For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Contact
Sarah Bascom, sarah@bascomllc.com,850.294.6636
Kristen Grissom, kgrissom@bascomllc.com, 850.814.9454

 

AIF Highlights Pro-Business Policies Passed this Legislative Session

Tallahassee, Fla.—This session, the Florida Legislature passed a number of measures championed by the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) to support and protect the state’s employers and job creators and boost Florida’s economy.

“Each session, AIF is a voice for the business community in the halls of the state Capitol, advocating for policies that will strengthen Florida’s economy and keeping a watchful eye on any issues that could negatively impact job creators. Because businesses were hit hard by the pandemic, this year AIF strongly advocated for legislation that would protect and support employers and keep our state on the path to prosperity,” said Tom Feeney, president and CEO of AIF. “Florida lawmakers listened and took action this session to pass meaningful legislation to address some of the top concerns of the business community.”

AIF’s top session achievements include:

• SB 72 – Securing COVID liability protections to ensure businesses that took proactive steps to safeguard the well-being of their employees and the public are shielded from opportunistic COVID-related lawsuits. This was the top recommendation from the RESET Task Force.

• SB 50 – Leveling the playing field for Florida’s brick and mortar stores by collecting sales tax from out-of-state online retailers, a RESET Task Force recommendation, and then using that revenue to stop an unexpected unemployment tax increase for employers and substantially reduce Florida’s business rent tax rate.

• SB 148 – Removing antiquated regulations on restaurant and lodging establishments to encourage the development of new businesses and increase the financial success of existing businesses, especially during the pandemic. While the policy was temporarily allowed during the early stages of the pandemic, the RESET Task Force recommended making the change permanent, which this bill does.

• SB 88 – Protecting Florida’s farmers and helping to eradicate bad faith litigation which drives up the cost of doing business and insurance rates, and negatively affects those providing food and resources to the state.

• SB 912 – Preventing Florida businesses from being penalized on permitted time due to a state of emergency that is out of their control. This was another RESET Task Force recommendation, as economic recovery after an emergency is imperative and businesses drive recovery via employment and production, none of which is possible if an operating permit has expired.

“On behalf of AIF and its members, I want to thank Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls for their leadership and the entire Florida Legislature for their hard work this session and for continuing to make Florida one of the best places in the nation to do business,” added Brewster Bevis, senior vice president of state and federal affairs for AIF.

Known as “The Voice of Florida Business” in the Sunshine State, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) has represented the principles of prosperity and free enterprise before the three branches of state government since 1920. A voluntary association of diversified businesses, AIF was created to foster an economic climate in Florida conducive to the growth, development, and welfare of industry and business and the people of the state.

For more information on AIF, please visit AIF.com and follow @VoiceofFLBiz.

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