The bill, HB 7031, amends various sections of Florida Statutes with a focus on taxation, particularly concerning the tourist development tax, property assessments, and new tax credits aimed at supporting rural communities and charitable contributions. It revises the authorized uses of revenue from the tourist development tax, allowing counties to allocate funds for lifeguard services on certain beaches. The bill also introduces provisions for the assessment of tangible personal property owned by citrus packinghouses and processors, modifies the classification of agricultural lands affected by eradication programs, and updates procedural requirements for property appraisers and value adjustment boards, including allowing electronic participation in hearings. Additionally, it establishes new tax exemptions for properties used for child care facilities and affordable housing projects, and creates the Rural Community Investment Program, which includes tax credits for eligible contributions.

Furthermore, the bill includes significant changes to tax regulations related to various sectors, such as aviation, natural gas, and educational institutions. It introduces a new "Home Away From Home Tax Credit" for contributions to charitable organizations providing housing for families of critically ill children and raises the threshold for tax exemptions related to data centers. The bill also mandates background screenings for staff and volunteers in organizations working with children and establishes a cap on tax credits for charitable contributions. Overall, HB 7031 aims to streamline tax processes, enhance funding for local projects, and provide support for affordable housing and rural investments, with several provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and others on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 7031 Filed: 203.0011, 212.05011, 212.0515, 212.0506, 212.06, 212.08
H 7031 e1: 125.0104, 163.3206, 193.4516, 193.461, 194.013, 194.014, 194.171, 196.012, 196.1978, 196.198, 201.15, 206.9925, 206.9942, 206.9955, 207.003, 207.005, 212.04, 212.05, 212.054, 212.0598, 212.06, 212.0602, 212.08, 212.12, 212.13, 213.053, 213.37, 215.22, 220.02, 220.03, 332.007, 332.009, 339.0801, 376.3071, 341.840, 343.58, 402.62, 420.50871, 550.0951, 551.104, 551.106, 561.121, 624.509, 849.086, 1002.395
H 7031 er: 125.0104, 163.3206, 193.4516, 193.461, 194.013, 194.014, 194.171, 196.012, 196.1978, 196.198, 201.15, 206.9925, 206.9942, 206.9955, 207.003, 207.005, 212.04, 212.05, 212.054, 212.0598, 212.06, 212.0602, 212.08, 212.12, 212.13, 213.053, 213.37, 215.22, 220.02, 220.03, 332.007, 332.009, 339.0801, 376.3071, 341.840, 343.58, 402.62, 420.50871, 550.0951, 551.104, 551.106, 561.121, 624.509, 849.086, 1002.395