Staff Reports
Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed a pared down tax package Wednesday, holding a bill signing ceremony in Jacksonville.
Among other things, the bill permanently eliminates the sales tax charged on manufacturing equipment. It also creates a three-day back-to-school tax holiday. That tax holiday runs from Aug. 5 through Aug. 7.
Randy Miller, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, said in a statement:
“By signing the tax package today, Governor Scott ensured that millions of Florida families will continue to experience needed tax relief as they purchase vital supplies for their children to prepare them for the upcoming school year. We look forward to the savings that consumers will enjoy and the increased sales for retailers during the anticipated back-to-school sales tax holiday shopping weekend.”
Rep. Matt Gaetz, chairman of the House Finance & Tax Committee, said in a statement:
“We have made the decision in Florida that we can grow our economy, meet the needs of our state and care for the vulnerable not by having more taxes, but by having more taxpayers. These tax cuts welcome new families, businesses, and visitors to our state each day.
“I was proud to spearhead the House’s efforts to cut taxes by over half a billion dollars this Session. As Finance & Tax Chairman, I have made it my mission to leave no tax safe and free as many Floridians as possible from the burden of crushing and unfair taxation. I applaud Governor Scott for signing these tax cuts into law. The adoption of this law constitutes more than $1 billion in tax cuts over the past two years. That is $1 billion less for government to squander and $1 billion more for our families, veterans, and job creators to harness to grow our economy and keep Florida on the path of prosperity.”
Senate President Andy Gardiner said a statement:
“It is an honor to support Governor Scott as he signs the final piece of legislation to fulfill his commitment to provide over $1 billion in tax relief to hard-working Floridians and business owners,” said President Gardiner. “Reducing taxes leads to private sector job creation and a flourishing economy that benefits all Floridians.”
“This tax relief package promotes economic development by permanently eliminating the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment and will result in job creation and business expansion. This August, the 3-day Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday will help Florida families manage the costs of preparing their children for the upcoming school year. Additionally, by reducing local millage rates we are ensuring that state tax dollars, rather than local property taxes, cover a larger share of the unprecedented K-12 per-student funding allocated this year in our budget.”
Sen. Dorothy Hukill, chairwoman of the Senate Finance & Tax Committee, said in a statement:
“This tax cut package will have an incredible effect on the businesses growing jobs in our state and the Floridians who work each day to provide for their loved ones. Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature have proven time and time again that we want to give more money back to those that most deserve it- Florida’s hardworking taxpayers. I applaud everyone for their hard work in support of this bill and am proud to celebrate its passage today.”
