Jesse Scheckner
Florida pet owners may soon find it easier — and cheaper – to take care of their furry pals, thanks to a provision in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget for the next fiscal year.
On Wednesday, DeSantis’ Office released a $114.8 billion spending plan for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The Governor said his proposed budget, a $3.8 billion increase over the current one, reflects the Sunshine State’s strong financial position heading into 2023.
Among the budget’s provisions is a permanent sales tax exemption for over-the-counter pet medications, including transdermal medications, sprays or powders designed to prevent or treat flea or tick infestations.
“They’re parts of our families too, and these are things that you need to do,” DeSantis said during a morning press conference.
That tax exemption, previously available only to veterinarians and veterinary clinics, is estimated to save Florida taxpayers about $33.6 million a year, according to a synopsis of the budget.
“This is something really good that (DeSantis) can do for people who rescue and foster dogs,” said Sally Butler, a Miami-Dade County resident who estimates she has fostered more than 500 dogs over the past 13 years.
Butler said she spends several hundred dollars yearly on flea and tick products alone, and the savings she and others like her in South Florida could see through the tax exemption would especially come in handy this time of the year.
“South Florida is a horrible dumping ground right now for all of the Christmas puppies at the shelters,” she said. “Animal Control is overrun with dogs right now, so any kind of break us pet rescuers can get is deeply appreciated.”
Sofia Chauvet, senior media relations liaison at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), said her organization has seen firsthand how the high cost of vet services can prohibit well-intentioned pet guardians from being able to secure the care their animals need. That, she said, is why the organization’s fieldworkers work to provide animals in impoverished areas with free services like vaccinations, sterilization and treatment for painful ailments, regardless of a person’s ability to pay.
“But we can’t do it all, and any measure to make veterinary costs more affordable and accessible has our wholehearted support,” she said. “We’re sure it will generate lots of wagging tails, because the price of vet meds is through the doghouse roof.”
The new “Framework for Freedom Budget” includes similar sales tax eliminations for baby and toddler necessities, including cribs and strollers. It also would permanently nix surtaxes on gas stoves as part of a marketing strategy and culture war the Governor mounted after a federal official from the Consumer Product Safety Commission weighed banning the appliances.
“Florida will fight against federal headwinds,” he said in a statement, “by putting forth sound fiscal policies that keep more money in the pockets of Floridians.”
