Tax Relief in Florida

July 2, 2009 — EAA and the aviation community shared their concerns their concerns, in 2008, on the State of Florida’s ability to collect state’s use tax on aircraft sales when the law remains unclear.  The Florida Department of Revenue began collecting a six-percent tax on any airplane--including those from out-of-state--that has been purchased within six months of being flown into Florida for any of a variety of purposes.   

EAA and AOPA have been urging for clarity on the guidelines and limitations of the current law.  The advocacy has now shown results; new out-of-state aircraft owners no longer need to pay tax for short-term recreational visits.  The Florida Department of Revenue clarified the use-tax law, stating “a brief, recreational use of property in Florida will not, by itself, subject an aircraft owner to use tax.” 

General Aviation attracts millions of visitors to Florida annually and accounts for more than $2.3 billion in revenue.  The highly anticipated clarification gives relief to new out-of-state aircraft owners who may participate in aviation events like the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in and other EAA chapter events.