Taxing Florida Charter Captains

The Florida Sales Tax Exemption for charter boats is on the agenda again in the Florida legislature. In the past, fishermen were not required to pay state sales tax to fish with a guide or charter. If this exemption is removed, the rates will go up not just to pay for the taxes, but to account for the additional time and bookkeeping required to be a tax collecting entity. All fishermen will suffer in their wallets.

If you live in Florida and fish with guides or charters, you need to contact your state senator and representative to oppose this tax. If you live in other states but make the trip to Florida to fish, you need to send letters to the local Chambers of Commerce where you fish to register your feelings as a money spending tourist!

When government revenues are down in an economy like we have currently, the easy way out seems to be more taxes. But these boat captains and guides are suffering just like everyone else. When times are tough, fishing charters tend to go way down on the priority list for spending. Hopefully, we won't make it even worse by imposing another tax on their business.