Florida has stood alone for years as the only state charging a business rent tax. But that ended Wednesday morning as a tax reform package went into effect.

After years of slow chipping at the unpopular tax, the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to phase it out completely. It was a move celebrated by business advocates who long argued Florida made itself less attractive to businesses by collecting the levy on commercial leases.

“The elimination of Florida’s business rent tax is a major victory for employers across the state,” said Brewster Bevis , Associated Industries of Florida President and CEO. “Beginning October 1, businesses will no longer shoulder this uniquely burdensome tax. Repealing it permanently delivers $1.6 billion in savings that can instead be reinves

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