Benefits Out-Of-State Visitors, State Aviation, Tourism
Businesses
Friday, in the waning days of
the Florida legislative session, The Florida Senate passed House
Bill 173, which exempts visiting aircraft from the state's use tax.
Passage of the bill came Friday, and with Governor Charlie Crist's
expected signature, it will take effect in July.
Under current law, out-of-state aircraft owners who visit
Florida within six months of purchasing their aircraft are subject
to a use tax of up to 6 percent of the total value of the aircraft.
When the new law takes effect, out-of-state aircraft owners will be
able to visit Florida with new aircraft for up to 21 days for any
purpose - or for an unlimited amount of time within this six-month
period for the exclusive purpose of flight training, repairs,
retrofitting, or modification - without being subject to the state
use tax.
"This is certainly a positive measure for the general aviation
industry and economy as a whole in Florida, with so many workers
employed in this field," said Senate President Pro Tem Mike Fasano.
"We look forward to welcoming out-of-state aircraft owners back
into the state to utilize our world-class aviation businesses and
facilities - and to enjoy all that Florida has to offer."
The bill is expected to pay dividends to the state's tourism
industry as well.
The Florida Aviation Trades Association and aviation allies have
been working with legislators for 3 years to change the law. FATA
told lawmakers that the current statute was actually keeping
tourist and business dollars out of Florida, and that it was
critical for Florida to make the change that will provide income
not just for aviation but for all businesses in the State.
Among those working to push the bill through the Florida
legislature were Florida Aviation Trades Association (FATA)
representative Eric Prustman, as well as AOPA Director of State
Government Affairs Mark Kimberling and AOPA Florida Regional
Representative Nelson Rhodes.
“Our members pooled their resources to
reach out to their Representatives and Senators to explain the
importance of passing the House and Senate Bill," said FATA,
Executive Director, Paula Raeburn.
"They are the unsung heroes who do the letter writing and make
the phone calls that made the difference on this issue. Our
presence in Tallahassee is important but when the legislators
hear from their constituents they know the voters are watching them
in the Capital.” The National Business Aviation Association
(NBAA) and the South Florida Business Aviation Association (SFBAA)
also joined the campaign.
"This measure really required a lot of elbow grease with three
scheduled committee stops in each chamber and a legislature
grappling with a staggering budget shortfall," said Kimberling.
"Yet, in the end, we had an incredibly strong partnership with the
Florida (Aviation) Trades Association and two terrific bill
sponsors in Senator Mike Fasano and Representative Ralph Poppell,
and together we prevailed. Florida will soon be open for all
visiting aircraft owners once again - without fear of undue
taxation."