Town fights to keep, control biz tax

The Longboat Key Town Commission agreed to oppose by resolution Florida House Bill 4025 and Florida Senate Bill 760, which would eliminate the town’s business tax that collects about $165,000 annually.
The town has imposed this tax since the early 1960s and approval of the legislation would result in a loss of revenue to the town. The Town Clerk’s office collected $158,262.69 in fiscal year 2009-2010 and $166,139.62 in fiscal year 2010-2011. The town collects from about 3,600 business entities, with the majority from rental homes and docks for rent.
When asked if eliminating the tax during a period when businesses on Longboat key are struggling to survive, Town Manager Dave Bullock said the issue is also about Home Rule and there is no guarantee that if eliminated the state will not levy a tax and spend the money as it sees fit.
The

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