Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsOctober 31, 2018

It’s that time of year to be frightened — not by ghosts or goblins, but by Florida’s tax rules on candy. Every year, Florida TaxWatch, the nonpartisan government watchdog, uses Halloween to demonstrate the state’s boggling rules on what gets taxed and what doesn’t. “Groceries are generally exempt from Florida sales tax, but candy can get confusing,” the […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 5, 2018

Americans for Prosperity-Florida launched 15-second television and radio ads Friday calling on Hillsborough County voters to reject a 1 percent sales tax increase for transportation and transit projects. Americans for Prosperity is a nationwide tax watchdog group that has chapters throughout the country. “Plans for a $230 million tax increase would give Hillsborough County the […]

Staff ReportsMarch 11, 2018

The Legislature on Sunday gave the final OK of a negotiated tax relief package that would, among other things, allow Floridians to buy tax-free clothes and school supplies during three days in August and tax-free hurricane gear at the start of June. The roughly $171 million package (HB 7087) was passed by the Senate 31-5, then approved […]

Larry GriffinSeptember 30, 2016

Friday’s Tourist Development Council ended positively as the board agreed to reallocate Tourist Development Tax funding to help complete the second phase of the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center and establish a bid for multiple sporting events. The funds as agreed upon include an additional $45 million to go towards the Dr. Phillips center, which […]

Jim RosicaApril 13, 2016

State regulators say they will no longer tax do-it-yourself cigar wrappers, or “blunt wraps,” a tobacco product perhaps better known as one used to smoke marijuana. That cost – a combination of an excise tax and surcharge that comes to a whopping 85 percent – was only paid by wholesalers, but the cost was passed to consumers. The decision by the […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 29, 2015

Forcing corporations to pay what they owe can be a tough job. But when I worked in the insurance business and was responsible for getting a corporation to provide compensation for causing an accident or injury, I always collected. That’s why I’m disappointed some politicians in Washington are talking about giving up on collecting all […]

Jac VerSteegJuly 6, 2015

A tough question facing Florida – and particularly South Florida – is: How can we combat flakka? But first, a more basic question: Why should Florida bother to combat flakka? It’s mind-boggling that people continue to take the dangerous drug. And its use apparently is increasing. Anyone with half a brain should know that the […]

Jac VerSteegJuly 5, 2015

A tough question facing Florida – and particularly South Florida – is: How can we combat flakka? But first, a more basic question: Why should Florida bother to combat flakka? It’s mind-boggling that people continue to take the dangerous drug. And its use apparently is increasing. Anyone with half a brain should know that the […]

Christine Jordan SextonJune 25, 2015

In a major victory for the Obama administration, tax subsidies are available to all those who enroll in an Obamacare plan whether it was purchased through a state or federal health insurance exchange, the Supreme Court said in a 6-3 ruling, affirming the decision of the Fourth Circuit court. The decision in King v. Burwell would have jeopardized upward […]

Christine Jordan SextonFebruary 2, 2015

A Senate tax panel on Monday gave the nod to a bill that increases the level of income from $50,000 to $75,000 that is exempt from Florida’s 5.5 percent tax on the net income of corporations, one of the tax reductions that is contained in Gov. Rick Scott’s $673 million tax reduction package. The bill […]

Tag: tax

Florida TaxWatch says Halloween treats taxed trickily

AFP Florida fires salvo at Hillsborough transportation referendum

Legislature approves tax cut package

TDC passes plan for Tourist Development Tax money to fund Dr. Phillips center, sports events

Florida will no longer charge 85% tax on “blunt wraps”

Paul Heroux: Don't let corporations off the hook in federal highway deal

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: Fight flakka with a tax on tobacco

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: Fight flakka with a tax on tobacco

King v. Burwell decision: ACA subsidies remain available to all, Supreme Court rules

Senate F&T gives nod to tax reduction