Jacob Ogles
Legislation exempting diapers from the state’s sales tax for one year won bipartisan support last year. Now, Rep. Anna Eskamani wants the break on nappies made permanent.
“As the Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Committee, I am committed to making life easier for working families and everyday people. I’m honored that my colleagues agreed in the 2022 session to remove this tax, but we need long-term relief,” Eskamani said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a tax relief bill last year giving breaks on diapers and other items for a year. Eskamani championed the legislation in the House, and Sen. Lauren Book, a Davie Democrat, picked it up in the Senate.
It proved to be an issue that not only won bipartisan support, but also was something Republicans and Democrats bragged about on the campaign trail.
DeSantis, a Republican, has voiced support to permanently ax the sales tax on baby necessities, including diapers, strollers and cribs.
“That could be pretty significant for folks,” he said at a September news conference, “particularly for folks that have big families.”
Eskamani’s legislation (HB 29) notably covers all diapers, not just those worn by babies and toddlers. She noted that adult diapers are on a trend to overtake children’s diapers in market value, as seniors move ahead of infants in population counts.
She said economic forces should not pressure anyone to make decisions about what basic needs fit in their budget, and the state can provide relief.
“Our seniors as well as adults with medical needs often rely on incontinence products,” she said. “We have the power as the Legislature to increase their ability to maintain dignity.”
Eskamani anticipates continued support across the aisle for the cause. If the bill becomes law, Florida will become the 15th state to exempt diapers from sales taxes.
“I am confident this will continue to be a bipartisan effort,” she said, “and one that is overdue to serve our constituents.”
