The Associatied Industries of Florida (AIF) released its 2025 Session Priorities Publication on Tuesday, which details its legislative agenda from its members for the legislative term.
Known as “The Voice of Florida Business", much of the AIF's agenda is centered around business growth and fiscal responsibility in the state. The organization has represented "principles of prosperity and free enterprise" in state government since 1920.
“For more than 100 years, AIF has proudly advocated on behalf of Florida’s employers, and thankfully, Florida’s leaders have made our state an example for the rest of the nation," AIF President & CEO Brewster Bevis said in a release.
"To ensure our state maintains its business-friendly climate and thriving economy, AIF will continue to advocate for Florida’s job creators this session, just as we have proudly done since 1920," Bevis added.
The AIF specifically mentions legislative proposals associated with Gov. Ron DeSantis' $115.6 billion “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025-26 as a main focus.
Bevis roundly approved of Governor DeSantis' work on the matter.
“We applaud the historic $2.2 billion tax relief package Governor DeSantis included in his proposed budget, which not only features numerous sales tax holidays to benefit Florida families, but also puts a significant focus on providing tax relief for Florida businesses and spurring growth and investment in our state,” Bevis said.
He also mentioned DeSantis' effort to eliminate the state's business rent tax.
"We are currently the only state in the nation to levy this tax on businesses and repealing it will save our state’s employers a substantial $1.6 billion. The Governor’s proposals for a new venture capital tax credit program and a permanent extension of the sales tax exemption on data center property further illustrates his commitment to ensuring the ongoing growth and success of our great state," Bevis added.
The AIF mentioned several business explorations it intends to support through various policies and coalitions. They include.
- Coalition for the Future of AI in Business; Environmental Sustainability & Agriculture Council
- Energy Council; Financial Services Council
- Transportation & Maritime Council; Information Technology Council
- Manufacturing, Aerospace & Defense Council; Health Care Council
- Taxation Council; Workers’ Compensation Coalition for Business and Industry
- H2O Coalition