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Gov. Rick Scott Signs Sales Tax Package Into Law; Includes 3 Sales Tax Holidays

Florida Channel

During a visit to the 28th annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Orlando, Governor Rick Scott signed a measure into law that creates three sales tax holidays this year.

“The bill I signed today is $121 million right back into Florida citizens' hands, including the sales tax holiday for going back to school and the sales tax holiday to get ready for a hurricane. We know we have to be prepared for hurricanes. Hopefully, we won’t have it this year, but if you do, you know from May 31st to June 8th, you won’t have to pay sales tax,” said Scott.

Rep. Ritch Workman (R-Melbourne) says sales tax on certain purchases will also be eliminated. As the House Finance and Tax Subcommittee Chairman, he says Scott tasked him with leading this tax break effort.

“He [Scott] said give meal plans to our college students, make those tax-free to make college more affordable. We mandate that kids wear bicycle helmets, we mandate that you put your babies in car seats, he said make those tax free forever,” said Workman. “And, for you, I will tell you, that if you have a sick dog or cat at home, therapeutic foods and medicines that are tax free for us as humans, will become tax free for your pets as well. Your welcome.”

In addition to the hurricane preparedness supplies and back-to-school sales tax holidays, the new law also includes a three-day sales tax holiday on energy-efficient appliances in September.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.