OCALA
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was in Ocala on Wednesday to announce a tax relief plan for Florida families.
DeSantis was joined by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner to highlight their intentions to pass what they are calling the largest tax relief proposal in Florida history to save Florida families $2 billion during the 2023–2024 fiscal year.
Click to access Tax-Relief-for-Floridians.pdf
The proposed plan is a part of the Framework for Freedom Budget proposal announced by the Governor last week and includes a one year sales tax exemption on children’s items like books and toys; a permanent sales tax exemption on baby and toddler necessities like clothing, cribs, and strollers; and an expansion of the annual Back to School tax holiday.
“Inflation continues to burden Florida families and we must fight back against rising costs by cutting the sales tax on necessary items,” said DeSantis in a press release about the tax plan. “We are able to provide this record $2 billion in tax relief because of our smart fiscal policies and strong reserves. It is important that we pass those savings on to Florida families so they can keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets.”
The tax relief proposal includes a “Freedom Summer” tax holiday which would run from Memorial Day through September 4. Items included are:
Admission to events and performances such as concerts, movies, and sporting events
Admission to state parks and museums
Boating and water activity supplies
Camping supplies
Fishing supplies
Sports equipment
Residential pool supplies
“Hard-working Floridians are tired of scraping by, having to do more with less because Washington politicians refuse to cut wasteful spending or curb inflationary policies,” said House Speaker Paul Renner in the press release. “Floridians can count on Governor DeSantis and their state legislators to balance our budget and strategically build up reserves. I look forward to working with the Governor, Senate President Passidomo, and our colleagues in the House and Senate to deliver meaningful tax relief for families when they need it most.”
DeSantis says the proposal supports homeowners by providing a permanent sales tax exemption on gas stoves which is estimated to save homeowners $7 million. The plan also proposes a two-year extension of the sales tax exemption on natural gas fuel, as well as a one-year sales tax holiday on Energy Star appliances.
Savings for small businesses are also included in the plan. Currently, businesses and vendors that choose to e-file taxes with the Department of Revenue can save up to $30. The Framework for Freedom tax relief plan proposes to double these savings to $60.
WINK NEWS