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

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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.”

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Spotty showers and storms settle over South Florida

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www.youtube.com – CBS Miami – 2025-03-30 09:14:28

SUMMARY: South Florida is experiencing spotty showers and thunderstorms, especially as the Miami-Dade County Fair continues this weekend. Attendees should be prepared for possible rain and pack umbrellas. The area has seen light rain, with some heavier downpours reported in parts like Hollywood and Southwest Ranches. An upper-level disturbance is enhancing rain chances, with potential for isolated thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon. Although scattered showers will persist into the evening, tomorrow’s forecast suggests a decrease in rain chances as warm and humid conditions settle in, with temperatures rising into the mid-80s throughout the week.

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South Florida weather for Sunday, March 30.

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Turkey arrests Swedish journalist over alleged terrorist connections to a pro-Kurdish group

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www.news4jax.com – Associated Press – 2025-03-30 04:19:00

SUMMARY: Turkish authorities arrested Swedish journalist Joakim Medin upon his arrival at Istanbul airport, charging him with “membership in a terrorist organization” and “insulting the president.” Medin, from Dagens ETC, was detained after he allegedly participated in a January 2023 rally in Stockholm supporting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey labels a terrorist group. The Turkish Presidency’s Counter Disinformation Center stated the arrest was not due to his journalistic work. Following the recent nationwide protests, over a dozen journalists have been detained as part of a crackdown on media coverage in Turkey.

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‘Will always be in my heart:’ Community remembers Xavier Williams at Tavares vigil

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www.clickorlando.com – Jarell Baker – 2025-03-29 21:20:00

SUMMARY: A candlelight vigil in Tavares honored 10-year-old Xavier Williams, who died from injuries sustained from severe abuse. Attendees, dressed in blue—the boy’s favorite color—showed community unity, emphasizing that the tragedy transcended race. Family members expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and love from residents and local businesses, which are donating proceeds to Xavier’s family. His aunt highlighted that the Tavares Police and AdventHealth have provided personal support during this difficult time. Following his death, Xavier’s mother, Kimberley Mills, and her boyfriend, Andre Walker, were arrested and charged with second-degree murder due to the boy’s horrific treatment.

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