The Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) applauds the Florida Senate and the House of Representatives on the final passage of the permanent sales tax exemption on manufacturing machinery and equipment. The measure, which is included in House Bill 7099, was originally sponsored by Senator Dorothy Hukill and Representative MaryLynn Magar.

"The permanent sales tax exemption for manufacturing machinery and equipment will allow business owners to grow their business and enrich Florida's economy," said Nancy Stephens, Executive Director of MAF. "The thousands of dollars in savings from the exemption will be applied to additional equipment, the creation of new jobs, training to upgrade employee skills, or increased benefits for current employees. In 2014, the Florida Legislature passed a temporary sales tax exemption for manufacturing businesses and the results of that effort have proven to make a positive impact on our state. The support of Governor Scott, the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives is a clear message that Florida has great expectations for our manufacturing businesses and their ability to grow Florida's economy."

MAF wishes to thank Governor Scott, President Gardiner, Speaker Crisafulli, President Lee, Speaker Designate Corcoran, Sen. Hukill, Rep. Gaetz, Rep. Ray Rodrigues, and Rep. Magar for the critical roles they all played in passing this cornerstone legislation on manufacturing.