Nature Coast Times

State Rep. Chuck Clemons (R-Newberry) is leading a group of legislators in proposing a bill that would require online retailers to collect and remit sales taxes to the state, just like brick-and-mortar stores.

House Bill 159 would require retailers that have no physical presence in Florida to collect Florida’s sales tax on items shipped to the state.

“We know that Florida businesses provide jobs for Florida families and support Florida communities,” Clemons said, as reported by FloridaPolitics.com. “But right now, Florida retailers are competing with two hands tied behind their back. This legislation will level the playing field for them to compete in a global marketplace.”

Another piece of legislation, Senate Bill 126, has been introduced by Sen. Joe Gruters and is designed to have the same effect as HB 159.

Florida state law requires consumers to remit taxes owed on purchases made from out-of-state and foreign businesses. Floridians are responsible for paying the state’s 6 percent sales tax voluntarily when they buy something online from out-of-state retailers who don’t collect it. 

Since Floridians are now required to pay sales tax on their online purchases, even if the retailers they buy from do not collect it, proponents of HB 159 and SB 126 say it would ensure taxes get collected, which would be an economic boom for the state.