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Florida Families Save on Back-to-School Supplies
~ 2021 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Extended to 10 Days ~

Tallahassee, Fla., July 30, 2021 – As Florida families begin preparing for another school year, Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, Department of Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran and Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale are reminding Floridians that they can save money on school supplies and clothing during the 2021 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Saturday, July 31 through Monday August 9. The sales tax holiday is predicted to save Florida families $69.4 million this year.

“We continue to make major strides to invest in our students, and with the start of the school year around the corner, I’m proud to provide this opportunity for Florida families to save money as they buy critical supplies for their kids,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I want to thank the Florida Legislature for fighting for Florida’s families and extending the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday to 10 days this year, saving Florida families more than $69 million.”

“There is nothing more important for the future of our state than investing in our children,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “We will continue to work towards empowering our students by equipping them with the tools they need to be successful in life. I encourage all Florida families to take advantage of this extended Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday and stock up on supplies for a great school year!”

“Saving money while shopping for school supplies has never been more vital than now, and I encourage families throughout Florida to save money this week by shopping for their students’ school supplies – tax free,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “Getting school supplies and preparing for the upcoming school year can be expensive, and this tax break comes at the perfect time and will help Florida’s families prepare for the upcoming school year and set their students up for success.”

"A new school year is always an exciting time, and the 2021 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is a great opportunity to save money while picking up the supplies students need to excel," said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Department of Revenue. "Information about qualifying items is available on the Department of Revenue's website at floridarevenue.com/backtoschool."

The 2021 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. During this sales tax holiday period, qualifying items will be exempt from tax, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; certain clothing, footwear, and accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.

For more information and to view the lists of qualifying items, visit the Department of Revenue's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday website at floridarevenue.com/backtoschool.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2021

Announcing the Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday July 1-7, 2021

˜ Florida’s Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday has been passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. ˜

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Consumers can purchase qualifying recreation and outdoor supplies and admissions to entertainment and cultural events exempt from tax during the Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday begins Thursday, July 1 and extends through Wednesday, July 7.

"After a very trying year, we could all use a chance to unwind," said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. "This sales tax holiday helps consumers save money while enjoying some well-deserved recreation, whether it's a trip to the beach, attending a concert or festival, or just spending an afternoon fishing."

The Department has created the Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday webpage with information and promotional materials for consumers, businesses, and other interested parties. Please visit the page at floridarevenue.com/FreedomWeek/

For more information, please see this Tax Information Publication (TIP), which outlines qualifying items from fishing tackle selling for $5 or less to canoes and kayaks selling for $500 or less. The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

About the Florida Department of Revenue: The Florida Department of Revenue administers the State of Florida’s general tax, property tax oversight and child support programs. The Department’s mission is to provide excellent and efficient service through the fair and consistent administration of Florida’s tax and child support laws in order to simplify the process of compliance. To learn more about the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2021

Announcing the 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday May 28 – June 6

˜ Florida’s 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday has been passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. ˜

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Consumers can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies exempt from tax during the 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday begins Friday, May 28 and extends through Sunday, June 6.

"The approach of hurricane season is an excellent reminder to prepare not just for storms, but for all potential disasters," said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. "The 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is an excellent opportunity for Floridians to save money while gathering the supplies they need to be safe."

The Department has created the 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday webpage with information and promotional materials for consumers, businesses, and other interested parties. Please visit the page at floridarevenue.com/disasterprep

For more information, please see this Tax Information Publication (TIP), which outlines qualifying items ranging from portable, self-powered light sources selling for $20 or less to portable generators selling for $750 or less. The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

About the Florida Department of Revenue: The Florida Department of Revenue administers the State of Florida’s general tax, property tax oversight and child support programs. The Department’s mission is to provide excellent and efficient service through the fair and consistent administration of Florida’s tax and child support laws in order to simplify the process of compliance. To learn more about the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apr. 21, 2021

Florida Department of Revenue Announces Changes to Florida Reemployment Tax Rate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida’s 2021 reemployment tax rate has changed as a result of a new law. The changes will exclude benefit charges from the second quarter of 2020 and prevent the application of a “positive adjustment factor.” These changes effectively reduce the previously issued tax rate for all employers except those at the initial rate or the maximum rate because of their individual experiences.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented unemployment rates to Florida in the second quarter of 2020, depleting the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund and triggering an increase in the reemployment tax rate for 2021.

Employers pay a percentage only on the first $7,000 of wages paid to each employee. Employers with stable employment receive the lowest rate. Reemployment taxes, or payroll taxes, fund Florida's Reemployment Assistance Trust Fund. As of December 2020, this fund had a balance of $866.1 million.

More information about the reemployment tax rate is available here.

About the Florida Department of Revenue: The Florida Department of Revenue administers the State of Florida’s general tax, property tax oversight and child support programs. The Department’s mission is to provide excellent and efficient service through the fair and consistent administration of Florida’s tax and child support laws in order to simplify the process of compliance. To learn more about the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apr 21, 2021

Florida Department of Revenue Announces Changes to Florida Sales and Use Tax Law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - As a result of a new law, sales and use tax collected from remote sales will be added to the Unemployment Compensation (UC) Trust Fund. In accordance with chapter 2021-2, Laws of Florida, the Department of Revenue will distribute sales tax collections from remote sales to the UC Trust Fund beginning in July 2021.

The Department will make three distributions, each in the amount of $324,533,334 to the UC Trust Fund. Beginning in July 2022, on or before the 25th day of each month, the Department will distribute $90 million into the UC Trust Fund until the trust fund’s ending balance exceeds $4,071,519,600 or on December 31, 2025, whichever comes first. As of December 2020, the UC Trust Fund had a balance of $866.1 million.

With this new law, Florida joins 43 other states in requiring remote sellers to collect sales and use tax, which will lessen the burden on purchasers for remitting the use tax to the State. Florida estimates collections will total approximately $1 billion in sales tax in the first year of implementation.

More information about sales and use tax is available here.

About the Florida Department of Revenue: The Florida Department of Revenue administers the State of Florida’s general tax, property tax oversight and child support programs. The Department’s mission is to provide excellent and efficient service through the fair and consistent administration of Florida’s tax and child support laws in order to simplify the process of compliance. To learn more about the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 28, 2021

Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale's Response to Governor DeSantis’ 2021-2022 Florida Leads Budget Recommendations

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -Today, Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale issued the following statement in response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ release of the 2020-2021 budget recommendations:

"We at the Department of Revenue appreciate Governor DeSantis’ 2021-2022 budget recommendations. These recommendations are an investment for the State of Florida, allowing the Department to continue process improvements and support our dedicated team members. Though these are difficult times, the Department remains focused in our mission of providing excellent, efficient service at the lowest possible cost for the people of Florida."

About the Florida Department of Revenue: The Florida Department of Revenue administers the State of Florida’s general tax, property tax oversight and child support programs. The Department’s mission is to provide excellent and efficient service through the fair and consistent administration of Florida’s tax and child support laws in order to simplify the process of compliance. To learn more about the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 23, 2020

Year in Review: Department of Revenue Promotes Enhanced Customer Service and External Partnerships to Serve Florida’s Citizens and Businesses

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - In 2020, the COVID-19 public health emergency prompted the Department of Revenue (Department) to proactively enhance customer service options and partner with the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), other state agencies, and private organizations. Additionally, the Department announced new and renewed benefits to taxpayers.

"I am honored to work with the Department’s employees who contribute incredible effort toward the agency’s success," said Dr. Jim Zingale, executive director, Florida Department of Revenue. "Even in a year that has been challenging, they have not wavered in their commitment, creativity, hard work, and positive attitude. The global pandemic has had a significant impact on Florida’s citizens and economy. It has been a great privilege to see our team adapt and excel, not only in serving our own customers, but also in working with other state agencies and the Governor’s and Cabinet members’ offices to offer continuity of services to the people and businesses of Florida during the crisis."

Customer Service Enhancements During COVID-19

• Expanded Alternative Customer Service Options: Because of COVID-19, the Department quickly and effectively pivoted from providing customer service in person to employing alternative methods to ensure continuity of services. Top examples include:
  • Increased Telephone, Webchat, and Email Services: The Department increased telephone and webchat customer service options by shifting local child support office employees who previously provided in-person customer service to telephone and webchat services. Expanded email capability now allows child support customers to consent to receive confidential information about their cases via standard email. The Department also established a dedicated team to address tax-related issues related to COVID-19 which has responded to more than 5,700 inquires.
  • Expanded Child Support eServices: The Department expanded eServices, a child support customer web portal, to allow parents to complete more forms online and upload other documents, eliminating the need for customers to mail or fax documents back to the Department.
• Enhanced Customer Information Resources and Outreach
  • Online Resources: In addition to expanded communication options, the Department created easily accessible online hubs of information to keep customers up to date on their child support, tax returns and payments, and property tax options.
  • Business Wellness Checks: The General Tax Administration (GTA) program performed business wellness checks, contacting more than 187,000 COVID-impacted taxpayers to offer assistance and establish or revise installment payment plans to reflect the taxpayers’ current financial situations.
  • Guidance for County Officials: The Property Tax Oversight (PTO) program provided guidance to county property appraisers regarding electronic Truth in Millage (TRIM) package submissions and virtual TRIM hearings.

Partnerships with Other State Agencies and Organizations to Serve Florida’s Citizens and Businesses

• Department of Economic Opportunity: Because of a unique relationship allowing shared access to the CONNECT system, the Department was able to respond to the Governor’s call for other state agencies to assist DEO with reemployment assistance claims. Between April and October, the Department assisted with five projects to support DEO, with more than 600 employees working on various aspects of hundreds of thousands of claims.
• Division of Administrative Hearings and Local Judiciaries: The Child Support Program worked with the Division of Administrative Hearings and local judiciaries conducting hearings to establish, modify and enforce support orders via teleconference and video conference.
• Other Organizations and State Agencies
  • Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: The PTO program worked with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to reimagine a tax collector training course to offer virtual mini sessions, replacing annual training typically delivered in-person.
  • Florida Association of Court Clerks: The Child Support Program implemented a new interface with local clerks of court to transmit and e-file redirection notices to eliminate paper notices. By the end of 2020, CSP will begin batch e-filing most administrative final orders. When implemented, most administrative final orders will be transmitted to clerks of court electronically. This will allow both the clerks of court and the Department to process these documents more quickly and efficiently.

  Additional Benefits for Taxpayers

  • Sales Tax Holidays: Upon passage of the sales tax holiday legislation, the Department provided educational materials and social media graphics to Florida businesses and consumers for the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday (Aug. 7-9, 2020) and the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday (May 29-June 4, 2020). Combined, the sales tax holidays were estimated to save Florida families more than $47 million.
  • Property Tax Assessment Cap Extension for Hurricane Michael Victims: Owners of properties damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Michael gained an extension to begin rebuilding while retaining property assessment caps, such as Save Our Homes. The new legislation extends the time from the statutory three years to five years and gives property owners in the affected counties additional time to recover from this devastating storm.
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  About the Florida Department of Revenue: The Florida Department of Revenue administers the State of Florida’s general tax, property tax oversight and child support programs. The Department’s mission is to provide excellent and efficient service through the fair and consistent administration of Florida’s tax and child support laws in order to simplify the process of compliance. To learn more about the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 15, 2020

Florida Department of Revenue Wins 11 TaxWatch Productivity Awards

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida Department of Revenue (Department) is proud to announce that the agency was awarded 11 2020 TaxWatch Productivity Awards. Department employees received 10 plaque awards and one team award winner. Since 1989, the Productivity Awards program has publicly recognized and rewarded state employees and work units whose efforts have significantly and measurably increased productivity and promoted innovation to improve the delivery of state services and save money for Florida taxpayers and businesses.

"Florida’s dedicated state employees deserve recognition for their creativity and commitment to improving processes at their agencies. The progress they achieve greatly benefits the people of Florida," said Dr. Jim Zingale, executive director of the Department. "We're thankful for the opportunity to publicly acknowledge our innovative team members and award them for their efforts through the TaxWatch Productivity Awards"

This year, Department of Revenue employees were recognized for specific initiatives that resulted in internal efficiencies through workflow and technology improvements, as well as advancements in customer service through enhanced electronic reporting mechanisms and licensure approval procedures during emergencies.

Over the 30-year program, more than 16,000 nominations have been received, and awards have been given to state employees for saving or maximizing state dollars to the tune of approximately $10 billion. The program is a major government improvement initiative chaired by Florida's Lt. Governor and co-sponsored by Florida TaxWatch, The Florida Council of 100, and the state of Florida. For more information on the winners of the awards, visit the 2020 Award Winners web page.

About the Florida Department of Revenue: The Florida Department of Revenue administers the State of Florida’s General Tax Administration, Property Tax Oversight and Child Support Programs. The Department’s mission is to provide excellent and efficient service through the fair and consistent administration of Florida’s tax and child support laws in order to simplify the process of compliance. To learn more about the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com and follow @FloridaRevenue on Twitter.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2020

Announcing the 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday May 29 – June 4

˜ Florida’s 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday has been passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. ˜

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Floridians can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies exempt from tax during the 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday begins Friday, May 29 and extends through Thursday, June 4.

"Natural disasters can cause hardship and challenges for Floridians. In the last few years, hurricanes and tropical storms have inflicted severe damage on our state," said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. "I hope consumers will use the disaster preparedness sales tax holiday to gather supplies. It’s always a good idea to be prepared before disaster strikes."

The Florida Department of Revenue issued a Tax Information Publication (TIP) that addresses the 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. The TIP outlines qualifying items ranging from portable, self-powered light sources selling for $20 or less to portable generators selling for $750 or less. The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

For more information and promotional materials for the 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, please visit floridarevenue.com/disasterprep.

About the Florida Department of Revenue: The Florida Department of Revenue administers the State of Florida’s general tax, property tax oversight and child support programs. The Department’s mission is to provide excellent and efficient service through the fair and consistent administration of Florida’s tax and child support laws in order to simplify the process of compliance. To learn more about the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2020

Department of Revenue Extends Due Dates for Certain Corporate Income Tax Returns and Payments

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale issued an emergency order to extend filing deadlines for certain Florida corporate income tax (CIT) payments and returns. Order of Emergency Waiver/Deviation #20-52-DOR-003 extends the following due dates:

For entities with a fiscal year ending December 31, 2019:

• The May 1, 2020, due date for Florida CIT returns is extended to August 3, 2020.
• The May 1, 2020, due date for Florida CIT payments is extended to June 1, 2020.
• The due date to submit a request for extension of time to file the return and make any tentative payment is extended to June 1, 2020.

For entities with a fiscal year ending January 31, 2020:

• The June 1, 2020, due date for Florida CIT returns is extended to August 3, 2020.
• The June 1, 2020, due date for Florida CIT payments or to submit a request for extension of time to file remains June 1, 2020.

For entities with a fiscal year ending February 29, 2020:

• The July 1, 2020, due date for Florida CIT returns is extended to August 3, 2020.
• The July 1, 2020, due date for Florida CIT payments or to submit a request for extension of time to file remains July 1, 2020.

Florida CIT payments should be based on the corporation’s best estimate of the amount that would be due with the returns.

Although the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extended the due dates for all federal CIT payments, this emergency order does not change the current due dates for Florida CIT estimated payments due between April 1, 2020 and July 15, 2020.

Florida CIT produces $2.8 billion annually and funds more than 8.2% of Florida’s General Revenue programs. Final Florida CIT returns, including requests for an extension of time to file, and associated payments are normally due on the first day of the fifth month following the close of a corporation’s fiscal year or, for entities with fiscal years ending June 30, the first day of the fourth month following the close of a corporation’s fiscal year.

On March 9, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 20-52, declaring a state of emergency in response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. The Department has implemented the filing date extensions pursuant to subsection 213.055(2), F.S., which authorizes the Executive Director of the Department of Revenue to carry out certain actions during a declared state of emergency.

On Thursday, April 9, 2020, the IRS extended the due dates for federal CIT returns and payments to July 15, 2020.

For taxpayers who have additional questions, the Department has established a dedicated team to address tax-related issues pertaining to COVID-19 and created an email address, COVID19TAXHELP@floridarevenue.com. Visit the Department’s webpage for COVID-19 updates. For more information or to sign up for email updates from the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

Contact: Bethany Wester, Interim Communications Director
communications@floridarevenue.com | 850.617.8214

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2020

Department of Revenue Extends March Sales Tax Due Dates for Adversely Affected Taxpayers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - On Monday, March 16, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Department of Revenue (Department) to provide flexibility on tax due dates, such as sales tax, to assist those adversely affected by COVID-19. Today, Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale issued an emergency order to extend certain filing deadlines for Florida businesses. This action is taken to provide short-term relief to taxpayers while recognizing the requirement for a balanced state budget. Sales tax, Florida’s largest state tax, produces $26.2 billion annually and funds more than 78% of Florida’s General Revenue programs

Sales and use tax, as well as other related tax returns and payments, are normally due on the first day of the month and are late after the twentieth day of the month. Order of Emergency Waiver/Deviation #20-52-DOR-002 outlines:

• Taxpayers who have been adversely affected by COVID-19, have an extended due date to April 30, 2020, for sales and use tax, as well as other related taxes, collected in March.
• Taxpayers who have not been adversely affected by COVID-19 continue to file and remit taxes no later than the normal due date of April 20.
• Taxpayers who were unable to meet the March 20 due date will have penalty and interest waived for taxes collected in February if the taxes are reported and remitted by March 31, 2020.

Adversely affected taxpayer means:

• The business closed in compliance with a state or local government order and had no taxable sales transactions as a result; or
• The business experienced sales tax collections in March 2020 that are less than 75% of March 2019 sales tax collections; or
• The business was established after March 2019; or
• The business is registered with the Department to file quarterly.

Taxpayers who fall within the definition of adversely affected but who are able to file and pay on time are encouraged to do so.

On March 9, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 20-52, declaring a state of emergency in response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. The Department has implemented the filing date extensions pursuant to subsection 213.005(2), F.S., which authorizes the Executive Director of the Department of Revenue to carry out certain actions during a declared state of emergency. This order pertains to the February and March collection periods and does not reflect potential actions that may be taken for future filing periods.

For taxpayers who have additional questions, the Department has established a dedicated team to address tax-related issues pertaining to COVID-19 and created an email address, COVID19TAXHELP@floridarevenue.com. Visit the Department’s webpage for COVID-19 updates. For more information or to sign up for email updates from the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

Contact: Bethany Wester, Interim Communications Director
communications@floridarevenue.com | 850.617.8214

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2020

Department of Revenue Extends Property Tax Payment Due Date from March 31 to April 15

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - On Monday, March 16, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Department of Revenue (Department) to provide flexibility on tax due dates to assist those adversely affected by COVID-19. Today, Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale issued an emergency order to extend the final due date for property tax payments for the 2019 tax year. The Department also extended the due date to file railroad, railroad terminal, private car and freight line and equipment company property tax returns.

Order of Emergency Waiver/Deviation #20-52-DOR-01 applies to all 67 Florida counties. Property tax is normally due by March 31 in the year following the year the taxes are assessed. The Department waives the due date so that payments remitted by April 15, 2020, for the 2019 tax year will be considered timely paid. Property tax returns for railroad, railroad terminal, private car and freight line and equipment company property are normally due by April 1. Returns will be timely filed if filed by April 15, 2020.

The Department has implemented the filing date extensions pursuant to subsection 213.005(2), F.S., which authorizes the Executive Director of the Department of Revenue to carry out certain actions during a declared state of emergency. On March 9, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 20-52, declaring a state of emergency in response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak.

Property taxpayers who have additional questions should contact their county tax collectors. Railroad and private car line companies with additional questions may contact the Department at DORPTO@floridarevenue.com. Visit the Department’s webpage for COVID-19 updates. For more information or to sign up for email updates from the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

Contact: Bethany Wester, Interim Communications Director
communications@floridarevenue.com | 850.617.8214

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 23, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - With a focus on customer service improvements and disaster preparedness, the Florida Department of Revenue (Department) highlighted several accomplishments for 2019, including adding self-service options for customers and enhancing response efforts during natural disasters and declared emergencies in Florida. The Department administers Florida’s General Tax Administration (GTA) program, Child Support Program (CSP) and Property Tax Oversight program (PTO).

"It is an honor to work with the Department’s employees who strive to carry out the agency’s public service responsibilities with excellence and a constant focus on customer service and operational improvements," said Dr. Jim Zingale, executive director, Florida Department of Revenue. "The Department is committed to supporting our team members, and recruiting and retaining knowledgeable professionals who are dedicated to providing quality customer service. Whether you’re working with the Department as a customer, or for us as a valued member of our team, we want to ensure that the experience is a positive one."

Customer Service Improvements
• Increased Taxpayer Education Efforts: The Department continues to increase taxpayer education and outreach efforts contributing to over 93 percent of all tax returns being filed timely and accurately. Top examples include:
• Partnership with SCORE: SCORE is a nonprofit association of volunteer business counselors supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SCORE partnership provides business owners helpful webinars on a variety of tax topics and was nationally recognized by the Federation of Tax Administrators. Learn more at floridarevenue.com/taxes/education.
• Sales Tax Holidays: Upon passage of the sales tax holiday legislation, the Department provided educational materials and social media graphics to Florida businesses and consumers for the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday (Aug. 2-6, 2019) and the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday (May 31-June 6, 2019). Combined, the sales tax holidays were estimated to save Florida families more than $45 million.
• New Child Support Services for Employers Website: The Department launched a one-stop, comprehensive website titled Child Support Services for Employers, which allows employers the ability to electronically report newly hired or re-hired employees, terminations, and separations to comply with federal law. The system automates select processes to help reduce the number of notices employers receive. Of the $1.6 billion in child support collected by the Child Support Program annually, over $1 billion is collected through the Department’s collaboration with the business community. Learn more at servicesforemployers.floridarevenue.com.
• New Refunds and Certificates System for Tax Collectors: The Department created an ePortal application, the Refunds and Certificates System, for tax collectors and their staff. The ePortal makes the submission of tax refund applications easier, more efficient, and more convenient. Additionally, the system provides tax collectors the ability to organize, sort and track the real-time progress of their refund applications and tax certificate cancellation or correction requests.

Enhanced Response During Declared Emergencies
• National Effort to Minimize Fuel Disruption: Florida led a national effort through the Department’s participation with the Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA) and worked with industry representatives to create temporary licensing procedures to minimize fuel supply disruptions during natural disasters or declared emergencies.
• Extended Deadlines for Taxpayers: The Department worked proactively before and after Hurricane Michael to ensure timely communication and appropriate tax remittance deadline relief to impacted businesses; this effort covered over 55,000 businesses.
• Assistance to Property Appraisers During a Declared Emergency: In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, the Department remained in close communication with property appraisers in impacted counties to ensure they received additional assistance and met statutory deadlines.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2019

CONTACT:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 717-9282
media@eog.myflorida.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than 63 percent of Florida businesses will continue to pay the lowest possible rate for reemployment taxes in 2020. This is the fifth consecutive year employers have benefited from the low rate of 0.1 percent. Florida's job growth rate continues to outpace the national average which has allowed the state to maintain the minimum reemployment tax rate for businesses. In 2012, employers paid more than $2.2 billion in taxes. Last year, businesses paid less than $514.2 million.

"The state of Florida remains competitive with other states because our businesses and communities are thriving," said Governor DeSantis. "We remain committed to maintaining Florida's business-friendly environment by lowering taxes, developing our workforce and making investments in education, infrastructure and the environment."

"Governor DeSantis knows that creating a business-friendly environment is the key to supporting Florida's booming economy," said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Ken Lawson. "Maintaining a low-tax climate and investing in Florida’s infrastructure and workforce adds tremendous value to the state and continues to make Florida more marketable to businesses throughout the nation."

"Last year Florida was awarded the United States Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance State Performance Excellence Award for Tax Operations overall for a large state," said Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale. "I’m proud of our employees for receiving this recognition."

In addition, Zingale noted that the United States Department of Labor determined that Florida imposed the lowest average employer tax amount in the country the year of the award

Employers only pay a percentage on the first $7,000 of wages paid to each employee. Employers with stable employment receive the lowest rate. Reemployment taxes, or payroll taxes, fund Florida's Reemployment Assistance Trust Fund. As of June 30, 2019, this fund currently had a balance of more than $4 billion.

More information about the reemployment assistance tax rate can be found here.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – - Today, Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale issued the following statement in response to Governor Ron DeSantis' release of the 2020-2021 Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget recommendations:

“I am pleased to show my appreciation for Governor DeSantis' 2020-2021 budget recommendations that continue the Department of Revenue's operations and pursuit of process improvements. The Department remains focused on supporting the workforce needs of our dedicated employees and leveraging advances in technology to serve Florida's taxpayers and families more effectively and efficiently."

PDF: DOR Executive Director Jim Zingale’s Response to Governor DeSantis' 2020-2021 Budget Recommendations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2019

Contact:
Melanie Mowry Etters
Communications Director
850-414-7551

12 Businesses Honored as Exceptional Employers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Blind Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation recognized 12 businesses with an Exceptional Employer Award today for hiring people with disabilities. These companies from across the state were recognized with plaques made by people with disabilities. The 14th annual celebration was held at Tallahassee City Hall as part of recognizing October as Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The Exceptional Employer Awards are presented to companies that have a strong commitment to employing and retaining people with unique abilities. Event sponsors were the City of Tallahassee, Able Trust, and RESPECT of Florida.

The 12 award-winning businesses are:

• Accuform Manufacturing
• Aramark Dining Services at Jacksonville University
• Army and Air Force Exchange Service
• Bob’s Space Racers
• Chartwells at the University of Miami
• Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
• The Home Depot
• Florida Department of Revenue
• Golden Corral
• The Chocolate Spectrum
• Wawa, Inc.
• ZVRS of Clearwater

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said, “I want to ensure that Florida’s educational system, economy, environment, and job market are welcoming to all, including those with unique abilities. We are proud that our state government works with businesses to support efforts to have an inclusive workforce. It is important for the public and private sectors to support citizens with unique abilities so they can achieve their dreams by going to work and remaining a vital part of their communities.”

APD Director Barbara Palmersaid, “We are so very excited to honor these deserving companies from across Florida for their commitment to employing a diverse workforce. These business leaders know that individuals with unique abilities are some of the most dependable employees within their organization. We are trying to spread the word that hiring a person with a disability makes good business sense.”

“Employment is important to all Floridians,” said Ken Lawson, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “We are pleased to recognize the businesses in our state that hire individuals with disabilities. These businesses, much like the businesses in the Unique Abilities Partner Program, see the importance of employing all Floridians so they can continue to strengthen the workplace and their communities.”

Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Allison Flanagan said, “It is a pleasure to honor and applaud the employers who are diversifying their workforce and looking beyond the disability.  Individuals with disabilities not only become an integral part of their business but also enhance the community and the spirit of an inclusive workforce.”

“We are privileged to honor these exceptional employers in Florida for their strong commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “These companies recognize that a diverse and inclusive talent pool is essential to ensuring Florida’s businesses are strong and its workforce is competitive.”

“We commend this year’s Exceptional Employer winners for the work they are doing in providing opportunities for the disability community to earn – and, in turn, save for whatever the future may hold,” said John Finch, Director of ABLE United.

Speakers at the event included Lively Technical College employee Jeremy Richard, Millennium Nail & Day Spa Trainee Torey Roberts, and Cayer Behavioral Group employee Connor Yeatts, who shared what having a job means to them.

Here is information on the 12 winning companies:

• Accuform Manufacturing
  This medium-sized manufacturing business located in Brooksville has partnered with The Arc Nature Coast for more than 10 years to provide current jobs for 10 individuals with developmental disabilities. These people work four at a time on the production floor counting tags, sorting, then bagging them. Some individuals without disabilities find this task too tedious but not this group of dedicated workers. Individuals are there five days a week helping Accuform Manufacturing with their bottom line. In addition to this group of individuals, Accuform has employed another individual who went through Vocational Rehabilitation to land their job.
• Aramark Dining Services at Jacksonville University
  This food service provider with multiple locations on the campus of Jacksonville University works very closely with Jacksonville’s Pine Castle Employment program in matching people to jobs. Aramark has hired seven individuals with unique abilities. Three other employees went through the Vocational Rehabilitation program in securing their positions. Pine Castle Employment Director Tommy Holston, who nominated this organization, said, “We recognize this employer for seeing the long-term value that Floridians with disabilities contribute to the local workforce in Duval and surrounding counties. It is interesting to see how they apply the ‘Can Do’ philosophy, which focuses on what an individual is capable of doing instead of what their limitations are. For this, we are grateful.”
• Army and Air Force Exchange Service
  This retail and food facilities organization, serving on our military bases in Florida, does an excellent job hiring people with disabilities. Fifteen people who received Vocational Rehabilitation services were hired across the state. On MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, they employ 35 individuals with unique abilities. Of that number, three employees were hired through the Division of Blind Services and Lighthouse for the Blind and Low Vision. At the MacDill Air Force Base store, more than 13% of their employees have disabilities, which has increased from 2% in the past six years. The Army and Air Force Exchange Service works to accommodate its employees by allowing them flexible schedules so they may use public transportation or para-transit, plus natural supports to get to work.
• Bob’s Space Racers
  Bob’s Space Racers is the company that creates games the world plays. This unique business in Volusia County has been in business for 50 years providing games and management services to the arcade and parks industry. This company originally created the popular Whack-A-Mole game. They have four long-standing employees with disabilities in their workforce. Two employees are disabled veterans, one individual has a hearing impairment, and another person has a developmental disability. This employer always treats its employees with dignity and kindness. The employees look forward to going to work every day, and the management and other coworkers include them in decision-making, and just the regular office fun. These are wonderful people and a wonderful company.  
• Chartwells at the University of Miami
  This food service provider has several locations on the campus of the University of Miami. Chartwells has an extremely long history of hiring people with special abilities. There are five individuals with unique abilities on the payroll. One person named Gene has been working there 24 years—another gentleman has been there 14 years. That is outstanding. In addition, Chartwell’s allows student to do on-the-job training to make them more marketable by learning how to work in the food service industry. This business goes above and beyond to meet the needs of its employees and students in training.
•   Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
  This health care organization has a long history of mentoring students through the Project Search model where students are enrolled in the year-long program. They attend classroom learning in the morning and then conduct on-the-job training in the afternoons. They are learning job skills in three hospital departments. At locations in Stuart and in Port St. Lucie, students have transitioned into jobs at the hospitals and into the community. From the Martin County location, 12 people with disabilities are working in the hospital, while 28 are employed in the local community. At the recently begun Project Search in Port St. Lucie, four individuals are working in the hospital, while two are in jobs in the community. The students have a dedicated mentor in each department allowing them the time to develop their skills at their own pace.  
• The Home Depot
  This statewide winner is committed to hiring lots of people with unique abilities. Over the past 10 years, 385 individuals have been successfully employed having gone through the Vocational Rehabilitation program. Hiring people with disabilities at The Home Depot goes back even farther, with some employees being on the job for 25 and 30 years. One customer of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Stephen Abend of Plantation, is looking forward to eventually retiring from the company with more than 12 years on the books. Another store that demonstrates its commitment to people with unique abilities is the Gulf to Bay Store in Clearwater. This store has five people on the payroll with unique abilities. They all feel they have a career with The Home Depot. The company ensures they feel valuable and invests the time to make these individuals achieve success. They provide extra time to learn their jobs and new tasks. They assist with training. The Home Depot has embraced diversity and set a great standard for other companies by showing everyone can work.
 
• Florida Department of Revenue
  This state agency continues to step up its efforts to hire people with disabilities. The Department of Revenue is headquartered in our state capital. There are more than 100 individuals with disabilities employed by the Department that have been granted accommodations through the agency. The Department of Revenue has hired two people with visual disabilities through the Division of Blind Services. One individual works in General Tax Administration, while the second person works in Child Support Enforcement. DBS sent a Rehabilitation Engineer who did an assessment of the software being used by the Department of Revenue. Then the Engineer scripted the software to make it accessible for individuals using a screen reader. This accommodation ensured there were no barriers for the person to be able to do the job. The newest Revenue employee glows about his supervisor who has been so understanding and flexible, saying she is really great to work with and open to hiring people with disabilities.
 
• Golden Corral
  Across the state, Golden Corral Restaurants have hired 62 individuals with a variety of disabilities through Vocational Rehabilitation. We are highlighting the Golden Corral Restaurant in Inverness for its longstanding commitment to hiring and retaining employees with unique abilities. This restaurant has five people on their team. One individual has been working for more than 15 years at this location. These workers do a variety of duties including dishwashing, cleaning, customer service, maintaining the drink area, and manning the kitchen. The manager says these workers want to learn new things, and that they are reliable and dependable employees.
•   The Chocolate Spectrum
  The Chocolate Spectrum is a family-owned and operated artisan chocolate company. This business was created by the owner, Valerie, in her kitchen in 2013 to help her son, Blake, who has autism. The company moved into a shop in Jupiter in 2016 and employs four individuals with autism. The café also provides on-the-job apprentice training and has 15 participating students. This company has received grants for providing training to those with disabilities. This successful business has expanded into two other locations. It also provides meaning and socialization for these people who may otherwise be unemployed.
• Wawa, Inc.
  As this business continues to expand in Florida, they are including people with disabilities in their workforce. Over the past five years, Wawa has employed 54 individuals at their various stores. In the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, the stores there are committed to hiring and supporting individuals with unique abilities. Since 2017, managers have consistently recruited, hired, and trained Agency for Persons with Disabilities customers. One manager was instrumental in seven people being hired over the past two years. Wawa is flexible in scheduling working hours. They allow Job Coaches to work alongside the employees to model desired behaviors. Wawa promotes independence and provides opportunities for people with disabilities to excel.
• ZVRS of Clearwater
  ZVRS provides video relay services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. There are 25 individuals working at this company with a disability—which is almost everyone. The vast majority are deaf or hard of hearing. Over the past 10 years, they have hired 10 people through the Vocational Rehabilitation program. This location reached out to The Arc-Tampa Bay looking for someone to work in their warehouse doing a variety of tasks. The company allowed the Employment Specialist or Job Coach to assist this new employee. They allowed him extra time to master skills and a flexible work schedule due to transportation issues. ZVRS has shown compassion, patience, support, understanding, flexibility, and friendship to all of its employees.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 55,000 Floridians with severe forms of autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 3, 2019

Department of Revenue Issues Emergency Order for Hurricane Dorian

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale issued an Emergency Order Implementing Provisions of Executive Order 19-189 (Re: Hurricane Dorian). The emergency order waives statutory timing requirements and provides additional specific requirements to local taxing authorities regarding their millage and budget hearings. The laws waived impact the deadlines for the adoption and certification of non-ad valorem assessments and the scheduling requirements for millage and budget hearings.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 22, 2019

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Revenue (Department) is proud to announce that the agency was awarded six 2019 TaxWatch Productivity Awards. Department employees received five team awards and one cash award winner. Since 1989, the Productivity Awards program has publicly recognized and rewarded state employees and work units whose efforts have significantly and measurably increased productivity and promoted innovation to improve the delivery of state services and save money for Florida taxpayers and businesses.

“Florida’s dedicated state employees merit recognition for their commitment to improving processes at their individual agencies – this progress delivers a collective benefit to the public,” said Dr. Jim Zingale, executive director of the Department. “We’re thankful for the opportunity that the TaxWatch Productivity Awards provide to publicly acknowledge our innovative team members and award them for their efforts.”

This year, Department of Revenue employees were recognized for specific initiatives that resulted in internal efficiencies in data management and emergency response processes, as well as customer service improvements through enhanced educational outreach and increased electronic filing options.

Over the 30-year program, more than 16,000 nominations have been received, and awards have been given to state employees for saving or maximizing state dollars to the tune of approximately $10 billion. The program is a major government improvement initiative chaired by Florida's Lt. Governor and co-sponsored by Florida TaxWatch, The Florida Council of 100, and the state of Florida. For more information on the winners of the awards, visit the 2019 Award Winners web page.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2019

• CONTACT:
• FDOE Press Office
• 850-245-0413
• DOEPressOffice@fldoe.org



As Florida families begin preparing for another school year, Governor Ron DeSantis, Department of Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran and Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale are reminding Floridians that they can save money on school supplies and clothing during the 2019 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Friday, August 2nd through Tuesday, August 6th.

Governor DeSantis said, “The start of the school year is around the corner and anything we can do to help Florida families afford school supplies is an investment in our future. It is essential that our students have the supplies they need to be successful in school, and I thank the Florida Legislature for responding to the needs of our families.”

"I encourage families throughout Florida to save money this weekend by shopping for school supplies – tax free,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “Getting ready for the school year can be expensive, and this tax break will help families prepare for the year while setting up students for success.”

"We are pleased to partner with the Department of Education to promote the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. This is a great time for families to gather the supplies needed for a successful school year," said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Department of Revenue. "Floridians can access information about qualifying items, as well as promotional materials for the sales tax holiday through the Department of Revenue's website, floridarevenue.com/backtoschool."

The 2019 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. During this sales tax holiday period, qualifying items will be exempt from tax including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item, and clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item and computers and certain accessories selling for $1,000 or less per item, when purchased for noncommercial or personal use.

For more information and to view the lists of qualifying items, visit the Department of Revenue's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday website at floridarevenue.com/backtoschool.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – June marks the start of hurricane season and a time for Floridians to stock up on qualifying disaster preparedness supplies exempt from sales tax. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the 2019 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2019 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2019.

"The 2019 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday provides Floridians with a great opportunity to get prepared for the upcoming hurricane season," said Jim Zingale, executive director of the Florida Department of Revenue. "While living in and visiting Florida offers many benefits and advantages, it is important to keep the potential for severe weather hazards and threats in mind. We encourage all Floridians to participate in this sales tax holiday to be proactive and prepare early."

The Florida Department of Revenue issued a Tax Information Publication (TIP) that addresses the 2019 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday and posted the TIP on www.floridarevenue.com. The TIP outlines qualifying items ranging from portable, self-powered light sources selling for $20 or less to portable generators selling for $750 or less. The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport. For more information and promotional materials for the 2019 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, please visit http://www.floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep.

About the Florida Department of Revenue: The Florida Department of Revenue administers the State of Florida's general tax, property tax oversight and child support programs. The Department's mission is to provide excellent and efficient service through the fair and consistent administration of Florida's tax and child support laws in order to simplify the process of compliance. To learn more about the Department of Revenue, visit www.floridarevenue.com and follow @FloridaRevenue on Twitter.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2018

CONTACT:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 717-9282
media@eog.myflorida.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced Florida businesses will continue to pay the lowest possible rate for reemployment taxes in 2019 – for the fourth year in a row. Florida's strong economy and private-sector job growth has allowed the state to dramatically reduce the minimum reemployment tax rate. The $7.00 per employee minimum tax rate for 2019 is down from a high of $120.80 per employee in 2012. Since 2012, Florida has reduced the reemployment tax for businesses by more than 94 percent, resulting in a savings of more than $6.8 billion.

Governor Scott said, "Florida's strong business climate and tax cuts have created more than 1.64 million jobs over the last eight years. I'm proud of our state's strong job growth and for the fourth year in a row, the reemployment tax remains low, allowing us to keep attracting businesses to Florida, ensuring our economy remains competitive."

Businesses in Florida pay the reemployment tax as a percentage of the first $7,000 in wages for each employee. Reemployment taxes, or taxes on payroll, fund Florida's Reemployment Assistance Trust Fund.

Florida is committed to supporting and enhancing its business-friendly environment and one example of this is the recently deployed effort to create operational improvements that allow businesses to electronically submit corrections to previously filed reemployment tax returns with the Department of Revenue. As a result, Florida has been awarded the United States Department of Labor 2018 Unemployment Insurance State Performance Excellence Award for Tax Operations overall for a large state.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, "I am proud that USDOL has recognized our dedication to supporting a business-friendly environment in our great state. The work our agencies have done makes it easier for businesses to file taxes while saving taxpayer dollars."

DOR Executive Director Leon Biegalski said, "It's great to see the state's dedicated employees recognized for their monumental efforts. This process improvement is part of the agency's continued efforts to provide excellent service efficiently and at the lowest possible cost."

More information about the reemployment assistance tax rate can be found here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 18, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director Leon Biegalski issued an emergency order to extend certain filing due dates for Florida businesses located in counties impacted by Hurricane Michael. The order extends the September and October 2018 reporting period due date for returns, reports, and payments for sales and use tax, tourist development tax, reemployment tax, fuel tax and several other tax types to Dec. 7, 2018.

"Following the lead of Governor Scott and state leaders, the Department issued the due date extensions to ensure business owners can remain concentrated on urgent personal and community needs," said Director Biegalski. "The devastation caused by Hurricane Michael is unlike Florida has seen in many years. The Department is here to assist affected business owners in every way possible during this challenging time."

Order of Emergency Waiver/Deviation #18-277-DOR-001 applies only to 16 Florida counties designated by FEMA and is for returns, reports, and payments due for the September 2018 and October 2018 reporting periods. Sales and use tax, as well as several other tax returns and payments are normally due on the 1st day of the month, and late on the 20th day of the month. For electronic filers, submissions initiated by 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 7, 2018, will be timely filed.

The Department has implemented the filing date extensions pursuant to subsection 213.055(2), F.S., which authorizes the Executive Director of the Department of Revenue to carry out certain actions during a declared state of emergency. On Oct. 7, 2018, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order Number 18-277 declaring a state of emergency in response to the threat of Hurricane Michael. Following Governor Scott's request, President Donald Trump issued a Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Michael.

The Department's taxpayer services phone line is available at 850-488-6800 for taxpayers who have additional questions. Visit the Department's webpage dedicated to Hurricane Michael updates and information. For more information or to sign up for email updates from the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2018

Tallahassee, Fla.- Today, Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director Leon Biegalski announced extended due dates for corporate income tax filers impacted by Hurricane Michael following the recent declaration from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Eligible taxpayers that file Florida corporate income tax returns, as well as Florida corporate income tax installment payments, with original due dates or extended due dates between October 7, 2018 and February 28, 2019 will now have a due date of March 15, 2019. Eligibility is based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declaration of designated counties receiving individual assistance.

The current list of eligible counties is available on the Tax Relief for Victims of Hurricane Michael in Florida webpage on IRS.gov. Impacted taxpayers outside the designated FEMA disaster areas who require assistance with corporate tax filing may contact the Department's taxpayer services phone line at 1-850-488-6800.

"Hurricane Michael was an unprecedented storm, the total impacts of which are still being assessed. We stand ready to assist business owners in the affected areas during this time," said Director Biegalski.

The Department has implemented the corporate income tax extension pursuant to subsection 213.055(2), F.S., which authorizes the Executive Director of the Department of Revenue to carry out certain actions during a declared state of emergency. On Oct. 7, 2018, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order Number 18-277 declaring a state of emergency in response to the threat of Hurricane Michael. Following Governor Scott's request, President Donald Trump issued a Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Michael.

The Department's taxpayer services phone line is available at 1-850-488-6800 for taxpayers who have additional questions. Visit the Florida Corporate Income Tax webpage for additional details. For more information or to sign up for email updates from the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2018

• CONTACT:
• FDOE Press Office
• 850-245-0413
• DOEPressOffice@fldoe.org



Tallahassee, Fla., August 1, 2018 – As Florida families begin preparing for another school year, Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart and Department of Revenue Executive Director Leon Biegalski are reminding Floridians that they can save money on school supplies and clothing during the 2018 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday August 3-5.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for families to save money while purchasing the supplies their students will need for school," said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for Florida students, and the back-to-school sales tax holiday makes it easier for parents and students to prepare for a successful year."

"We are pleased to partner with the Department of Education to promote the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. This is a great time for families to gather the supplies needed for a successful school year," said Leon Biegalski, executive director of the Department of Revenue. "Floridians can access information about qualifying items, as well as promotional materials for the sales tax holiday through the Department of Revenue's website, floridarevenue.com/backtoschool."

The 2018 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Rick Scott. It runs Friday, August 3 - Sunday, August 5. During this sales tax holiday period, qualifying items will be exempt from tax including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item, and clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item.

For more information and to view the lists of qualifying items, visit the Department of Revenue's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday website at floridarevenue.com/backtoschool.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2018

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Revenue (Department) announced that the agency was awarded five 2018 Prudential Productivity Awards for the efforts of employees to increase productivity and promote innovation throughout Department operations. Since 1989, the Prudential Productivity Awards program has publicly recognized and rewarded state employees and work units whose work significantly and measurably improved the delivery of state services and saved money for Florida taxpayers and businesses.

"The Prudential Productivity Awards provide an excellent opportunity for our hardworking team members to be publicly acknowledged for their efforts. We are very fortunate to have many talented public servants at the Department and this recognition is much deserved for these dedicated employees," said Leon Biegalski, executive director of the Department. "Our team continues to work toward strategic initiatives to ensure the best possible service for the millions of people we interact with each year."

This year, Department of Revenue employees were recognized for several efforts including:

• their dedication to supporting information services operational continuity across the Department during Hurricane Irma;
• the implementation of additional automated features in the General Tax Administration's Customer Relationship Management module of SUNTAX to improve customer service tracking and response time;
• the development of an internal transfer program in the Child Support Program to promote retention and reduce the time needed to fill positions;
• the establishment of a unique and innovative partnership with the SCORE Association in the General Tax Administration program designed to provide taxpayer education to drive business success (the SCORE partnership was also recognized nationally in April 2018 by the Federation of Tax Administrators); and
• the addition of security measures in the General Tax Administration program to further enhance the protection of taxpayers' personal identifying information.

Over the course of the 28-year program, more than 16,000 nominations have been received, and awards have been given to state employees for saving or maximizing state dollars at a total of more than $9.2 billion. The program is a major government improvement initiative chaired by Florida's Lt. Governor and co-sponsored by Florida TaxWatch, The Florida Council of 100, and the state of Florida. For more information on the winners of the awards, visit the 2018 Award Winners web page.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2018

CONTACT:
Verenda/FTA
Verenda.Smith@taxadmin.org
202-624-8843

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 23, 2018) – The Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA) today announced six winners of the FTA 2018 Awards:

• Alabama Department of Revenue, for its Income Tax Refund Fraud Individual App
• Florida Department of Revenue, for its SCORE Partnership Team program
• Maryland Office of the Comptroller, for its Impact of Age Demographics on Tax Filing and Revenue solution
• Maryland Office of the Comptroller, for its Supervisor Enrichment program
• Washington State Department of Revenue, for its Excise Law Training program
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue, for its Customer Service Quality Assurance Toolkit

FTA award nominations are judged by a panel of former FTA Board of Trustees presidents (all former tax agency heads) who are no longer working in state tax administration.

Awards will be presented during the general session of the FTA Annual Meeting, June 3-6 in Nashville, Tenn. Award winners are invited to make a presentation on their winning idea, approach or program at an FTA educational event, such as the Annual Meeting or Revenue Estimation and Tax Research Conference.

FTA award winners are chosen from the most innovative, transferable, effective and usable nominations that also "have that something special." Agencies may submit multiple programs, and there are no longer categories that rotate each year.

The purpose of the FTA awards program is to give FTA members a forum for sharing their most outstanding success stories and for their peers to learn from the creative thinking in tackling tax administration challenges.

UPDATE:  Press release from FDLE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2018

"We extend our appreciation to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their professionalism and quick action to recover the stolen hard drives. Through the details presented, we are confident that the information on the drives was not accessed. As a result of the Department of Revenue's thorough processes and procedures to monitor and maintain equipment, we were able to rapidly identify and report the property missing. We are very pleased that action from FDLE was swift and that the hard drives have been recovered."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., – On the afternoon of Monday, March 26, 2018, the Florida Department of Revenue confirmed that three electronic storage devices were missing from employee workstations in the Capital Circle Office Complex in Tallahassee, Florida. These storage devices are used by authorized employees and are believed to contain personal identifying information. The Department is working swiftly to identify the information contained on these devices. The Department immediately contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to file a report for potential theft of state property. Law enforcement is investigating the incident. At this time, we are taking all necessary precautions to review the established physical and digital internal security procedures to ensure uniform implementation across the Department. If after the full investigation it is found that any employee did not take the proper steps to protect taxpayer information they will be held accountable. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. An internal investigation is also being conducted by the Office of Inspector General.

Published on January 29, 2018 / By Steven M. Hogan and Nicholas J. Rodriguez

[Steven M. Hogan is a shareholder with the Ausley McMullen law firm in Tallahassee, Florida, where his tax practice focuses on state and federal tax controversy and planning. Hogan is director of the Florida Bar Tax Section's State Tax Division and an adjunct professor at the Florida State University College of Law, where Nicholas J. Rodriguez is a second-year law student. Rodriguez is also a law clerk at Ausley McMullen. In this edition of Across State Lines, Hogan and Rodriguez interview Leon Biegalski, executive director of the Florida Department of Revenue.]

At a March 2016 Florida Cabinet meeting, Leon Biegalski outlined his desire to become the executive director of one of the state's largest agencies, the Department of Revenue. He had prepared extensively for the moment, but it was not your average job interview.

"At the start of my interview, I thanked the governor, attorney general, chief financial officer, and the commissioner," Biegalski said. "Although a seemingly obvious and appropriate way to begin, I truly felt the weight of the honor — to be considered at this point, let alone lead —as I addressed each one of them."

His presentation focused on a customer centric method for operations. Asked by Gov. Rick Scott (R) why he wanted to become head the DOR, he responded: "The simple question: Why? It's because I care."

A native Floridian who began his career in public service more than two decades ago, Biegalski was familiar with state government operations. Before applying for the DOR, he held posts at the Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and most recently was deputy secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Biegalski earned his undergraduate degree in political science at Florida State University and his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Law School. For part of his career, he practiced law at Akerman Senterfitt LLP.

"I considered my legal background an asset and expressed this in the interview," Biegalski recalled. "Understanding the complex laws that are a part of everyday decisions made at the department is a crucial component of this leadership position. I know that this foundational knowledge of the law and how it applies, specifically to matters of state government, helps make sure I'm asking the right questions when issues are presented to me."

The DOR comprises over 5,000 positions in offices throughout Florida and in six other states: California, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Asked during the 2016 interview what his first 100 days would look like, Biegalski committed to going into the field to meet with employees and stakeholders to understand what was or was not working and how to enhance the department's operations.

"I also made sure that the governor and cabinet understood that in their travels across the state, if they came across anyone who had a department-related issue, that they can give that individual my card and I'll take care of it," Biegalski said. "Throughout my experience, I've built a good reputation with stakeholders. I'm honest with them — they'll know, no matter the answer, that I thought it through and that they were treated equally and fairly. This means a great deal."

A few days after his interview with the governor and cabinet, Biegalski started at the DOR.

Read more from State Tax Notes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director Leon Biegalski issued an emergency order to extend certain filing due dates for Florida businesses registered with the Department in each of the 67 counties. Order of Emergency Waiver Number 17-235-DOR-003 changes the filing due date for sales and use tax, as well as fuel tax returns and payments to Sept. 29, 2017. "The effects of Hurricane Irma on Florida businesses can be felt across the state with more than half of Florida's counties now included in the FEMA disaster area designation," said Director Biegalski. "As the damage from Irma is assessed, each business will face unique challenges. We understand that in this time each day is critical to restoring operations. Following the lead of Governor Scott and state leaders, the Department issued the due date extensions to provide the hundreds of thousands of businesses we work with more time to focus on recovery priorities."

Sales and use tax, as well as fuel tax returns and payments are normally due on the 1st day of the month, and late on the 20th day of the month. For electronic filers, submissions initiated by 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 28 will be deemed timely filed. The Department has implemented the filing date extensions pursuant to subsection 213.055(2), F.S., which authorizes the Executive Director of the Department of Revenue to carry out certain actions during a declared state of emergency. On Sept. 4, 2017, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order Number 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in response to the threat of Hurricane Irma.

The Department's taxpayer services phone line is available at 800-352-3671 for taxpayers who have additional questions. Visit the Florida Sales and Use Tax webpage and the Florida Fuel Tax webpage for additional details. For more information or to sign up for email updates from the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

Update: The FEMA designation now includes all 67 Florida counties.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Department of Revenue Executive Director Leon Biegalski announced extended due dates for corporate income tax filers impacted by Hurricane Irma following the recent declaration from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The extension directs eligible taxpayers that Florida corporate income tax returns, as well as Florida corporate income tax installment payments, with original due dates or extended due dates between Sept. 4, 2017 and Jan. 31, 2018 will now be due Feb. 15, 2018. Eligibility is based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declaration of designated counties receiving individual assistance.

As of this week, Gov. Rick Scott announced the IRS included additional Florida counties within the covered disaster areas: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Union and Volusia. The current list of eligible counties is available on the Hurricane Irma disaster relief page for Florida on IRS.gov. Impacted taxpayers outside the designated FEMA disaster areas who require assistance with corporate tax filing may contact the Department's taxpayer services phone line at 800-352-3671.

"The widespread impacts of Hurricane Irma have presented many challenges for Florida businesses," said Director Biegalski. "Federal and state leaders continue to work diligently to provide various forms of relief to aid taxpayers in recovery efforts after this devastating hurricane."

The Department has implemented the corporate income tax extension pursuant to subsection 213.055(2), F.S., which authorizes the Executive Director of the Department of Revenue to carry out certain actions during a declared state of emergency. On Sept. 4, 2017, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order Number 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in response to the threat of Hurricane Irma. On Sept. 5, 2017, President Donald Trump approved a request to declare an emergency in the State of Florida due to Hurricane Irma.

The Department's taxpayer services phone line is available at 800-352-3671 for taxpayers who have additional questions. Visit the Florida Corporate Income Tax webpage for additional details. For more information or to sign up for email updates from the Department of Revenue, visit floridarevenue.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 6, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Department of Revenue Executive Director Leon Biegalski issued an Emergency Order Implementing Provisions of Executive Order 17-235 (Re: Hurricane Irma). The emergency order waives statutory timing requirements and provides additional specific requirements to local taxing authorities regarding their millage and budget hearings. The laws waived impact the deadlines for the adoption and certification of non-ad valorem assessments and the scheduling requirements for millage and budget hearings.