From News Service of Florida
Gov. Rick Scott, on the eve of unveiling his election-year budget recommendations, pitched a reduction in the sales tax on commercial rental property as his second major cut for the coming year.
Scott said last month he will ask lawmakers as part of his 2014-15 “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget” to support a $100 million reduction in the commercial lease tax that now brings in about $1.4 billion a year.
“This reduction will make it more affordable for businesses to lease space, so they can keep more of the money they earn and create more jobs,” Scott said in a prepared statement.
The commercial sales tax proposal was hailed by the retail community that favors an eventual elimination of the tax.
Meanwhile, Senate Finance and Tax Chairwoman Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, intends to keep pushing for a larger cut outlined in her proposal (SB 176) to reduce the 6 percent tax on leased commercial space.
“I’m glad the governor is including it in his proposal and that’s he’s highlighting the need for this action to take place, but I’m still going to push for more,” said Hukill.