Purpose


Section 206.02(2)(c), F.S., requires terminal suppliers, importers, exporters, blenders, biodiesel manufacturers, and wholesalers to pay a $30 license tax to obtain an annual fuel license or to renew an annual fuel license. Similar provisions are provided for carriers and terminal operators to obtain an annual fuel license in Sections 206.021(3), 206.022(2), and 206.89(4), F.S., provides that a $5 filing fee is required to obtain a license as a retailer of alternative fuel. Sections 206.05(1), 206.051, and 206.89(2), F.S., provide that terminal suppliers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, and retailers of alternative fuel are required to post a bond to obtain a Florida fuel license. Section 206.9931(1), F.S., provides bond requirements for applicants applying for a license as an importer or producer of pollutants. To obtain a Florida fuel license, the licensee is required to maintain a bond sufficient to ensure payment to the state of the amount of the tax, plus any penalties and interest for which the person may become liable. A wholesaler who has no import or export activity that sells only undyed diesel fuel and that is not authorized by the Department to remit fuel tax to its supplier would have no liability to the state and would not be required to post a bond. Any applicant for a pollutants tax license for the sole purpose of applying for refunds of tax-paid pollutants would not be required to post a bond. The purpose of the proposed amendments to Rule Chapter 12B-5, F.A.C., Tax on Motor Fuels, Diesel Fuels, Alternative Fuels, Aviation Fuels, and Pollutants), is to: (1) correct the use of the term “license fee” to “license tax” and to correct the use of the term “registration fee” to “filing fee,” consistent with Sections 206.02(2)(c), 206.021(3), 206.022(2), and 206.89(4), F.S., as requested by the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee; (2) update provisions regarding bonding requirements consistent with Sections 206.05(1), 206.051, 206.89(2), and 206.9931(1), F.S.; and (3) adopt, by reference, changes to the fuel and pollutant returns to include the annual updates to the state fuel sales tax rate and the local option tax rates effective January 2012. Section 206.8745(1), F.S., provides that any purchaser who purchases tax-paid diesel fuel and has paid the fuel taxes to the seller may claim a refund of the fuel taxes paid as provided in Section 215.26, F.S., if the fuel is used for an exempt purpose as provided in Section 206.874(3), F.S. The purpose of the proposed amendments to Rule 12B-5.130, F.A.C. (Refunds), is to: (1) remove provisions regarding the availability of a refund of tax paid on diesel fuel used in the operations of boats, vessels, or equipment for fishing that are not consistent with the provisions of Section 206.8745(1), F.S.; (2) provide the procedures on how to obtain a refund of the fuel taxes paid on diesel fuel used for commercial fishing purposes or by a vessel engaged in the commercial transportation of persons or property consistent with the provisions of Section 206.8745(1), F.S.; and (3) clarify that diesel fuel used for such commercial purposes is subject to sales tax, plus any applicable discretionary sales surtax.