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Elimination of Manufacturing Equipment Tax will Benefit Florida's Small Businesses

Feb 2013

Gov. Rick Scott recently announced plans to grow Florida's manufacturing industry by eliminating sales tax on manufacturing equipment.

The Governor hopes the tax break will help bring more manufacturing firms to Florida, creating jobs in a critical industry for the state. Florida is home to more than 17,500 manufacturing companies, employing more than 300,000 Floridians.

The tax break in conjunction with up to 90% below-market, fixed interest rate financing under the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program for the purchase and installation of heavy duty machinery and equipment is a win-win for growing and expanding manufacturers in Florida.

Under the 504 Loan Program offered through Florida First Capital, manufacturers put down as little as 10% on equipment purchases with amortization terms of 10 and 20 years available. 504 equipment projects begin at $125,000 and associated fees and soft costs can be financed in the loan further minimizing out-of-pocket costs.

“Other states do not charge a sales tax on buying machinery and we've got to do the exact same thing. Florida's current policy puts our state at a competitive disadvantage because most states do not force manufacturers to pay taxes on the purchase of equipment or require them to adhere to regulations for tax exemptions,” said Gov. Scott. “Building up Florida manufacturing is about building Florida jobs across our state.”

Florida's exporting industry will also benefit from the Governor's plan. Florida's ports are a major driving force in the economy. The state benefits from unmatched access to Latin American and the Caribbean, providing an outlet to export the state's manufactured goods. Ninety percent of the state's exports are manufactured here in Florida.

For more information about SBA 504 loans in Florida, contact Florida First Capital, Florida's original statewide SBA Certified Development Company (CDC). Email: info@ffcfc.com. Phone: 850.681.3601 or toll-free at 888.320.5504.