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Florida considers forcing collection of tax on online sales

The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee unanimously approved the bill Tuesday.
 
Republican Sen. Joe Gruters said Florida consumers are required to pay the sales tax, but rarely do so if online sellers don't collect it.
Republican Sen. Joe Gruters said Florida consumers are required to pay the sales tax, but rarely do so if online sellers don't collect it.
Published Oct. 15, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Online sellers would have to automatically collect sales tax from Floridians and submit it to the state under a bill moving in the Florida Senate.

The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee unanimously approved the bill Tuesday.

Republican Sen. Joe Gruters said Florida consumers are required to pay the sales tax, but rarely do so if online sellers don't collect it.

He said the state would collect about $700 million in revenue if the bill becomes law. He added it would make Florida's brick and mortar stores more competitive with online retailers.

Florida’s sales tax is 6 percent. The state doesn’t have an income tax.