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.”

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

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Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker

Published

50 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

$Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker$

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute (FEMI) and Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center (MRSE) have announced the addition of optometrist Dr. Anna Walker to their medical teams, expanding comprehensive eye care services for patients across Palm Beach County.

Walker provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, specializing in primary eye care, ocular disease management, specialty contact lenses and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Her practice focuses on preventive eye health through comprehensive examinations, advanced diagnostic technology and individualized treatment plans.

“Dr. Walker brings excellent clinical training and a compassionate approach to patient care,” said Omayra Alvarado, practice administrator for FEMI. “We are confident she will help further our mission of delivering exceptional eye care across South Florida.”

Walker earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Stonehill College. She completed her residency at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, where she specialized in comprehensive optometric care with an emphasis on ocular disease management and specialty contact lenses.

Her clinical training also includes refractive surgery co-management, IPL therapy and advanced diagnostic techniques. Walker is certified in laser procedures and injections through the New England College of Optometry.

According to the practices, Walker combines advanced clinical expertise with a personalized approach to patient care, focusing on preserving long-term eye health and improving patients’ quality of life.

Walker will see patients at Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute’s East Boynton Beach office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center in Boca Raton on Mondays and Fridays.

Patients interested in scheduling routine eye examinations or establishing ongoing eye care with Dr. Walker can learn more by visiting Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute or Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center.

Business

U.S. Marine Veteran Receives Refurbished Vehicle Through NABC Recycled Rides Program

Published

3 weeks ago

June 12, 2026

FNN NEWS

DAVIE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his family received a life-changing gift on June 11 when they were presented with a fully refurbished vehicle through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.

The donation was made possible through a partnership between vehicle donor Allstate, repair partner Crash Champions, and several industry sponsors. The presentation took place at Crash Champions’ Davie, Florida, collision repair center.

Veteran Receives Reliable Transportation

The recipient, Sergio Hernandez, was nominated by the Wounded Warrior Project, one of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

Hernandez and his wife received a refurbished 2018 Toyota RAV4 donated by Allstate and restored by Crash Champions technicians.

“This vehicle is beautiful, super clean, just near mint,” Hernandez said. “Reliability is a huge thing. This will take a burden off our shoulders not having to worry about maintenance or any of the issues we were having with prior vehicles. I’m truly grateful for it.”

From Military Service to Civilian Life

Hernandez served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 2015, with assignments in South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. During his service, he suffered a back injury that required extensive therapy and rehabilitation.

After leaving the military, Hernandez used GI Bill benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. However, transportation challenges remained a significant obstacle for his growing family.

With a non-operational vehicle and mounting repair costs, reliable transportation had become a pressing need. The donated vehicle will help Hernandez commute to work, attend family appointments and provide safe transportation for his wife and two young children.

Industry Partners Make a Difference

Allstate has donated more than 300 vehicles through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, making it one of the program’s largest vehicle donors.

Crash Champions has also played a major role, gifting more than 250 vehicles to individuals and organizations in need through the initiative.

Additional partners supporting the donation included Enterprise, Tire Kingdom, AutoZone, J&A Auto Restore, ATE, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart and Cars for Charity.

Business

Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook

Published

3 months ago

April 19, 2026

Willie David

Credit ORRA: Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.

Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.

Speakers and Panelists

Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President

Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.

Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.

Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.

Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.

“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.

Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.

Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.

Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.

ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry

The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.