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CS/HB 103 (Botana) will be considered by the full House of Representatives next Tuesday, February 17. This bill would repeal Chapter 205, Florida Statutes, effectively eliminating local governments’ authority to levy a Local Business Tax (LBT).
While the bill broadly repeals LBT authority, it includes two limited exemptions:
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Gross Receipts-Based Taxes: Local governments that base their LBT on gross sales receipts may continue to collect the tax.
- County Economic Development Exemption: Counties that currently levy an additional business tax under section 205.033(6), Florida Statutes, may continue doing so if the tax rate was in effect as of January 1, 2026. However, these counties must:
- Deposit all revenues into a separate interest-bearing account
- Distribute funds annually to a designated economic development organization to implement the county’s comprehensive economic development strategy
CS/HB 103 is expected to pass the House.
The Senate companion bill, SB 122 (Truenow), appears to be stuck in the second committee of reference (Senate Finance and Tax Committee). As you are speaking with your Senators, please educate them on the importance of LBTs to your community and encourage them not to consider SB 122.
Click here to watch the committee meetings.
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