FATA

Legislative News

Wednesday, 08 May 2013 15:15

CALL TO ACTION – CONTACT GOVERNOR SCOTT TO SIGN SB 406

Written by FATA

Everyone in the aviation industry in Florida needs to become involved and send a request to Florida’s Governor Rick Scott to sign SB 406. This Bill includes language to extend the tax exemption on maintenance and repair to helicopters by lowering the weight to 2,000 pounds maximum certified takeoff weight from the now 10,300 pounds.

Thursday, 04 April 2013 15:07

Keep ringing those phones on Capitol Hill! Effort to Keep Contract Towers Open

Written by Spencer Dickerson

Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) – leaders in the recent bipartisan effort to keep contract towers open during debate on the continuing resolution – intend to introduce a free-standing bill early next week when Congress returns from its two week Easter recess to prohibit FAA from closing all 149 contract towers on FAA’s closure list. AAAE, USCTA, and other groups that have been actively engaged in ongoing efforts to keep contract towers open are supportive of the Moran/Blumenthal bill.

Wednesday, 27 February 2013 17:17

HB 1035 was filed by Rep. Mike Fazano on February 26, 2013. If passed, this Bill will...

Written by FATA

HB 1035 was filed by Rep. Mike Fazano on February 26, 2013. Sen. Alan Hays filed companion SB 1270 February 28, 2013 – Premises Protection. An act relating to premises liability; amending s. 2 375.251, F.S.; revising the term "outdoor recreational purposes" to include noncommercial aviation activities; providing an effective date. FATA will work with AOPA and other aviation groups on this issue. Many states have passed legislation recently to address this issue. You can read more at the Recreational Aviation Foundation website.

Thursday, 21 February 2013 12:34

Legislative Update

Written by FATA

SB 432, introduced by Senator Altman (R-24), has passed through the Senate Transportation Committee. Representative Dave Hood (R-25) filed HB 661 is currently in the Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee. Establishes lower takeoff weight threshold for rotary wing aircraft qualifying for certain tax exemptions.

Monday, 18 February 2013 13:57

Senate Commerce Committee Announces Aviation Subcommittee Assignments

Written by NATA

On February 13, 2013, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation announced subcommittee assignments for the 113th Congress. Senator John Rockefeller (D-WV) and Senator John Thune (R-SD), Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, named the following Senators to the Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security.

Tuesday, 05 February 2013 14:44

Florida General Aviation Proclamation

Written by Alliance for Aviation Across America

State and national organizations are working together to have Governor Rick Scott, sign a proclamation noting the importance of aviation in our state. Organizations include, Florida Airport Council, Florida Aviation Trades Association, Florida Aviation Aerospace Alliance, the Alliance for Aviation Across America, National Business Aviation Association, National Association of State Aviation Officials, Aircraft Owner’s and Pilot’s Association, and National Air Transportation Association recognize and promote the interests and importance of aviation in Florida and throughout the world. The Proclamation has been submitted through the proper channels to reach the Governor.

Wednesday, 30 January 2013 09:20

SB 432 Addresses Tax exemption for Helicopter Maintenance

Written by Senator Altman

Last year, FATA was instrumental in changing language in Florida Statute 212.08 to lower the maximum takeoff weight to 2,000 pounds for aircraft eligible for a tax exemption on labor charges for repair and maintenance and replacement engines, parts, and equipment used in the repair or maintenance of aircraft. Senator Thad Altman (R-24), has introduced a bill to take the exemption one step further to include helicopters. The Bill would lower the maximum takeoff weight from 10,000 pounds to 2,000 pounds to be eligible for the tax exemption. FATA supports this Bill and will keep members informed of its progress.

State Legislative Issues

FATA Asks Governor Scott to sign HB7087 - Read FATA letter to Governor

Just passed! Intangible Tax Exemption for Airport and Sales Tax Exemption - Read important information about the passage of HB 7087

SB 1384 - Legislation would allow tax exemption on labor and parts for aircraft maintenance weighing 2,000 pounds or more

SB 1242- SB 1242 Senator Bennett - decrease wait restrictions from 15,000 pounds to 2,000 pounds for exemption of tax on certain labor and parts

Bill passed to make use/sales tax exemptions for fractionals- Read text of the new language that passed this session.

FAC Releases end of Session Report- Florida Airports Council releases end of Legislation session repor

Use Tax Exemption Ready for Governor's Signature- Newly purchased aircraft can come to Florida during first 6 months of ownership

Letter to Sen. Altman- Sample letter to Senator Altman requesting SB 22 be heard in Finance & Tax Committee.

Talking points HB 173- Use these talking points to contact Representatives to pass HB 173.

Talking Points for SB 220- Share this information with your Senator to get SB 220 passed

SB 1500 Amendment- View SB 1500 amendment

Support of SB 220 Chairman Garcia - Support SB 220 contact Senator Garcia

Support HB 173 Chairperson - Letter of support for HB 173 - Use Tax Exemption

SB 220 Use Tax Exemption- Senator Fasano filed SB 220 to address the Use Tax Exemption for non-residents visiting Florida during the first 6 months of ownership. The Senate Bill does not ask for a reduction in aircraft sales tax.

HB 173- Representative Poppell has filed the House version of the use tax exemptions Bill that will allow those owning aircraft and traveling to Florida during the first 6 months of ownership an exemption from the use tax if they are in Florida no more than 21 days during the first 6 months of ownership. The Bill also creates an exemption for those coming to Florida for flight training, aircraft maintenance or modification. There is no restrictions as to the number of days the aircraft may remain in Florida for these activities. The Bill also contains language opposed by FATA. It asks for a reduction in sales tax on aircraft. Though a good idea in better economic times, we feel the legislators will not pass a bill that has negative fiscal impact on the State of Florida.

Flightline Technical Services Center - You're invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Flightline Technical Service Center Wednesday, May 27, 2009 from 10am – 11am.

Weekk #5 Legislative Update - View updates on Bills FATA is following in the 2009 Legislative Session

March 27, 2009 Legislative Update - Updates on State Aviation Related Bills

2009 Legislative Watch - A summary of the Bills FATA is following through this Legislative session.

Court fins in favor of Vero Beach Airport - Read the court's decision in favor of Vero Beach Airport vs. Property Appraiser, David Nolte.

HB 1379 Regarding Sales/Use Tax in Florida-

Representative Poppell's proposed bill to reform the FDOR statute regarding aircraft sales/use tax.

FDOR Sales and Use Tax-

This article written by the Florida Department of Revenue explains the issues involving the sales and use tax for aircraft.

Airlines attack GA-

Read what you can do the counterattack the airlines ads.

Indian River Property Tax Issues-

Read a story that appeared in the Vero Beachside News, February 20, 2007 that ponders why some in Indian River county seem to be protected from paying highter property taxes.