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The Florida House is advancing a significant proposal to reduce the state’s sales tax by 0.75%, despite opposition from key Republican leaders. If passed, this measure would mark the largest state tax cut in Florida’s history, but its future remains uncertain as lawmakers clash over competing tax relief plans.
Breaking Down the Proposal
On Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved the bill (19-0), demonstrating strong legislative backing in the lower chamber. The proposed tax cut would be permanent, reducing sales tax rates on various goods and services, including:
- Retail purchases
- Commercial rent
- Electricity
- Mobile homes
- Coin-operated amusement machines
House Speaker Rep. Danny Perez (R-Miami), who announced the initiative unexpectedly last week, emphasized its long-term impact. “This will not be a temporary measure, a stunt, or a tax holiday. This will be a permanent, recurring tax reduction,” he stated.
Governor DeSantis and Senate Leaders Push Back
Despite House support, the proposal faces resistance from Governor Ron DeSantis and Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Bartow), who have different tax relief priorities.
Gov. DeSantis is advocating for a $5 billion property tax rebate program, which would provide an average savings of $1,000 annually to homesteaded property owners. At a Tuesday press conference, he criticized the sales tax cut approach, stating, “Property taxes are different. If I buy a big-screen TV, I pay sales tax. But I don’t have to keep writing a check to the government. Property taxes are an ongoing burden.”
Meanwhile, Senate President Albritton expressed caution about committing to permanent tax reductions, citing concerns over potential budget shortfalls. “An all-of-the-above approach is what we need,” Albritton said in a statement Monday, indicating his reluctance to back a long-term sales tax cut without a broader financial strategy.
Legislative Roadblocks & Political Infighting
With Republican leaders at odds, the sales tax cut faces significant challenges:
- No Companion Bill in the Senate – The proposal currently lacks Senate sponsorship, making passage difficult.
- Potential Budget Constraints – Permanent revenue reductions could impact funding for education, infrastructure, and emergency services.
- Internal GOP Fractures – Gov. DeSantis took to social media to denounce the House’s actions, calling them an “embarrassment to the Republican Party.”
Despite these hurdles, Rep. Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville), Chair of the Ways and Means Committee and a sponsor of the bill, defended the House’s stance. “Sales tax relief benefits all Floridians, not just property owners,” Duggan said. “We’re only in week five of a 60-day session—there’s still room for negotiation.”
Democrats Weigh In
Some Democrats have expressed concerns that Republican infighting could prevent any meaningful tax relief from passing this session. Others argue that a sales tax cut is a more balanced approach.
Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) warned against property tax reductions that could impact public services. “Property taxes fund our schools, police, and fire departments. We can’t just eliminate them without consequences,” he said, calling for a bipartisan solution.
What’s Next?
The bill could either proceed through additional House committees or move directly to a full chamber vote. However, with no Senate companion bill and strong opposition from the governor, its survival remains uncertain.
As the legislative session continues, Florida taxpayers will be watching closely to see whether a sales tax cut, property tax relief, or a compromise between the two emerges as the final solution.
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