Government Affairs

New Year Brings Changes to the Law

By: Max Brandow, RASM Government Affairs Director

Various legislation went into effect beginning this year that will change aspects of the real estate industry and your business.

ONLINE REMOTE NOTARIES Starting in January of 2020 the allowance of online remote notaries in Florida will make transactions more efficient and easier to navigate when the parties to the transaction can’t be in the same room. The new law stems from HB 409, which the Florida Legislature passed last year.

BUSINESS RENT TAX

We have consistently advocated for cuts to Florida’s Business Rent Tax. The new tax rate for commercial leases in Florida is now 5.5 percent, down from 5.7 percent in 2018 and 6 percent in 2017. Businesses throughout Florida will save more than $65 million each year.

TEXTING WHILE DRIVING

I know many of our members like to get work done on the road. Although, since July of 2019, its been illegal to text while driving in Florida. With the new year, law enforcement officers will stop giving warnings and begin issuing citations. A first offense is $30; a second is $60 ($158.18 with court costs) if it happens within five years.

Even if you’re obeying all other traffic laws, an officer can stop you now if they see you texting. But if you want to get a few calls in to your clients while on the road, that is still possible. Hands-free talking is allowed if you have the right hands-free technology in your vehicle, but officers can still stop drivers if they see a phone in a motorists’ hand.

LOCAL UPDATE

We will have a very busy year in the Government Affairs Department as it’s a presidential election cycle. This means making sure Pro-REALTOR® issues and candidates will need all the help we can give them with so much election attention going elsewhere.

UPCOMING DATES THIS BUSY ELECTION SEASON: Presidential Preference Primary: March 17 NAR Mid-Year Legislative Meetings: May 11-16 RASM Casino Night: June 2020 Primary Elections: August 18 Florida REALTORS® 2020 Convention: August 25-30 General Election: November 3 •

SOURCE: © 2020 Florida REALTORS®

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