Florida Legislature fails to pass two business aviation bills

The Florida legislative session concluded and, once again, legislators failed to pass at least 2 statutory revisions that would have increased business brought into Florida by business aviation. The first proposal was a proposal to cap sales tax on aircraft purchased in Florida to $25,000, paving the way for more large aircraft to base in Florida, resulting in more work for repair facilities, fixed base operators, and others. The second, and perhaps most significant, was the proposal to permit non-resident aircraft to stay in Florida for up to 21 days in a 6 month period without being subject to Florida’s use tax. At the moment, non-resident aircraft owners think twice before bringing their aircraft to Florida for extended periods of time (and especially immediately after their purchase of their aircraft) for fear of having to respond to the Florida Department of Revenue’s aggressive use tax positions. Even with the support of trade groups such as the NBAA, AOPA, NATA, and others, these proposals failed to get out of committee. Better luck next year (we can only hope).

Florida Legislature fails to pass two business aviation bills

Lapayowker Jet Counsel