Sen. Flores Files Bill to Cut Cell Phone and TV Tax

Senate President Pro Tempore Anitere Flores, R-Miami, filed Senate Bill 378 on Friday, a measure that would repeal the insurance premium tax credit and replace it with a 2 percent reduction in the communications services tax (CST).

“Florida’s CST is one of the highest in the nation. In 2015, we made great progress by permanently reducing Florida’s CST by 1.73 percent. This year we can reduce this burdensome tax even further and provide additional monthly savings to every Floridian with a cell phone or cable or satellite TV,” Flores said in a state from the Senate leadership office.
 
Since 1987, Florida has provided a tax credit that insurance companies can take against their premium tax liability of up to 15 percent of salaries paid to employees located or based within Florida. The same benefit is not provided for other industries.
 
“When originally put in place 30 years ago, this taxpayer-funded subsidy for insurance companies was well intentioned, but times have changed and we need to reprioritize,” said Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart. “We can take the revenue we save from eliminating a tax credit that only benefits one industry and use it to provide a meaningful, monthly, and permanent tax cut for Florida’s families and businesses.”
 
“This bill will rid our state of an antiquated government subsidy for a specific industry, and instead keep more money in the pockets of the hard-working Floridians who earn it,” continued Flores. “This tax relief package continues our commitment to reducing the tax burden facing Florida families and businesses. Reducing taxes leads to private sector job creation and a flourishing economy that benefits all Floridians.” 
 
“As Florida’s economy grows, we must continue to search for ways to reduce the tax burden on families and businesses across our state,” continued President Negron. “In recent years, we have lowered vehicle registration fees, providing a recurring tax cut for every Floridian who registers a car. This year we want to continue our efforts by providing additional tax relief for every Floridian with a cell phone or cable or satellite television."