Purpose


Section 288.1083, F.S., previously provided for a refund of tax to certain manufacturing and spaceport entities under an investment incentive program. This program expired July 1, 2013, and taxpayers are no longer eligible for a tax refund. The purpose of the proposed repeal of Rule 12A-1.0143, F.A.C., is to remove obsolete provisions related to this incentive program. The state sales tax rate is set by the Legislature and is subject to change from year to year. The 2018 Legislature reduced the state rate for leases of real property from 5.8% to 5.7%. The purpose of the proposed amendment to Rule 12A-1.070, F.A.C., is to adjust the state sales tax rate to match the statutory change. Section 36, Chapter 2018-118, L.O.F., made three changes to applicable aquaculture businesses. First, the exemption for butane gas, propane gas, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas was expanded to apply to the production, packing, or processing of aquacultural products, either on or off the farm. Second, the exemption for electricity was expanded to apply to packinghouses where fish are packed or prepared for shipment. Third, a new exemption was added for industrial machinery and equipment purchased for use in aquacultural activities. The purpose of the proposed amendments to Rule 12A-1.087, F.A.C., is to provide guidance on how businesses can document and receive these exemptions. The purpose of the proposed amendments to Rule 12A-1.097, F.A.C., is to adopt, by reference, changes to forms currently used to administer sales and use tax. Chapter 2018-6, L.O.F., established two new sales tax scholarship programs under Chapter 212, F.S. Changes to existing forms provide a method for taking a credit under the new tax scholarship programs. In addition, a new form is being promulgated to administer the exemption provided by Section 56, Chapter 2018-118, L.O.F., for equipment used to generate emergency electric energy at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.