TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The Florida News Service) - New legislation would create sales-tax exemptions on several items that can help seniors and disabled Floridians live independently in their homes.
Items such as handrails, bed rails, grab bars and shower seats would be exempt from sales taxes.
Freshman State Representative Joe Casello says many elderly and disabled Floridians live on modest fixed incomes, so they need the tax relief.
Casello feels there are many reasons the state should try to keep people living in their own homes as long as possible like long-term care cost savings and people's mental and physical well-being.
"It plays a big part in the quality of life, by living in the comfort of your own environment in a safe place surrounded by loved ones, versus an assisted-living or nursing home type residence," said Joe Casello.
Meanwhile, legislation filed in the state Senate that would provide a sales-tax exemption for incontinence products and diapers has already passed one committee ahead of the 2019 legislative session.
