TAX-FREE HOLIDAYS
F E AT U R E
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loridians who need a driver, a drill or some high-discharge batteries to power them will be able to save a few bucks if they can wait until early September, when Florida’s first-ever “Tool Time” sales tax holiday kicks off. From Sept. 3-9, the state will not collect sales tax on hand tools under $50, power tools under $300, power tool batteries under $150, toolboxes under $75, vehicle tool boxes under $300 and a wide range of other gear such as work gloves, work boots and coveralls. The Tool Time sales tax holiday will save consumers an estimated $12.4 million, making it one of the smaller holidays included in this year’s tax cut package. The back-to-school holiday, by comparison, is expected to save consumers $100 million, while the hurricane prep holiday savings were estimated at $25 million. While no DIY’er or new homeowner — there are a lot of those in Florida these days — will complain about saving a few bucks at the register, the holiday is less for them than it is for the skilled professionals fueling the state’s construction industry. The boom in new residents and businesses means a boom in construction too. That’s why
the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida (ABC) made the sales tax holiday one of their top priorities in the 2022 Legislative Session. The two trade associations, represented by GrayRobinson shareholder Chris Dawson, extolled the benefits of the Tool Time holiday to Rep. Bobby Payne. As Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Payne decided what does — or doesn’t — make it into the final tax cut package. ABC and FRSA noted that the cost of tools can be a burden on new workers entering the construction industry. “For many, they are starting in this type of environment for the first time, and this economic relief will help to ensure they are entering the workforce safely and with the proper equipment for a successful career,” said Carol Bowen, ABC of Florida’s chief lobbyist. “The support of the Legislature signifies a strong understanding that pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship education offerings are critical to the continued development and growth of Florida’s skilled workers.”
GrayRobinson’s Chris Dawson helped craft Florida’s latest tax-free holiday into a reality.
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INFLUENCE Summer 2022
