DeSantis proposes $2 billion ‘family-focused’ tax relief package

By Lydia Nusbaum

Published Feb. 8, 2023, 10:31 a.m. ET | Updated Feb. 8, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces $2 billion tax relief proposal in Ocala, Fla., Feb. 8, 2023. (Video/Ron DeSantis' office)

OCALA, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the state’s largest tax relief proposal, providing a record $2 billion in tax savings.

The proposal includes the already-announced permanent exemption for baby and toddler necessities, as well as a one year exemption for pet food, permanent exemption for cribs and strollers, and the toll relief program.

“You’re going to be able to save money all throughout the year because these are things you have to purchase,” DeSantis said. “We want to be a family-friendly state.”

The proposal also includes a permanent exemption on gas stoves; one-year exemption on medicinal cosmetics and toiletries; and a one-year exemption on oral hygiene products including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

“They are trying to take away your gas stove,” DeSantis said. “They’ve been working on this in Washington to try to do it.”

“But why would you try to ban this? It’s so irrational. They ultimately want to control the amount of energy you consume.”

Small businesses will also receive a permanent increased savings for electronic filings.

“We are going to double the savings for businesses who E-file their taxes,” DeSantis said. “Every little bit helps.”

The tax cut holidays from 2022-23 would be re-established in 2023-24. The governor announced he wants to expand the back to school sales tax holiday to four weeks total, which entails two weeks in the fall and two in the spring.

House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo joined the governor at the press conference.

“So how can we do this $2 billion in tax savings? Because of the policies of this great governor and working with the legislature to make the free state of Florida the place to live, work, retirees, family and spend money,” Passidomo said.

Renner praised the governor for “delivering” results, citing toll relief, hurricane relief and the Passidomo’s housing and DeSantis’ tax proposals.

“The way we see it in the legislature is it’s your money. You paid that money and all that money that’s coming in because the governor kept Florida open because of our success is your money and needs to go back to you because you know better how to spend it than any of us ever would,” Renner said.