Government Affairs State Boating Info Florida Boating News

Florida Boating News

April 21 , 2010

Florida Legislative Alert: Action needed

Contact your state Representative and ask them to oppose Florida House Bill 7127 and support Senate Bill 346 when each bill is debated on the House floor this week. These bills address how to implement the 2008 Constitutional Amendment 6 (Working Waterfronts) that 70% of Floridians supported, so marinas and boatyards are not taxed at the highest rate possible.

To find your local representative, their Tallahassee phone number and email: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx. Then click "Find Your Representative".

• We oppose House Bill 7127. It will destroy two years of efforts to give boat yards and marinas an equitable tax assessment so they can afford to stay in business and provide the water access so badly needed by boaters. This bill expands tax relief to larger businesses and ports that were not the original intent of the constitutional amendment. If passed, this expansion may leave the new law open for a long court challenge. This means marinas and boat yards may still be taxed at the highest possible property tax rate for years and boaters will incur higher prices for slips and services. To read the bill click here: House Bill 7127
• We support Senate Bill 346. It fully implements 2008 Constitutional Amendment 6 and is supported by all marine interests. To read the bill click here: Senate Bill 346

For specific questions about boating issues or BoatUS Government Affairs, please e-mail the department at GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com