Business

Florida Small Businesses Ask for Legislation that “Levels the Playing Field”

Published

5 years ago

February 16, 2021

Ron Jon Surf Shop at Disney Springs. Photo: Disney.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – The Florida House Ways and Means Committee held a panel on legislation aiming to require out-of-state sales businesses to begin collecting sales taxes on items when those sales occur in Florida.

The new legislation, comprised of State Bill 50 and House Bill 15, follows state laws passed in South Dakota in 2018 after a case against home retailer Wayfair, which requires that businesses collect sales tax if they had 200 sales transactions a year or $100,000 in sales within the state.

Debbie Harvey, president of surf store Ron Jon Surf Shop and former president of the Florida Chamber of Small Commerce, indicated during the panel that the lack of a sales tax for online retailers outside of Florida allows them to offer prices between six and seven percent cheaper.

“We believe strongly in giving back, but this lack of enforcement puts me at a disadvantage over those that don’t give back to the state of Florida,” she said.

Larry Sinowitz, president of BrandsMart USA, a local electronics retailer, said that they can compete with major players like BestBuy and Costco because of fair competition, but are “getting killed by people who come into our market and not follow the rules.”

Clara Arrington of DotcomFurniture tells that some customers walk into showrooms, even try outfits on, take a picture of the label and then purchase the product online. The practice is informally known as “showrooming.”

Tim Nungesser, Legislative Director of The Florida Small Business Association, the local chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) confirms that the current laws hit small businesses the hardest. “State legislature has set the speed limit at fifty, and effectively for the past decade that the Department of Revenue says ‘ignore that limit’, and you have people driving at eighty,” he said.

Nungesser added that the issue is “complex” and while the NFIB remains neutral on the bills, he said they would oppose making the remote sales tax collection retroactive and extending it to services.

However, “having a streamlined tax collection service is certainly something we would support, particularly for out-of-state owners.”

The legislation, in general, gets a pass from online trade association Netchoice, since it follows many guidelines set by South Dakota v. Wayfair, explained Netchoice president Steve DelBianco. He added, however, that with the current legislation, the money collected by Florida would not be “new” money.

“Of the top 25 e-commerce retailers…forty percent are collecting from Florida. It will bring incremental revenue but not from the top twenty-five,” he said. “The money that comes in is from the Florida consumers that buy from those dealers.”

Mike Shutley, Amazon Senior Manager for Public Policy with Special Focus for State and Local tax policy for Amazon, spoke “on behalf of marketplace facilitators to collect the sales and use tax on Florida to facilitate third party sales.”

Amazon has invested 9.5 billion in Florida since 2010, creating over 40,000 jobs for Floridians, according to Shutley. “What you may not know is that there are more than 140,000 small business sellers and independent authors in Florida reaching customers around the world through Amazon marketplaces products and services,” he added.

All these small sellers and authors would be sometimes “confused” by the many state laws, and enacting a market facilitator law would resolve that confusion, he said. “This legislation is crucial to protecting small businesses.”

Florida-based retailers do have to collect a sales tax and remit them on purchases made outside of the state since only 22 states have a streamlined sales tax system.

“This legislation cannot protect Florida sellers from the burdens that are imposed by other states,” said NetChoice’s DelBianco. “Florida can lead by example and try to make it as simple as they can for businesses to collect when people from out of state make purchases, but you can’t with HB 15 protect Florida companies from the burdens.”

_____________________________________________________

Juan Carlo Rodriguez is a politics and entertainment reporter for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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AdventHealth Holiday Bus Unites Partners to “Drive Out Hunger” for Central Florida Students

Published

15 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Willie David

“Helping children and families feel whole starts with meeting their most basic needs, and that includes access to healthy food,” said Sharon Line Clary, senior vice president of Community Impact and Partnership Engagement at AdventHealth, Orlando, Florida. Monday, December 1, 2025. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — As the holiday season approaches and school cafeterias prepare to close for winter break, Central Florida organizations are joining forces to ensure that thousands of local children continue to have access to nutritious meals.

AdventHealth, Orlando Magic and Local Partners Mobilize Holiday Bus to Support Food-Insecure Families. Orlando, Florida, Monday, December 1, 2025. Photo by Monica Hoyos / Florida National News

AdventHealth, the Orlando Magic, Florida Citrus Sports and Second Harvest Food Bank are providing grants to support schools and food pantries across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, benefiting the nearly 200,000 students who rely on free and reduced-cost lunch during the academic year.

Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools speaks with local media about community partnerships to provide meals for students over the winter break. Orlando, Florida, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by J. Willie David III/Florida National News)

“For many of our students, school meals are a vital source of nutrition. When schools close for winter break, that need doesn’t go away,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. “Together, we’re ensuring that every child has access to healthy food and the opportunity to thrive when they are not in school.”

COMMUNITY IMPACT & EXPANDING SUPPORT

AdventHealth’s most recent community survey found that food insecurity remains a major challenge in Central Florida, with more than half of school-aged children relying on school as their primary source of nutrition. To help bridge the gap, AdventHealth is launching the “Drive Out Hunger” Holiday Bus, which will stop at schools, hospitals, sporting venues and community hubs throughout December.

At each stop, residents will be encouraged to donate canned and non-perishable foods. With support from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, every item collected will be delivered directly to school food pantries and community partners.

“Helping children and families feel whole starts with meeting their most basic needs, and that includes access to healthy food,” said Sharon Line Clary, senior vice president of Community Impact and Partnership Engagement at AdventHealth. “This initiative reflects the heart of our community: people and partners uniting to lift one another up.”

AdventHealth Leads Regional Effort to Ensure Children Have Meals During School Break. Orlando, Florida. Monday, December 1, 2025. Photo by Monica Hoyos / Florida National News

REGIONAL RESPONSE TO A CRITICAL NEED

Nearly 590,000 Central Florida residents — including over 150,000 children — face food insecurity on a daily basis. School district leaders say this collective effort is a tangible example of how community collaboration can relieve stress for families.

Serita Beamon, superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools, speaks with local media about community partnerships to provide meals for students over the winter break. Orlando, Florida, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by J. Willie David III/Florida National News)

“Strong schools are built on strong communities, and we are so grateful for AdventHealth who shares our commitment to caring for the whole child,” said Serita Beamon superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools. “Their generous support of our school food pantries will help ensure that students have access to meals when they’re off campus. This investment strengthens our community and provides critical support for our most vulnerable students and families and directly reflects how AdventHealth lives out their mission to care for our community.”

“Food insecurity remains a major concern in our Osceola County community and remains the primary pre-condition for learning,” said Dr. Mark Shanoff, Osceola County School District superintendent. “When community partners wrap their arms around our children and families during this pivotal time, it ensures stability and hope.”

Second Harvest Food Bank Chief Development Officer Greg Higgerson said the organization is grateful for AdventHealth’s leadership and the alignment of local partners in supporting families beyond the classroom.

For more than 115 years, AdventHealth has served the Central Florida community as a not-for-profit health care provider. This holiday season, its mission continues beyond the hospital doors — delivering nourishment, compassion and support for families in need.

For the full schedule of Holiday Bus stops and the list of most-needed food items, visit: www.FeelWholeHoliday.com

_________________________________________________________________________

News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Business

Florida National News Set for Live Coverage of the Don Quijote Awards at EPCOT December 13

Published

3 days ago

November 29, 2025

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) proudly announces that for the “10th year” it will deliver full, real-time and post-event coverage of the prestigious 2025 Don Quijote Awards Gala, taking place Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion in Orlando, Florida.

This year marks another milestone in FNN’s 10-year commitment to spotlighting business excellence, leadership, cultural impact, and community advancement across Florida’s Hispanic and Latino communities.

FNN’s coverage will include:

Red carpet arrivals and honoree interviews
Event highlights and on-stage presentations
Speaker and award-winner remarks
Professional photojournalism and multimedia content
Same-night and next-day article reporting
Live updates through FNN’s English and Spanish digital platforms

Florida National News continues to serve as a trusted bilingual independent news outlet dedicated to elevating stories of achievement, service, and influence within Florida’s diverse communities.

J. Willie David, III, President of Florida National News stated:
“Florida National News is honored to once again cover the Don Quijote Awards, a premier celebration recognizing individuals whose stories of perseverance and success inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, added:
“At FNN, we are not just reporting — we are preserving the stories of innovators, visionaries, and community champions. The Don Quijote Awards shine a spotlight on those who embody resilience and cultural pride, and we look forward to amplifying their voices on a statewide and global stage.”

Follow FNN on-air, online, and across social media for continuous Don Quijote Awards coverage as we bring audiences exclusive access to honorees, presenters, and distinguished guests.

Business

VISIT FLORIDA: Tourism Generates $133.6 Billion in 2024, Saves Households Nearly $2,000

Published

6 days ago

November 26, 2025

Willie David

- VISIT FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida’s tourism industry delivered record-breaking economic benefits in 2024, generating $133.6 billion in economic impact and saving the state’s more than 9 million households nearly $2,000 each in taxes, according to the 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism study released by VISIT FLORIDA.

Out-of-state visitors spent $134.9 billion in Florida last year, a 3.0% increase from 2023. U.S. travelers accounted for $120.1 billion of that total, while international visitors contributed $14.8 billion. The study also showed that for every dollar spent by visitors, 99 cents remained in Florida, boosting local businesses, wages, and public revenue.

Record-Breaking Tourism Growth

Florida welcomed 143 million visitors in 2024, marking the highest annual total in state history. Tourism accounted for 7.8% of Florida’s nominal Gross State Product, and the sector continued to be one of the strongest pillars of the state’s economy.

“Our tourism industry is critical to Florida’s strong economic position,” Governor Ron DeSantis said. “Florida remains the top destination for travelers from across the country and the world because we prioritize freedom and safety. Tourism fuels jobs and keeps Florida’s economy strong.”

Major Tax Revenue and Household Savings

Tourism-generated activity produced $33.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2024, a 3.3% increase over the previous year. Without this tax revenue, Florida households would have paid an additional $1,730 annually to maintain current state and local government services.

“Tourism drives Florida’s economy,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “This data demonstrates the value of Florida’s investment in tourism marketing. Florida’s 9.1 million households are saving nearly $2,000 a year because of the tax revenues generated by Florida tourism.”

Strong Workforce and Wage Growth

The tourism sector supported 1.8 million jobs in 2024, representing a 1.8% year-over-year increase. Tourism-related wages totaled $79.9 billion, including $44 billion in direct wages—a 4.6% increase from 2023. For every visitor dollar spent, 59 cents directly supported worker salaries, up from 2023 figures.

The report, produced by Rockport Analytics, applies a revised methodology that has been retroactively implemented for previous years. Year-over-year changes reflect these updated calculations.