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Wednesday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida lawmakers take first step to lure back film, TV industry
Florida lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are pushing to bring the film industry back to the state, as well as thousands of lost jobs and billions in lost revenue that has gone to Georgia. Three years ago, Florida ended its tax break for feature production companies that shot in the Sunshine State, largely because opponents claimed the return was not there. In that void, Georgia built a city of soundstages, apartments and warehouses. More from WFTV.
Office Depot sales increase 8 percent in 2018
Office Depot sales increased 3 percent for the fourth quarter and 8 percent for 2018, the Boca Raton-based office-supply retailer said Wednesday. Sales for the quarter were $2.67 billion compared with $2.58 billion in the fourth quarter 2017. For the year, sales were $11 billion compared with $10.24 billion in 2017. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Hotel group says Airbnb agreement with state revenue agency isn't legal
The state’s agreement to allow the home-share site Airbnb to voluntarily collect tax revenue from its hosts has came under fire this week, with some hotel owners saying such a deal unfairly benefits the online company. Officials with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association accused the Florida Department of Revenue of overstepping its authority with the deal. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Manatee likely to fight any move by Longboat Key to leave county
If Longboat Key, which straddles the Sarasota-Manatee county line, ever tries to convince state legislators to move that boundary so the town is completely within Sarasota County, Manatee County is likely to put up a fight. The potential loss in taxes, not just for the county, but Manatee’s public school district, would be in the millions. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Florida attorney general issues consumer alert about toll refunds for certain car renters
A consumer alert issued by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody encourages eligible Dollar and Thrifty rental car customers to apply for a refund of tolls and PlatePass fees charged during Florida rentals from 2011 through 2019. Moody’s office reached an agreement with Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group in January after investigating consumer complaints about the way the companies added $15 per cashless toll surcharges, up to a $105 maximum. More from the Miami Herald.
Law
The 80/20 rule
Siding with restaurants over waiters and bartenders, the Trump administration has revoked a federal policy meant to prevent employers from paying a sub-minimum wage to tipped workers who spend much of their time on tasks that aren’t directly related to earning tips.
» More from Florida Trend.
Around the State
Challenges of rebuilding Northwest Florida post-Michael
Florida Trend spoke with Mexico Beach Development Council President Kimberly Shoaf about Hurricane Michael’s impact on the town’s tourism-based economy: “I’d say 90% to 95% of our Mexico Beach economy is based on tourism. And tourism employs the most people. We are working non-stop to get beaches clean, and that job should be done before spring. We’ve got restaurants coming back on line, and there are places to stay. As you can imagine, our summer season will be a little quieter. But Mexico Beach is not going anywhere.”
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