Businesses get extra time to file

Florida businesses reeling from the impact of Sept. 11 can get a 90-day extension to pay their property taxes this year, thanks to a proposal passed in the final hours of the Legislature last Friday.

Originally drafted to help hotels facing a cash flow shortage, tax relief was broadened to any Florida business stung by a sharp decline after the terrorist attacks.

The proposal was introduced by state Rep. Randy Johnson, R-Celebration, who chairs the House Committee on Transportation, Economic Development and Appropriations.

Johnson added other types of businesses after hearing that Florida theme parks, retailers and restaurants all had steep dropoffs. Many Central Florida hotels have skipped mortgage payments. Some face foreclosure.

Property taxes are due without penalty on March 31. A legislative analysis estimated counties stand to lose about $100,000 in revenue from the lost late fees if Gov. Jeb Bush signs the proposal into law.

To qualify for the extension, a business must have a minimum $10,000 property tax bill for the 2001 tax year. It also must offer proof to the local county commission that its business dropped by 25 percent. Rules on exactly how the process will work are being written by the state Department of Revenue.

-- Mark Albright can be reached at albright@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8252.

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