TALLAHASSEE - A little relief at the gas pump is on the way, courtesy of the Florida Legislature and Gov. Jeb Bush.
They also are easing a little of the pain of back-to-school shopping.
The governor signed into law Thursday legislation that will cut the gasoline tax by 8 cents a gallon for the entire month of August.
The law also restores a popular one-week holiday on sales taxes for books and clothes valued at less than $50 and other school supplies under $10. The tax holiday, the first since 2001, runs July 24-Aug 1.
"I have always believed it's the right thing to do to help Florida shoppers, readers and drivers keep more of their hard-earned money," Bush said in a prepared statement. He thanked lawmakers for adding books to the holiday for the first time.
The sales tax holiday is expected to save shoppers an estimated $35.5-million. Retailers say the state won't lose tax revenue because people will shop more that week and pay just as much sales tax on other items that aren't exempt.
The gas tax cut, pushed by Democrats in the Republican-run House, is expected to save drivers $59.7-million. Gas stations must pass the savings on to consumers or they can be charged with third-degree felony and lose their state fuel-dealer's license.
