Welcome to

For the first time in 7 years, Florida lawmakers are seriously considering revising some of the state’s sales tax exemptions.  For example, bottled water, ostrich feed and luxury skyboxes are not taxed.  It’s estimated that such exemptions cost the state $23.5 billion a year.  Florida TaxWatch, a taxpayer watchdog group, hopes lawmakers carefully consider any changes.

“We do understand that there’s a budget crunch going on right,” said Kurt Wenner of TaxWatch.  “If the Legislature wants to raise additional money, it’s their prerogative.  This would be an area where they could look.  But we just want it to be done with a real comprehensive deliberate nature to make sure they take into consideration what impact eliminating certain exemptions would have on the economy, and thereby, tax revenues down the road.”

The House budget chair sent all members of the chamber a memo stating that lawmakers would have to cut about $2 billion from next year’s budget.