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Bill would tax newspaper, magazine subscriptions

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By BILL KACZOR

The Associated Press

Published: April 21, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Newspaper and magazine subscriptions and most charter fishing trips would lose their sales tax exemptions if lawmakers pass a bill proposed by a House panel Monday.

Savings from those and some smaller exemption repeals would be more than offset by provisions reducing state revenue, including a pair of three-day sales tax "holidays" for back-to-school and hurricane preparation purchases. Sales taxes on yachts and airplanes also would be capped.

The bill would result in a first-year revenue shortfall of about $17 million, further stressing an already-tight budget.

The House Finance and Tax Council unanimously voted to introduce the measure although some members disagreed with parts of it.

On a voice vote, the panel rejected a motion by Rep. Perry Thurston, D-Plantation, to retain the subscription exemption.

Thurston said the tax might cost jobs by putting publications out of business or encouraging them to leave Florida.

Republicans said it was a matter of fairness because store sales of newspapers and magazines are taxed.

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