SB 148 – Relating to Beverage Law

On Thursday, March 25, SB 148 by Senator Jennifer Bradley (R-Orange Park) was heard by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorable with 15 yeas and 2 nays. AIF’s Legislative Affairs Assistant, BD Jogerst, stood in support of this legislation.

Under current law, qualifying restaurants may be licensed to sell beer, wine, and liquor for consumption on the premises only. This bill repeals the prohibition of sale for off-premises consumption of alcohol, thereby allowing restaurants to sell sealed containers of “alcohol-to-go” in conjunction with the sale of food on the same order.

SB 148 will now go to the Senate floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation 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.

SB 76 – Relating to Property Insurance

On Thursday, March 25, SB 76 by Senator Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) was heard by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorable with 12 yeas and 5 nays. AIF’s Legislative Affairs Assistant, BD Jogerst, stood in support of this legislation.

The bill makes various changes to address issues related to property insurance policies, claims, and litigation. The bill:

• Provides federal standard for award of contingency fee multipliers under property insurance policies;
• Adjusts the claim filing deadline to 2 years after the date of loss; applies to hurricanes and other perils; and
• Requires a pre-suit notice of intent to initiate litigation be served at least 60 days before filing suit and requires the notice to specify the reason for the suit, the demand, and the amount of reasonable attorney fees incurred by the claimant.

SB 76 will now go to the Senate floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislative efforts that prevent unscrupulous actors from taking advantage of property insurance disputes which keeps insurance rates low and allows growth in Florida businesses.

SB 72 – Relating to Civil Liability for Damages Relating to COVID-19

On Thursday, March 25, SB 72 by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) was read a second time on the House floor.

The bill provides civil immunity from COVID-19 liability to businesses, educational institutions, religious institutions, governmental entities, health care providers, and other covered entities that acted in good faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill protects reasonably acting entities and institutions so that they can predict their COVID-19-related litigation risks, remain viable, and continue to contribute to the state's well-being.

72 will be read a third time on the House floor to be voted on.

AIF supports legislation that protects the Florida business community from frivolous and costly litigation by plaintiffs suing to settle that drives up the cost of doing business and deters further economic growth in the state.

SB 50 – Relating to Sales and Use Tax

On Thursday, March 25, SB 50 by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) was read a second time on the Senate floor, was amended, was read a third time, and passed with 30 yeas and 10 nays.

This bill requires marketplace providers and out-of-state retailers (such as online retailers) to collect Florida’s sales tax on sales of taxable items delivered to purchasers in Florida if the marketplace provider or out-of-state retailer makes a substantial number of sales into Florida. A substantial number of remote sales means conducting any number of taxable remote sales in an amount exceeding $100,000 during the previous calendar year.

SB 50 will now go to the House for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that provides a level playing field for Florida’s brick and mortar stores and online retailers.

SB 100 – Relating to Highway Projects

On Thursday, March 25, SB 100 by Senator Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart) was read a second time on the Senate floor, was amended, was read a third time, and passed with 39 yeas and 1 nay.

The bill repeals the Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) Program but retains the associated funding within the State Transportation Trust Fund. The bill draws on the recommendations of the M-CORES task forces and prioritizes strategic improvements to existing highway facilities. The bill builds on a primary focus of the M-CORES task forces to maximize the use of existing facilities to evaluate existing roadways or portions of existing roadways for development, upgrades, and improvements.

SB 100 will now go to the House for consideration.

AIF supports efforts to reassess and update Florida’s existing roadway infrastructure that businesses rely on to move products and resources which further drives economic development in the state.