SB 1174 – Relating to Communications Services Tax

On Monday, February 3, SB 1174 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) was heard by the Senate Innovation, Industry, and Technology Committee and was reported favorable with 10 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

The bill amends the definition of “video service” for purposes of the Communications Services Tax (CST) to include streaming and similar services. By definition: “video service” is to include subscriptions to digital video content and the rental of digital video content delivered to a Florida service address by download, streaming, or some combination thereof, and where the access to such content expires at a specific time or on the occurrence of a condition subsequent (such as the end of a subscription period).

Additionally, the bill reduces the state CST rate from 4.92 percent to 4.9 percent.

SB 1174 will now move to the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

AIF supports legislation that will reduce the communications services tax and have a positive financial impact on Florida’s consumers, many of whom are businesses that pay for cable, satellite and streaming services.