Florida Will Save the Day

Florida lawmakers weigh tax break for yachts and planes
As state lawmakers pinch pennies to balance the budget, they also consider a tax break on boats and planes that would benefit the wealthy
BY ALEX LEARY
Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau

TALLAHASSEE -- At the same time lawmakers are slashing the state budget, considering laying off dozens of government workers and increasing fees and taxes, they are also pushing a break for the richest Floridians.
A bill moving through the Legislature would cap the sales tax on boats and planes at $25,000. It's being called the Aviation and Maritime Full Employment Act.

''The bill does exactly what the name suggests: It is designed to create jobs and spur economic growth,'' Rep. Tom Grady said before a House panel voted Tuesday to advance the proposal.

But the move comes as lawmakers have agonized over closing existing sales tax exemptions to help plug a $3 billion budget hole -- an exercise that has all but been abandoned.

''It's ridiculous,'' said Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando. We're talking about increasing the cost of a driver's license and other fees and now we're going to hand out tax breaks to those who can afford yachts and planes? People would be outraged.''