By CRA News Service
Gov. Rick Scott doubled down on his call to lower the business rent sales tax by $100 million during an appearance at R2 Unified Technologies in Boca Raton this week.
Scott’s proposed budget contains that reduction and lowering vehicle registration fees by $400 million.
“This tax costs Florida businesses $1.4 billion per year, and our proposed reduction means $100 million in savings for Florida businesses,” Scott said during his 15-minute appearance. “These savings will help business grow and allow them to keep more of their hard-earned money.”
It’s a way for Scott to contrast himself with former Gov. Charlie Crist, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Scott and regain his old job. The fee increases went into effect under Crist — after they were approved by the Republican Legislature.
Later, he stopped at Sheehan Buick GMC in Lighthouse Point to tout a $100 million tax cut for businesses.
“You put it back in Florida families’ pockets again, they’ll buy a car, buy a house, put food on the table, things like that,” he told dozens of Republicans.
Florida is the only state that has such a tax, Scott said adding that the reduction would keep more money in the hands of companies for marketing, research and other activities that would create jobs. He did not say what expenses might be cut to compensate for the reduced revenue.