TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida voters will decide in November on a proposed constitutional amendment that would exempt tangible personal property taxes on agricultural businesses.
What You Need To Know
- A proposed constitutional amendment on tangible personal property taxes will be on Florida’s election ballot in November
- The amendment would exempt agricultural and agritourism businesses from paying the tax
- It applies on equipment such as tools, machines and, potentially, furniture
- The Florida Legislature voted in 2025 to put the question on the ballot
The tax applies to some business equipment assets, such as tools, machines and possibly furniture.
In Florida, businesses pay sales tax when they buy equipment, but they often almost must pay a tax on the tangible asset — and do so year after year.
Under the proposed amendment, Florida would waive that tax for agricultural businesses, such as farmers and ranchers, or agritourism.
The Florida Legislature voted in 2025 to put the question on the election ballot.
State economists in Tallahassee said local governments could lose about $31 million a year if voters approved the measure, which officially would amend Article VII, Section 3 and Article XII of Florida’s constitution.
“Tangible personal property tax is a pretty offensive thing to me,” said state Rep. Danny Alvarez (R-Riverview). “You already bought it. You already paid for it. Why are you paying the government?”
State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) opposes the amendment because she thinks it is too broad and will benefit big business at the expense of small businesses and communities.
“Really, what’s going to happen is that you’ll see large actors tap into this tax break multiple times to again give an unfair advantage to big guys over small guys,” Eskamani said.