Members from the five Florida chapters traveled to Tampa last week for NAIOP of Florida’s Public Affairs Summit. The summit provided an important opportunity for the chapters to discuss policies and set their legislative priorities heading into next year’s session in Tallahassee. Members also heard from state leaders on issues of importance to commercial real estate, such as the reduction of the business rent tax and business licensing processes. These leaders included Senate Budget Chair Ed Hooper and Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin. 

As the only state to apply a business rent tax, the reduction and eventual elimination of the tax continues to be a top legislative priority for NAIOP of Florida. Previous advocacy efforts by the state alliance and other organizations resulted in the reduction of the tax from 5.5% to 2% following the state’s unemployment tax fund for business receiving an additional $4 billion from internet sales tax collections and other sources. 

Other legislative priorities for NAIOP of Florida include: 

• Extension for implementation of Florida Fire Prevention Code (s. 63302) that requires building owners to install bidirectional amplifier systems to strengthen communications between first responders; 
• A statutory amendment prohibiting local governments from mandating the installation of electric vehicle charging stations outside the building and energy code that are not cost- neutral; 
• Inclusion of a NAIOP representative on the Florida Building Commission; and 
• State exemption for industrial properties from the Live Local Act. 

State lawmakers will consider policies impacting commercial real estate throughout the 2024 session. These legislative priorities will serve as the foundation and starting point for the collective advocacy of the state alliance when members travel to Tallahassee for their Day at the State Capitol in January.