Miami.-As of October 1, 2025, about thirty laws in Florida enter into force, among which the elimination of the State Tax on Commercial Income, the rule that regulates in the justice system is the treatment to receive for people with mental illnesses and the requirement to the owners of homes for rent to inform the tenant about the risks of flood.
“By eliminating the commercial income tax in Florida, the cost of doing business in the state will be reduced, which will contribute to reducing the cost of living,” said Mark Wilson, president and executive director of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
A tax with more than half a century of history
The tax began in 1968, when the state rate of sales tax was 4%. Over time, he adjusted as the general rate increased, reaching 6% in 1988. During the last decade, and given the pressure of the business groups, the legislature was gradually reducing its weight until it was left by 2% in 2024.
The total elimination of the tribute will generate projected savings of $ 1,150 million for companies in the current fiscal yearwhich will close on June 30, 2026. For the next period, the figure is expected to rule 1,530 million dollars.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce, which had already identified this tax as an obstacle in its report “Florida 2030 Blueprint”held a decade ago, it described change as a direct impulse to investment and employment. “Now, 3 billion dollars annually are allocated to local businesses, which can invest in their staff, in teams, in innovation and helping their customers,” said Wilson.
Other laws that enter into force in October
Although most of the measures approved during the legislative session entered into force on July 1, others do so from October 1. Among them:
- HB 113: It hardens sanctions for those who flee from the police and review official vehicle identification requirements.
- HB 150, “State Police Law”: Typify as a severe crime of third grade animal cruelty during natural disasters.
- SB 168, “Tristin Murphy Law”: Reform the treatment of people with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system, expanding mental health programs and treatment courts.
- HB 253: It increases sanctions against those who go through agents of order and manipulate registration.
- HB 687: It raises sentences for repeat offenders in vehicular homicides and driving cases under alcohol; It establishes new sanctions for refusing breath or urine tests.
- HB 777: reinforces laws against seduction or incitement of minors, eliminating the “ignorance of age” as a defense.
- SB 948: It forces landlords to inform tenants about risks and history of floods in the house.
- HB 1049: Increase harassment or reprisals against judges and judicial officials.
- SB 1386: It hardens sanctions for aggressions to public service workers.
- SB 1804: It imposes the death penalty for sexual traffic of children under 12 or people with mental disabilities.
Economic and social impact
The entry into force of these laws marks a new chapter in the fiscal, judicial and social landscape of Florida. On the one hand, the tax relief promises to improve business competitiveness, while reforms in criminal justice, tenant protection and citizen security reinforce the legal framework of the State.
