Staff Reports
The House Finance and Tax Committee approved its tax cut proposal on Wednesday. The proposal cuts nearly $1 billion over two years. The proposal includes reducing the business rent tax, an extension of the sales tax on manufacturing equipment and four sales tax holidays.
Chris Hudson, state director for Americans for Prosperity—Florida, said in a statement:
“You’re on the right track. We commend the House for focusing on cuts to the commercial lease sales tax, a measure that will truly help Florida place that Open for Business sign at the entrance of our great state. However, special carveouts for the renewable energy industry, including two separate tax credits for both the production of renewable energy and renewable technologies won’t produce the best benefits for all Floridians. We strongly encourage both chambers to focus on broad-based tax cuts that all Florida families can enjoy.”
Jerry Pierce, chairman of the National Federation of Independent Business/Florida and the owner of Restaurant Equipment World in Orlando, said in a statement:
“This tax cut plan is exactly what small business owners need to continue growing the economy and creating jobs. I know that when you cut taxes on business owners, they invest in their businesses and create jobs – which is the ideal return on the investment of tax cuts.
“I spoke with many businesses owners today at Governor Scott’s 1st for Jobs tax cut rally, and their response to the business rent tax cut in particular was overwhelming. They plan to hire employees, upgrade equipment and expand when the business rent tax cut is passed – all things that will help Floridians.
“On behalf of small businesses across Florida, I thank the Florida House and Chairman Matt Gaetz for supporting small business with this tax cut plan.”
Brewster Bevis, senior vice president of state and federal affairs for Associated Industries of Florida, said in a prepared statement:
“AIF applauds the House for passing a business-friendly tax package out of the House Finance & Tax Committee today.
“As Florida’s leader in manufacturing and Florida’s affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers, AIF is pleased that members recognize the importance of permanently eliminating the sales tax imposed on the purchase of manufacturing equipment and machinery. Not only will this tax exemption help elevate manufacturing in Florida, it will help diversify our economy and grow our job base.
“AIF is also pleased that the House included language in its tax package that reduces the business rent tax. This tax reduction will bolster our economy and make Florida a more attractive place to do business.
“We thank Chairman Matt Gaetz and members of the House for supporting these pro-growth and business-friendly measures.”
The state House on Wednesday approved the Florida Department of Transportation package (HB 7027). The proposal includes an increase in the minimum statutory amount for seaport funding for the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development program.
Doug Wheeler, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council, said in a statement:
“Long-term funding of strategic seaport projects is critical to securing new business and trade in Florida. The Florida House has further demonstrated their commitment to growing Florida’s economy and creating jobs by passing this guarantee of future seaport infrastructure. Global businesses and manufacturers need to be able to trust that Florida is committed to freight infrastructure now and in the future and this language provides that reassurance and stability. We thank the Florida House of Representatives and Chairman Rooney for their support and leadership focused on further positioning Florida as a global competitor.”
The Florida House approved a bill (HB 7007) that establishes a cost-sharing program for the removal or destruction of abandoned citrus groves to eliminate materials that harbor citrus greening.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said in a statement:
“I thank the House of Representatives, Speaker Crisafulli and Representative Raburn for their support of legislation that will assist the citrus industry as it battles citrus greening. Florida’s citrus industry is in a fight for its life, and we must do everything we can to save this iconic industry.”
