summary
Introduced
02/25/2025
02/25/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to local business taxes; amending s. 11.40, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 11.45, F.S.; requiring the Auditor General to contact certain local governments; requiring such local governments to provide specified evidence within a certain time period; requiring notification to the Legislative Auditing Committee in specified circumstances; amending s. 205.0315, F.S.; authorizing specified entities to continue to levy a certain tax; prohibiting the increase or modification of certain ordinances beginning a date certain; providing an exception; amending ss. 205.033 and 205.043, F.S.; revising the conditions imposed on taxing authorities governing the levy of a specified tax; amending s. 205.0535, F.S.; defining terms; prohibiting certain municipalities from reclassifying businesses, professions, or occupations or establishing new rate structures; prohibiting the revenue generated from a certain tax from exceeding a specified value; requiring specified actions be taken in event of a violation of such prohibition; providing that specified refunds be treated as unclaimed property under certain circumstances; revising the circumstances under which a county or municipality may adopt specified ordinances; providing applicability; amending s. 205.0536, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; creating s. 205.046, F.S.; requiring that a specified document be filed with a certain audit; providing requirements for such document; amending ss. 215.97, 218.32, and 489.537, F.S.; conforming cross-references; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill addresses local business taxes in Florida, introducing significant changes to how counties and municipalities can levy and adjust business tax rates. Beginning October 1, 2025, the bill restricts local governments from reclassifying businesses or establishing new rate structures and imposes a revenue cap based on the total business tax revenue from the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, or 2025. If a local government's business tax revenue exceeds this base amount in subsequent years, they must proportionally adjust tax rates downward and provide refunds to businesses. The bill requires local governments to file an affidavit with their financial audits confirming compliance with these new regulations, and gives the Auditor General authority to request evidence of corrective action if a local government is non-compliant. Additionally, the bill provides exemptions for certain municipalities and fiscally constrained counties. The Auditor General is empowered to contact local governments not complying with the new rules and must notify the Legislative Auditing Committee if a government fails to take corrective action. These changes aim to create more consistent and fair business tax practices across Florida's local jurisdictions, with implementation set to begin on July 1, 2025.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died in Community Affairs (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1196 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1196/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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