It's Official: Rent Tax Finally Eliminated

Florida Legislature Passes Bill to Eliminate Business Rent Tax: 
A Major Win for CRE and Small Businesses

UPDATE: 7/1/2025. On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7031, eliminating the business rent tax. The Sunshine State was the only state in America that taxed businesses that rent commercial space. READ MORE HERE

After years of advocacy, the Florida Legislature has passed House Bill 7031, which permanently eliminates the state’s business rent tax, effective October 1, 2025. The bill is now headed to Governor DeSantis, who has expressed his support for the measure.

This is a landmark moment for Florida’s commercial real estate and business communities. For decades, BOMA has been a leading voice in Tallahassee, pushing for this exact outcome.

“After over two decades of BOMA lobbying our legislators in Tallahassee, we are thrilled to see the fruits of our labor. Charging sales tax on rent that includes operating expenses is a form of double taxation that has now been eliminated,” said BOMA Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beaches' Director, Cary M. Fronstin, RPA, LEED GA, and BOMA Fellow. Fronstin is an Executive Vice President and Principal at Foundry Commercial, serving as Chairperson of our local association's Government Affairs Committee.

"This is a huge victory for businesses and commercial real estate owners in the state of Florida," Cary Fronstin added. "It’s also a great example of how your BOMA dues go to work for you.”

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Florida echoed this sentiment, applauding the bill as a significant win for small businesses. The legislation not only removes the state portion of the business rent tax but also eliminates the local option sales tax on commercial leases, providing permanent, meaningful tax relief for tenants across Florida.

This achievement is a testament to the power of industry advocacy and the importance of organizations like BOMA that work on behalf of property professionals and business owners alike.