NAIOP of Florida Applauds Elimination of Business Rent Tax After More Than a Decade of Advocacy

TALLAHASSEE, FL — NAIOP of Florida, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, celebrates the historic elimination of Florida’s Business Rent Tax (BRT), marking a major victory for commercial real estate and business advocates across the state. The removal of this longstanding tax burden levels the playing field for Florida businesses and aligns the state with the rest of the nation, where no other state levies a similar statewide tax on commercial leases.

For over a decade, NAIOP of Florida has focused on eliminating the BRT, working alongside business partners, trade associations, and policymakers to highlight the economic drag imposed by taxing commercial rent. Today, that effort has come to fruition.

“We commend Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their vision and leadership in eliminating this outdated and anti-competitive tax,” said Brian DePotter, President of NAIOP of Florida. “This change will reduce costs for small and large businesses alike, encourage job growth, and make Florida an even more attractive destination for companies looking to invest and expand.”

Florida had been the only state in the nation to impose a statewide sales tax on business rent. The tax — which at one point stood at 6% — has cost Florida businesses nearly $2 billion annually and impacted businesses of all sizes that lease their space. Prior to elimination, the tax added thousands of dollars in extra costs for tenants already grappling with inflation and rising operating expenses.

“Eliminating the BRT makes Florida more competitive and pro-growth,” said Clayton Bricklemyer, President-Elect for NAIOP Florida. “For too long, this tax penalized businesses for leasing space — whether it was a family-run restaurant or a high-tech startup. Today, we celebrate a more equitable future.”

NAIOP of Florida extends sincere thanks to Governor DeSantis, Senate President Albritton, House Speaker Perez, and all legislators who supported this effort. Their action affirms Florida’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and fair business climate.