Guest Author
Florida is the land of the free, thanks to our commitment to free market principles.
Florida has accomplished a great deal in recent years under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis and as a result of the meaningful efforts by conservatives in the Florida Legislature. Their relentless pursuit of policies that protect and defend the free market is what made our state a beacon of opportunity, a destination for businesses that want to compete on a level playing field — and win.
We must not grow complacent. We cannot rest on our laurels. Taking the right to prosper for granted would be detrimental.
In fact, the stakes are higher than ever before.
The nation’s eyes are on Florida. Leaders in Washington and state capitols across the United States look to us to set the agenda for a future that is thriving, prosperous and free from harmful governmental interference and political motives.
To do that, we must continue to cut taxes. Here in Florida, we have long enjoyed the benefits of no state income tax. That’s a far cry from other states like New York and Connecticut and California that tax their residents up to 15% of their hard-earned income.
But there’s more we can do. Cutting taxes enables businesses to grow their presence, invest in their teams and support their communities. This year, Gov. DeSantis has proposed eliminating the business rent tax. Florida is the only remaining state with a tax on businesses that rent their workspace. Eliminating the tax will save Florida businesses approximately $1.6 billion, which will grow our economy and create new jobs for Florida families.
We also must cut overreaching and burdensome regulations further. Inconsistent regulations on the state and local level create a patchwork of rules, requirements and penalties in which businesses are forced to operate. As a result, businesses are forced to divert resources to invest more in compliance. The complicated regulatory structures imposed by state and local governments often result in reduced services or higher costs for citizens.
For example, President Donald Trump called for efforts to address debanking concerns earlier this year, following passage of state-level legislation in Florida and other states last Session. To provide clarity and avoid a patchwork of state laws that could increase costs and confusion for consumers, congressional lawmakers are advancing a bill that would offer clarity and consistency while scaling back regulatory overreach.
Overregulation is increasingly frustrating when it’s not backed by sound science. Oftentimes, these policies have little — if any — measurable benefit for the communities they are intended to protect.
Historically, excessive litigation and exorbitant trial attorney fees have haunted our state. Once named the nation’s No. 1 judicial hellhole, Florida was home to an unbalanced civil justice system that encouraged frivolous lawsuits and drove up costs for businesses and consumers alike. Recognizing this threat, lawmakers passed meaningful tort reforms in 2022 and 2023 to deter billboard attorneys from gaming the system for their own personal benefit.
These reforms, including the Civil Remedies legislation (HB 837/SB 236), have helped level the playing field for Florida businesses, curbing lawsuit abuse and reducing unnecessary costs. As a result of these efforts, Florida’s property insurance market is finding balance. More insurers are coming to Florida, giving more homeowners a choice for their coverage. Florida’s rates remain steady, with just an average increase of 1% last year, a stark contrast to other states where premiums have surged more than 20%.
Florida’s efforts to protect, defend and enhance the free market have made our state the envy of the nation.
When we pursue and advance free market policies, we are rolling out the welcome mat for innovation. We are inviting young entrepreneurs to establish, build and grow their businesses here in Florida. These actions lead to economic impact, job growth and a brighter future for all Floridians.
As we move forward, free market principles must be our guide. They’ve led us well so far.
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Brewster Bevis is president and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida; John Wittman is executive director of Americans for Free Markets.
