Staff Reports
If a bill introduced Thursday becomes law, Florida will see $100 million of potential savings on communications services taxes.
And in the bargain, they will reap the benefits of technological improvements.
HB 693, introduced by second-term Jacksonville Republican Jason Fischer, would cut the tax rate on communications services.
The bill would also change the authority of localities imposing such fees, disallowing the institution of new fees after Jan. 1, 2019, while grandfathering in governmental units with such fees.
Fischer credits President Donald Trump with creating a favorable climate for this legislation.
“President Trump has been a champion for the advancement of the tech industry as we heard in his State of the Union address. This bill will allow Florida to compete not only on a national level but an international one. The cutting of the CST will help Floridians by putting money back in their pockets,” Rep. Fischer stated.
The media release from Fischer’s office cites technological improvements that are on their way, including 5G cell service and the cable industry’s 10G network.
Despite objections from the League of Cities that the bill removed localities’ control of their rights of way in favor of the 5G boxes used to broadcast the signal, Gov. Rick Scott signed legislation authorizing statewide clearance for the technology in 2017.
Telecommunications companies are already moving forward.
Verizon is investing $25 million into the technology in Florida this year.
AT&T is building networks in Jacksonville and Orlando, with rollouts slated this year also.
Regarding 10G cable networks, these are poised to offer exponential improvements over current technology. These networks are expected to integrate with “smart” technology.
Fischer’s bill as of yet has no Senate companion.
