TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - Governor Rick Scott has signed 74 more bills into law, including a tax-cut package, a measure that declares the Legislature’s intent to observe daylight-saving time year-round and a bill that prevents most minors from getting married.
The tax package, which totals about 171 million dollars in tax and fee cuts, authorizes a three-day tax “holiday” in early August that will allow back-to-school shoppers to buy clothes and school supplies without paying sales taxes.
Also, the bill will lead to a similar seven-day “holiday” in early June for residents to buy tax-free hurricane supplies.
The bill also includes tax breaks for farmers and ranchers who suffered damage in Hurricane Irma and includes a property-tax break for homeowners displaced by the storm.
James Miller with the Florida Retail Federation says the cuts will help many Floridians.
“Last year really woke everybody up to the importance of making sure that you have a disaster kit and a disaster plan," said Miller. "I think you’re going to see a lot more people in the stores ahead of time during that June week.”
The daylight-saving time bill drew widespread attention during the legislative session. It expresses the Legislature’s support for keeping Florida on daylight-saving time throughout the year.
Another measure approved by the governor bars people under age 18 from getting marriage licenses. The bill includes an exception for 17-year-olds who have written consent from their parents or guardians, and they cannot marry people who are more than two years older than them.
The legislation emerged because of the story of 58-year-old Sherry Johnson, who says she was forced to marry her adult rapist at age 11 after giving birth to child.
“The terrible, awful life that I had inspired me to speak for others," said Johnson. "I am a voice for those who are afraid to talk, a voice for those who cannot talk because of the pain.”
In total, the legislature passed 195 bills during this year’s session, and Scott has signed 154 into law. To date, he hasn’t vetoed any bills.
