Governor Scott Signs CST Bill
This week, FRLA is pleased to announce that Governor Rick Scott signed the hospitality industry’s bill on the Communications Services Tax.Approximately two years ago, the Department of Revenue (DOR) started sending out negative audits to hotel companies around the state resulting in tax bills for communications services over the internet that had never been collected before. These “CST” audits were completed without notice to the industry or the public and the inconsistent auditing process, caused uncertainty and confusion in the hospitality industry. After eighteen months of working with the DOR with no resolution, legislation became necessary. With recommendations from the Department of Revenue, HB 803, provided the necessary clarification that certain communications over the internet, especially between a franchisor and franchisee, does not make hotels a communications service provider.