[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6073135,"mediaKeyId","2995309-3f32b89aab39fac75722bf1c2b86d550","parentId",2995309,"title","Senate tax package reported favorably after debate, public testimony objects to extended hunting and firearm tax holidays","audioSeconds",1989,"startMs",3225000,"endMs",5214000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2995309-3f32b89aab39fac75722bf1c2b86d550&start=3225&end=5214","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2995309-3f32b89aab39fac75722bf1c2b86d550/thumbnail_3225000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6073135/Florida/Senate-tax-package-reported-favorably-after-debate-public-testimony-objects-to-extended-hunting-and-firearm-tax-holidays","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073135-deca85f7b138e0a4cb0b989e1fda42a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437912&Signature=hxn-lSYDQCphxK4Jylao5KL-7SL365bTZnrYrAhewvqWB~tU4voJO1RcbsM3gKT-YzdlP4mvCh9hCrdJ1Ddad4d7iFcPJ5jISdWagBF~2cbbsxXz9OwyBBvT0mV5pUnV7uR3QlHit7bOQ~C7aUi6tOv23ZcEjEqxA2PVmbG6NHJEbfi3eL3dQcKcs-zY~KN1Vqe0xPf8ZRAqQ8g-NrXQqkPBj0sJ5VJocLIRwENwTEwNvZYXy7TxSxr9GzmoDuIDtKhpyaFWlgHaaiRpUkJvzoYYhc~-0u1ibuufaXrtqXylTOGEMTN3Kcpyxt1Vn4DDaNTile6ojvdB0zxlsoUOrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Florida Legislature","date","2025-04-15T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Finance and Tax Committee on Thursday reported SPB 7034 favorably after lengthy discussion and more than a dozen appearance forms on the bill, the chamber’s omnibus tax package that sponsor Senator Avila described as broad-based tax relief for families and businesses.

Avila summarized the package as including permanent sales-tax exemptions for clothing and shoes priced at $75 or less, bullion exemptions under $500, multiple sales-tax holidays (a May disaster-preparedness holiday, a two-month “Freedom Months” for certain recreational items, a back-to-school holiday in August, a 10-day skilled-worker “tool time” holiday, and what sponsor called a nearly four-month hunting-season holiday for firearms, ammunition and related items scheduled from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31). The sponsor also described a variety of property-tax and corporate tax provisions, a rural community investment tax credit, updates adopting the federal Internal Revenue Code as of Jan. 1, 2025, and other changes. The sponsor’s summary included a staff estimate that the bill would reduce revenues by roughly $2.1 billion, a mix of recurring and nonrecurring reductions.

Public testimony at the committee focused heavily on the proposed extended hunting-season sales tax holiday for firearms and ammunition. Several students and gun-violence-prevention advocates urged the committee to reject the holiday and to add exemptions for gun safes and locks if firearms were included. Alexis Weinburn, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School graduate from Parkland, said the tax break “allows someone to buy a firearm tax free and walk into a school,” and urged lawmakers to “subsidize safety” rather than firearm purchases. Other public commenters, including several students from Florida State University and representatives from Florida for All and Florida Rising, warned the holiday would increase access to weapons and ammunition without addressing mental-health or safety measures.

Business and local-government organizations filed mixed positions. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association filed against some parts of the bill; industry groups including tourism representatives sought carve-outs for tourist-development taxes in other bills discussed earlier. County-level testifiers also urged caution, and Senator Bernard said he would oppose the bill in its present form because of the length of the hunting season tax holiday and its lack of purchase caps.

Sponsor Avila responded that certain firearm-safety devices already carry a permanent exemption under section 212.08 of Florida law, and that the package includes a study by the Office of Economic & Demographic Research to examine long-term fiscal effects. President Gates supported much of the package and said he had not seen evidence that the hunting holiday would harm competitiveness for federal grants; he also raised the issue of reducing the business rent tax as a continued policy objective.

After debate and roll call, the committee reported SPB 7034 favorably and moved it forward as a committee bill. The committee record shows the bill was submitted as a committee bill and reported favorably; no floor action took place in the hearing and many witnesses asked the Legislature to amend or remove the hunting/firearms holiday.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee on Finance and Tax 4/15/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Senate Finance and Tax Committee on Thursday reported the omnibus tax package SPB 7034 favorably after debate and multiple public comments objecting to a proposed extended hunting-season sales tax holiday for firearms and ammunition.","taxTitle","Finance and Tax , Standing Committees, Senate, Legislative, Florida","taxId",26949,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6073140,"Senate committee trims and advances proposed homestead exemption changes and implementing bill",908,2502000,3410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2995309-3f32b89aab39fac75722bf1c2b86d550&start=2502&end=3410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2995309-3f32b89aab39fac75722bf1c2b86d550/thumbnail_2502000.jpg","/articles/6073140/Florida/Senate-committee-trims-and-advances-proposed-homestead-exemption-changes-and-implementing-bill","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073140-9caad59cff5e82c32839fea11d25a9e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437912&Signature=AoMPjF3pgt3kdMAaI1lEsQ5wQeJq1fJwyVWH5K2KSRexQes7-bbymMPQDICCkHdxJOS00Zb4Pu2Ffa0BzgJw~o33Re3EyPCVOF2yqyqz~BggpvLVD28J-e6YRo0MIVtWe9PV0W0ZAT1hYQ~hN1BbSYy3wzpTC4HTfcnFg8tDngYyyg77KPU4eg1ixn8TxeiCMM0Q4uHDubEZ0ZzK3mjn5bEL5rJWND7UQhVzayIzsrmZLIP9GDAhu~xSAxZiq5iW45zrCXE3nrWtHaGfqXZNdvnFSyVPjEYsmtzPpn5nkCG8TzzEBdzbNDFhIILUvsrIBlldRC4jtGW-96AnN9-D4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Finance and Tax Committee on Thursday considered SGR 15-10, a proposed constitutional amendment on homestead property exemptions and annual assessment limits for certain long-term leased property, and its implementing bill SB 1512. Sponsor Senator Avila offered amendments that substantially narrowed the scope before the committee adopted the amendments and reported both measures favorably.

The primary amendment clarified that only properties leased for six months or longer would be eligible to exempt up to $50,000 of assessed value and to have annual assessment growth limited to no more than 3% per year. The measure was further amended to limit the exemption to a single qualifying property per person and to limit eligible property types to single-family homes, mobile homes and condominium units. The amendment also added a requirement that a property otherwise be eligible for a homestead exemption if it were the owner’s primary residence.

Jeff Scala of the Florida Association of Counties and Charles Chapman of the Florida League of Cities filed appearance forms and said they opposed the measures in their current form because of concerns about tax shifting and potential fiscal impacts; both groups said they appreciated the sponsor’s amendments but remained wary of the expansion of exemptions into rental property and the resulting tax shifts to other taxpayers.

Sponsor Avila said the changes “dramatically” reduced the scope from the original draft and that the committee and House counterparts would continue to refine the measures. After debate, the committee adopted the amendments, and by roll call reported CS for SGR 15-10 and CS for SB 1512 favorably.

The committee record does not include a final fiscal impact estimate in the hearing transcript; local government representatives urged additional analysis and consultation as the bills move forward.","The committee adopted amendments narrowing a proposed constitutional amendment and its implementing bill that would extend homestead-like protections and assessment limits to certain long-term leased properties, and reported both measures favorably after testimony from local government groups urging caution about fiscal effects.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6073145,"Committee advances amendment requiring voter reapproval when local taxes expire",797,1676000,2473000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2995309-3f32b89aab39fac75722bf1c2b86d550&start=1676&end=2473","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2995309-3f32b89aab39fac75722bf1c2b86d550/thumbnail_1676000.jpg","/articles/6073145/Florida/Committee-advances-amendment-requiring-voter-reapproval-when-local-taxes-expire","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073145-c8479c48099d927d2807ee708d759b05/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437912&Signature=LpQU08dwydHB5Zgn6mLbFx~U-zUQYbDxJKmZQtTwVTADfgYCXixrvLeI9Z2U3yubGy0PzOaU52EL9Xcz6BgOj5AJZ7CcCTZbiCM7Wd74u-c44hQDifqUVVd6V3UFwv-vi6PiK5dwZLXDmpbz9k4UTzGo87ceFSfjBKvsWUF8D2Gi4Lqj6zI6U1T7AVgAGJCrGfi-vC3hlJLcgCh16y~04Rsgzi3o~7qp9e1cgHwZDOZ7LMKLXdJfupDFhNSJLp3EPXEkl366i2JGYaauKH~VJm5pGr0LNu0CMUFMg7N8Q1MJiVYQ-sIJj4YcSa~UWm-BGt29amvM~3Bibtba~LALBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Finance and Tax Committee on Thursday adopted an amendment and reported CS for SB 1664 favorably. The amended measure requires that local discretionary taxes adopted by referendum include an expiration date, and that taxes be presented to voters for reapproval when they expire; taxes pledged for revenue bonds are treated differently under the amendment’s rules.

Senator Trumbull described the amendment as preserving “the spirit of letting voters decide whether to continue local taxes,” while clarifying that the amendment does not require a referendum every eight years but instead requires that taxes be renewed as they expire on their approved expiration date. If a tax funds revenue bonds, the amendment allows a maximum duration of 30 years for a tax approved for that purpose and requires that the ballot inform voters of the intent to bond revenues and how bond proceeds would be used.

Appearing in committee, Robert Scrove of Destinations Florida and Pepper Ucchino of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association asked that tourist development taxes (TDT) be excluded from the requirement, arguing that TDTs are raised from out-of-state visitors and are critical to tourism promotion and beach projects. County and municipal groups including the Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities raised concerns that shortened planning horizons could harm local governments’ ability to leverage funds for long-lived infrastructure and to compete for federal grants.

President Gates spoke in favor of returning measures to voters for reaffirmation, saying he had not seen evidence that the amendment would create a competitive disadvantage for counties seeking federal funds. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and, by roll call, reported CS for SB 1664 favorably.

Witnesses urged continued work on carve-outs and clarifications, particularly for TDT and transportation surtaxes; the amendment directed that taxes adopted by referendum include an expiration date but leaves communities to select the duration consistent with bond or project needs.","The committee adopted a strike-all amendment to CS for SB 1664 that requires local discretionary taxes adopted by referendum to include an expiration date and requires reapproval by voters when those taxes expire; the committee reported the measure favorably after testimony from county and tourism groups.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6073149,"Committee backs amendment to limit tangible personal property exemption for agricultural land",277,1366000,1643000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2995309-3f32b89aab39fac75722bf1c2b86d550&start=1366&end=1643","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2995309-3f32b89aab39fac75722bf1c2b86d550/thumbnail_1366000.jpg","/articles/6073149/Florida/Committee-backs-amendment-to-limit-tangible-personal-property-exemption-for-agricultural-land","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073149-e9642b1d810883495c47f4980a5fa825/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437912&Signature=d1dWMN28Wzxe9Jjh5MHhtFk2xjPG69etQxCI291yH~woiknXuYLdXlf05hi0NalLDOmuQi243pOk-yGU0EdoRJYR3Ytn~mmnPqUpeV2T~bi4ccnmIQvjTCg8Yfa3pN8DjuJ~oe6jfKm7Qk6C-eoHdRUwVLJ2VpiImG5yBPo~C3QOzxC1aIYdtr-N01Zr35V6Xateret18v~TpNWEjZf0yu7HoTj~xeOVKTJLY9~lHNNogctjWa3SZ3Hf5yOgZXmYhfEFpemCiAi4DrpkgkCy-o3sP305CVw4N6lP8-jde6wCLmF777oSAOQ6IQNfk1rz5XjiBc6LUhuQWEtqWKzrIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Finance and Tax Committee on Thursday approved CS for SJR 318, a proposed constitutional amendment that would, if passed by the Legislature and approved by voters, provide an ad valorem exemption for certain tangible personal property (TPP) located on land classified as agricultural and used in agricultural production or agritourism.

Senator Trudeau introduced the joint resolution, explaining it would place before voters an exemption limited to “tangible personal property that must be located on properties classified as agricultural land [and] must be used in the production of agricultural products or agritourism owned by the landowner or leaseholder of an agricultural of the agricultural land.”

The committee considered and adopted Amendment 722920 (explained in committee by Senator Trunnell), which removed a requirement that the language be implemented by general law, clarified the reference to land classified as agricultural, and added a requirement that TPP be “habitable, located, or typically present on land classified as agricultural” to qualify. Trunnell said the amendment also allows the Legislature to enact general law to define conditions or limitations.

Committee discussion briefly addressed what kinds of equipment the amendment would cover. Senator Passadoma asked whether the amendment would reach large, stationary equipment that was not moved; Senator Trunnell replied that agricultural producers frequently move equipment between properties and the amendment was intended to cover movable equipment used in production.

Appearance forms filed in support included representatives from the Farm Bureau and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. After closing remarks the committee adopted the amendment and, by roll call, reported CS for SJR 318 favorably.

The committee record does not include a fiscal estimate in the hearing transcript; proponents framed the measure as clarifying the greenbelt/agricultural classification and reducing burdens on farmers.","The Finance and Tax Committee approved an amendment to SJR 318 and reported the joint resolution favorably. The measure would place on the ballot an exemption for certain tangible personal property used on land classified as agricultural and used in agricultural production or agritourism.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6073154,"Senate panel lets property appraisers budget employee hiring and retention bonuses",183,1148000,1331000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2995309-3f32b89aab39fac75722bf1c2b86d550&start=1148&end=1331","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2995309-3f32b89aab39fac75722bf1c2b86d550/thumbnail_1148000.jpg","/articles/6073154/Florida/Senate-panel-lets-property-appraisers-budget-employee-hiring-and-retention-bonuses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073154-70d70feb71ec371e49ec12a825c0cc4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437912&Signature=MZ7fzHsPgvN1qbdgFkUurQZsBigN~eW1QyRnpUz6Ckmnt-PG1j9apjK239mTymafWS5aeTBMRkk-F3pqBa2epXQSQiOdqy9F5oNfrEOFTatnfTMK5LJFdblm-FHb-~yw0DpSGqEoff4CjGIpL726uHEZgOH6UtVadYkVJORZYfmY-hu8H7noVRhCEbVnAVt22KQvyiIr3aRdV7ETx-9Iw6nF-1gDSNiwhZPXZiRCivWVTK9hKBpassq4420OnKQ3pIM0F7~Mhe5cG6NfqLAgoB5PMAzmaBsSKaU9TsBvD7BqQp4ALiuAFsGd3KEsr7p63MExth9TWg4no7X3CcbG9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Finance and Tax Committee on Thursday reported SB 674 favorably, a bill that would allow property appraisers to budget for and pay hiring or retention bonuses to employees if such expenditures are approved in their budgets by the Department of Revenue.

Sponsor Senator Wright told the committee the bill “simply permits property appraisers, in addition to tax collectors, to budget for and pay a hiring or retention bonus to an employee of such expenditure is approved in their budget by the Department of Revenue.” The bill’s proponents said it does not ask for additional state funding, only budget flexibility at the county level.

Dana Blickley, Brevard County Property Appraiser, testified in support, describing staffing challenges facing appraisal offices and competition with private-sector employers. Blickley said the bill would help “make a positive impact on recruiting and retaining staff” and noted competition from aerospace and defense employers in her county.

Lauren Levy of the Property Appraisers Association of Florida and Bob Enriquez of the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser also filed appearance forms and waived in support.

The committee called the roll after Senator Wright waived closing remarks; the chair announced that by the senators’ vote SB 674 was “reported favorably.” The transcript shows no recorded amendments or debate on the measure.

The committee’s action moves the bill forward in the legislative process; no new funding was specified in testimony or in the committee record.

The committee did not attach conditions or a fiscal appropriation to the reported bill; the Department of Revenue’s role remains limited to approving such expenditures within appraisers’ approved budgets.","The Senate Finance and Tax Committee voted to report SB 674 favorably after supporters said the bill would give property appraisers the same budgeting flexibility already available to tax collectors to pay hiring or retention bonuses, with no new state dollars requested.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate tax package reported favorably after debate, public testimony objects to extended hunting and firearm tax holidays

Senate committee trims and advances proposed homestead exemption changes and implementing bill

Committee advances amendment requiring voter reapproval when local taxes expire

Committee backs amendment to limit tangible personal property exemption for agricultural land

Senate panel lets property appraisers budget employee hiring and retention bonuses