Florida Voters Support Elimination of Business Rent Tax

Florida Business Rent Tax Support

News Summary

A recent poll by the Florida Chamber of Commerce reveals that 53% of Florida voters support abolishing the business rent tax, unique to the state. The poll highlights the ongoing efforts by business groups for tax reforms, with Governor Ron DeSantis proposing a tax relief package expected to save businesses approximately $1.6 billion. The initiative also includes reducing the general state sales tax and commercial lease tax. However, there is opposition within the government regarding the scale of the proposed cuts, with some advocating for a more conservative approach.

Florida voters are showing overwhelming support for the elimination of the business rent tax, according to a recent poll conducted by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. The results indicate that approximately 53% of respondents favor abolishing this tax, which is unique to Florida as it is the only state in the U.S. that imposes a tax on business rent.

This poll, carried out by Cherry Communications between May 2 and May 10, surveyed 605 likely voters across various political affiliations, including 264 Republicans, 218 Democrats, and 123 residents identifying as third-party or no-party. The margin of error for the poll stands at 4 percentage points.

Long-standing efforts by business groups in Florida have aimed toward the elimination of the business rent tax, highlighting its significant impact on the state’s competitiveness. The Florida Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for a reduction of the tax from 6% to 2% for nearly a decade, citing the need for a more favorable tax environment for businesses in the state.

In addition to support for the business rent tax elimination, the same poll revealed that 57% of respondents back making federal tax cuts initiated during President Donald Trump’s first term permanent. Support for these cuts is substantially reflected among 87% of Republicans, 55% of voters without party affiliation, and 23% of Democrats. Currently, the federal tax cuts are under consideration in a budget resolution in the U.S. House, with projections estimating a revenue reduction of $4.5 trillion from fiscal years 2025 to 2034.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed a tax relief package that includes eliminating the business rent tax. Currently standing at 2%, this tax applies to lease agreements for commercial properties. Governor DeSantis estimates that eliminating the business rent tax could save business owners approximately $1.6 billion collectively. His plan includes reducing the tax to 1% by January 2026 and fully eliminating it by January 2027.

The proposed tax relief package also calls for a reduction in the general state sales tax, from 6% to 5.25%, alongside a decrease in the commercial lease tax from 2% to 1.25%. These changes are projected to comprise a broader $5 billion tax relief initiative. This newly introduced bill, known as HB 7033, is positioned as one of the largest tax cut measures in Florida’s history, receiving significant legislative support with a vote tally of 78-29.

Despite ongoing efforts, there is some opposition within the Florida government regarding the scope of these tax relief initiatives. Senate President Ben Albritton has indicated a preference for a more measured approach, advocating for a $2.1 billion tax plan. In contrast, Governor DeSantis has been pushing for more aggressive tax cuts, emphasizing their potential benefits for Florida’s businesses and economy.

Moreover, proposed adjustments to the tourist development tax (TDT) are also being scrutinized, as counties may use TDT funds for general revenue rather than solely for tourism-related expenditures. These measures reflect ongoing discussions about tax policy changes and their implications for Florida’s financial landscape.