JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Florida lawmakers have agreed on a $114.5 billion state budget, and along with it, a tax package that promises to deliver $146 million in savings for Floridians.<\/p>\n
State Representative Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville) shepherded the tax bill through the legislative process.<\/p>\n
He noted the are some familiar savings included.<\/p>\n
The main one: A one-month back-to-school sales tax holiday.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s tax-free holiday will run from July 20th through August 20th.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe did move it back to mid-August because we heard from the constituents that they like to have those supplies earlier, you know, before school starts when the supply list goes out,\u201d said Duggan.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also a four-month sales tax holiday on fishing, camping, and hunting gear, which includes tax-free purchases on guns, ammo, and accessories like silencers.<\/p>\n
With state lawmakers having previously made permanent sales tax exemptions on certain disaster preparedness items, Duggan explained this year\u2019s tax plan also includes a three-year sales tax exemption on stormproof doors and windows.<\/p>\n
The bill also includes new caps on property tax increases for mobile home owners.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you own your mobile home and you lease your spot and at least three-quarters of the mobile home park is like that, where you own the mobile home, it will now be subject to the three-percent cap just like single-family residences are,\u201d said Duggan.<\/p>\n
And while this year\u2019s savings may be significantly smaller than last year\u2019s $1.3 billion tax package, Duggan said that\u2019s partly due to some permanent tax savings passed last year, like reductions to the business rent tax.<\/p>\n
Duggan also noted lawmakers will soon be back in the State Capitol to take up property tax relief, which would appear on the November ballot.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe as a House are ready to deal on property tax reform, cause we are hearing from your constituents that it is a significant quality of life, cost of living issue for them,\u201d said Duggan.<\/p>\n
Final votes on the budget and tax package are set for Friday.<\/p>\n
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