Sunshine Sentinel

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a prominent advocate for small businesses in Florida, has unveiled its legislative agenda for 2025. The organization aims to influence the Florida Legislature's decisions during this session.

Bill Herrle, NFIB Florida Executive Director, emphasized the resilience of Florida's small business community amidst ongoing economic challenges. "This legislative session, lawmakers should avoid any legislation that threatens that economic recovery and focus on pro-growth legislation to ensure Florida remains a top state to own a small business," Herrle stated. He also expressed the organization's readiness to collaborate with legislators to bolster the small business economy.

The 2025 legislative priorities for small businesses include several key issues:

- Eliminating the Business Rent Tax: NFIB has previously succeeded in reducing this tax rate to 2% and now advocates for its complete removal.

- Reducing the Tangible Personal Property Tax: The organization supports raising this tax threshold to $50,000 and adjusting it according to inflation.

- Defending Historic Tort Reform from the 2023 Session: NFIB stands against any proposals that could undermine significant lawsuit abuse reforms enacted in 2023.

- Verification of Reemployment Eligibility for Benefits: Ensuring only fully eligible job seekers receive reemployment benefits is another priority supported by NFIB.

- Allowing Businesses an Alternative to Workers’ Compensation Coverage: To reduce costs, NFIB backs initiatives allowing businesses to choose alternatives to traditional workers' compensation systems.

- Prohibiting Public Sector Unions from Using Tax Dollars for Union Activities During Work Hours: The organization endorses measures preventing taxpayer funds from being used for union activities conducted on-the-clock.

These priorities reflect the concerns of NFIB members as they navigate economic recovery efforts. Further details can be found in their full agenda online.