Out-of-state investors, business owners and first-time homebuyers could pay far less in property taxes under bills gaining momentum in the Florida Legislature.

Supporters say the proposals will help attract home buyers and new businesses, boosting the states crippled economy. But critics say they will siphon hundreds of millions of dollars away from local governments and could force higher taxes on owner-occupied homes, while still not addressing flaws in the states current property tax system.

The sponsor of a bill to raise fees on Florida-based Dosal Tobacco Co. says the measure is dead -- again.

Rep. John Tobia, R-Melbourne, said Gov. Rick Scott's vow last week to veto House Bill 1207 "pretty much closes the issue this year."

Tobia's comments to Sunshine State News came less than two hours after the Florida Retail Federation reiterated its support for the bill, which would raise fees on Dosal cigarettes to bring them in line with those paid by Big Tobacco companies.