Upset over biz tax dollars loss

Several Commissioners’ expressed dissatisfaction when called upon to vote for an amendment to the Town’s Business Tax Receipts Regulations. The Florida State Legislature recently adopted an exemption for real estate associates and broker associates from having to pay the annual tax. The Town Commissioners were called upon to change their Longboat Key rules to align with the new Florida statutes. Vice Mayor Dave Brenner took issue: “From my perspective this is a terrible piece of legislation and works against home rule. It takes away from the principal of home rule. Unfortunately I have to vote for it, if I don’t I will go to jail,” said Brenner.

Commissioner Jack Duncan asked Town Manager Dave Bullock to look for a way for the Town to recoup some of the $9,300 it stands to lose through this exemption.

Bullock said it would not be wise to make a move to modify or undermine the new occupational license rules based on a discussion with the Florida League of Cities.