VA provide better care to our veterans by removing the bad actors and protecting the good ones,” Nelson said. “The brave men and women who have served our country deserve nothing but the best, and this bill is another small step in ensuring that they receive the care they deserve.”
For years, the VA has been plagued by reports of inefficiency and long wait times. VA Secretary David Shulkin has repeatedly expressed support for legislation to hold VA employees more accountable.
The legislation filed today is the third bill Nelson has sponsored in as many years to hold VA employees more accountable. Nelson says that while he believes it’s important to hold poorly-performing employees accountable, he also believes it’s important to protect the rights of those employees who may have been wrongly terminated, especially at the lower levels, by giving theman opportunity to appeal a supervisor’s decision to fire them.
Specifically, the legislation filed today would:

  • Authorize the secretary to reprimand, suspend, involuntarily reassign, demote, or remove a covered individual from a senior executive service position, including removal from civil service, if the secretary determines that their misconduct or performance warrants such an action, subject to a VA-internal grievance process established by the secretary that must be completed within 21 days.

 

  • Authorize the secretary to remove, demote, or suspend for longer than 14 days without pay, subject to an appeal of their removal or demotion to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) for most non-senior executive service (SES) employees. The MSBP would then have 180 days to complete an expedited appeal and render a final decision, subject to judicial review by the U.S. Federal Circuit.

 

  • Protect whistleblowers from retaliation by not allowing the secretary to use this authority to fire employees who have filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). The proposal would also establish an Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection for employees to bring to light major problems at the VA without losing their job or facing retaliation.

 

  • Streamline authority for the secretary to rescind an employee’s bonus or relocation expense reimbursement if the secretary deems it appropriate, and allow reduction to an SES employee’s retirement pension upon their conviction of a felony related to work performance.

 

  • Require the VA to provide periodic training to each supervisor on the rights of whistleblowers; how to address a report by an employee of a hostile work environment, reprisal, or harassment; how to effectively motivate, manage, and reward employees; and how to effectively manage employees who are performing at an unacceptable level.

 

  • Authorize the secretary to directly appoint individuals to the positions of Medical Center Director and Director of Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) if they have demonstrated ability in the medical profession, health care administration, or health care fiscal management.

 

  • Require the VA to provide reports to Congress on employee morale and the types of administrative action taken against employees and their effectiveness in disciplining employees.

Full text of the legislation is available here.