The Building Owners and Managers Association of Florida recognized the Honorable Senator Dorothy Hukill (R— District 8, in the Orlando Market) as the recipient of the organization’s 2015 Legislator of the Year Award. The Award honors outstanding legislative representation of commercial real estate concerns, a vital industry to Florida’s economy.

Senator Hukill’s selection as The Legislator of the Year is bestowed to recognize and honor her significant understanding of issues impacting commercial real estate, most notably phasing out sales taxes imposed on commercial real estate leases. SB 140—Tax on Sales, Use and Other Transactions—aligns precisely with BOMA’s objectives to achieve job creation, economic development, Florida’s competitiveness, and rightsizing of taxation burdens.

Senator Hukill was recognized in a presentation ceremony held yesterday in the state capital. Presenting the Award to Senator Hukill, were the BOMA Florida leaders in attendance including President Lacey Willard of CBRE and Lobbyist the Honorable Lee Moffitt of Adams and Reese.

“Florida is the only state that imposes the sales tax burden on commercial real estate leases. In many other regards, our state creates a favorable marketplace to establish a business. BOMA is joined by other influential coalition members from commercial real estate, in a unified front. We applaud Senator Hukill’s efforts to bring Florida to a position of competitiveness, and to secure business growth, with the phasing out of this burdensome tax,” said Lacey Willard. “Senator Hukill’s sponsorship of this bill is key to growth and success of small businesses, and the commercial real estate industry.”

That same day, BOMA members represented over 1,500 members from commercial and industrial real estate organizations from across the state, gathering in Tallahassee to address issues such as taxation, insurance, energy, and code matters. More than 50 key Florida lawmakers joined the organization in meetings, including a keynote address from Representative Greg Steube on the topic of phasing out sales taxes on commercial real estate leases. Pictured here, BOMA Florida volunteers congregated in the Old Capital Building with Rep. Steube.

“This year’s travels to Florida’s capital in particular have been focal. We were especially appreciative of so many of our legislators personally recognizing our volunteers for being the ‘Voice, Face, and Passion’ of our industry and market constituents,” offered Chris Rotolo, echoing messaging from Representative Rouson.