Connect with us

News from the South - Florida News Feed

Florida House proposes sales tax cut, says it would be state’s largest | Florida

Published

on

Florida House proposes sales tax cut, says it would be state's largest | Florida

www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-03-27 09:48:00

(The Center Square) – Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez wants to cut the state’s sales tax rate, saying it would be the largest cut in the state’s history.

The Miami Republican proposed cutting the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%, which when combined with local sales tax (maximum of 1%) would give the Sunshine State the lowest combined sales tax levy in the Southeast by an even wider margin.

“We cannot spend our way out of a spending problem,” Perez said in a Wednesday speech on the House floor. “We must remove the temptation to spend. This will not be a temporary measure; a stunt or a tax holiday. This will be a permanent, recurring tax reduction. This will be the largest state tax cut in the history of Florida.

“If we are successful, we will become the only state in the history of the United States of America to permanently reduce its sales tax.”

He received a standing ovation from the Republican members of the House, where the GOP has a supermajority.

According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, Florida’s state sales tax rate is tied for 17th highest nationally with West Virginia, Vermont, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland, Kentucky, Iowa and Idaho. 

If the bill is signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, that ranking would plunge to 32nd highest between Virginia (5.3% state sales tax rate), and Wisconsin and North Dakota (5%). 

Where that would help Florida be more competitive is in combined sales tax rate. Florida municipalities and counties can only levy a maximum of 1.002% in local sales tax, whereas other Southern states have far higher maximums. 

If the new rate becomes law, Florida’s combined average sales tax rate will be 6.25%, much less than Georgia (7.38% rate, 19th highest), South Carolina (7.5%, 18th highest), Mississippi (7.06%, 22nd highest), Alabama (9.29%, 5th highest), Tennessee (9.55%, 2nd highest) and Louisiana (9.56%, highest). 

“We often talk about how to improve affordability in Florida, and our strategies usually involve spending money on more government programs,” Perez said. “But this year, we’ll try a novel concept – and make Florida more affordable by giving the people of Florida their own money back to them.”

The post Florida House proposes sales tax cut, says it would be state’s largest | Florida appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

News from the South - Florida News Feed

New insurance company enters Florida market ahead of hurricane season

Published

on

www.news4jax.com – Khalil Maycock – 2025-04-20 19:47:00

SUMMARY: A new insurance company, Patriot Select Property and Casualty Insurance, has entered the Florida market just before hurricane season, becoming the 12th company to do so since recent legislative reforms aimed at improving the industry. Florida’s Insurance Information Institute spokesman, Mark Friedlander, noted this expansion could lead to lower rates for consumers, with reports of reductions up to 50% on premiums. Founded by industry veterans with nearly $30 million in capital, Patriot Select aims to stabilize the previously unstable Florida insurance market, where many customers faced non-renewals. Consumers are encouraged to review their coverage annually for better options.

Read the full article

The post New insurance company enters Florida market ahead of hurricane season appeared first on www.news4jax.com

Continue Reading

News from the South - Florida News Feed

Anti-Trump resistance sees another leader in Van Hollen as Democrats’ leadership carousel turns

Published

on

www.clickorlando.com – Steve Peoples, Associated Press – 2025-04-20 13:13:00

SUMMARY: Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen has become a prominent figure in the resistance against Donald Trump’s presidency. His recent trip to El Salvador to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongly deported, drew attention to the case and energized anti-Trump sentiment. While praised by some Democrats, Van Hollen’s actions faced criticism, particularly from Republicans, who attacked his focus on immigration and accused him of prioritizing illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens. Despite facing opposition, Van Hollen emphasized the importance of defending constitutional rights, asserting that depriving one person of rights endangers everyone’s freedoms.

Read the full article

The post Anti-Trump resistance sees another leader in Van Hollen as Democrats’ leadership carousel turns appeared first on www.clickorlando.com



Note: The following is not part of the original article, but is provided as a service to our readers –Staff Editor

Political Bias Assessment: This article reflects a Center-Left political leaning, focusing on progressive viewpoints and supporting actions against the Trump administration. It critiques some Democratic leaders while emphasizing the importance of defending constitutional rights. The tone remains moderate, presenting both criticism and support within the broader political debate.

Continue Reading

News from the South - Florida News Feed

Jim talks with Rep. Robert Andrade about his investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation

Published

on

Jim talks with Rep. Robert Andrade about his investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation

www.youtube.com – CBS Miami – 2025-04-20 11:00:57

SUMMARY: Jim discusses Rep. Robert Andrade’s investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation with him, focusing on the misuse of $5 million intended for charity that was allegedly redirected to political action committees. Andrade aims to uncover why this occurred and the assurances provided by attorney Jeff Aaron and chief of staff James Um. The investigation raises concerns about accountability in the governor’s office, with Andrade questioning the legitimacy of Hope Florida’s claims of assisting families and highlighting a lack of metrics to measure their success. Amid resignations from Hope Florida leadership, Andrade plans further hearings, asserting the issue transcends partisan politics.

YouTube video

The chairman of a foundation tied to Hope Florida — Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature welfare-assistance program — said under oath last Tuesday that “mistakes were made” with the foundation’s record-keeping, as a skirmish over the group’s finances continued to escalate.

Source

Continue Reading

Trending