News & Updates

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 16, 2013) – The Florida Ports Council released the following joint statement today from Doug Wheeler, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council, and Wayne Stubbs, port director of Port Panama City, on the passage of House Bill 391, which eliminates the manufacturing machinery and equipment sales tax, to be heard next on the House Floor. Stubbs testified before the committee on the importance of Florida encouraging manufacturing growth, both to Florida ports and the economy in general.

“Florida’s ports are committed to working with the state and local governments to create new manufacturing jobs in Florida. These high-paying and sustainable jobs are critical to the economic health of our state,” said Stubbs. “The elimination of sales tax on manufacturing equipment and machinery is an important step in making Florida attractive to manufacturing companies who have to compete in today’s global marketplace.”

“Ports have long been a catalyst for economic growth in Florida, and the manufacturing industry and exports will be critical to our future growth,” said Doug Wheeler. “Other competitor states have already eliminated this obstacle to manufacturing expansion, and it is time Florida leveled the playing field.”