To: The Florida State House, The Florida State Senate, and Governor Ron DeSantis
Remove the ban of "Amusement Arcades" from SB-1030/HB-155
New prospective bills (SB-1030 and HB-155) will effectively ban all "Sweepstakes" game rooms, or Internet Cafes, as well as so-called "Amusement Arcades." Sweepstakes Rooms DO NOT pay state sales and local use taxes. Amusement Arcades, however, do pay all necessary taxes, and employ thousands across the state of Florida.
These Amusement Arcades should not be unfairly lumped in with the Internet Cafes. They represent a powerful commodity and generate significant contributions to state and local funds via taxes. Many of Florida's elderly population frequent these game rooms, seeking a kind of recreation that is simply not available anywhere else. Seasonal Floridians, especially, bring a great deal of money into the state through these establishments.
Either remove "amusement arcades" from the ban, or, rather than place a ban on any of these businesses, effectively putting thousands of Floridians out of work, and halting a blooming industry, impose regulatory measures on Sweepstakes Rooms and begin collecting tax revenue from them.
These Amusement Arcades should not be unfairly lumped in with the Internet Cafes. They represent a powerful commodity and generate significant contributions to state and local funds via taxes. Many of Florida's elderly population frequent these game rooms, seeking a kind of recreation that is simply not available anywhere else. Seasonal Floridians, especially, bring a great deal of money into the state through these establishments.
Either remove "amusement arcades" from the ban, or, rather than place a ban on any of these businesses, effectively putting thousands of Floridians out of work, and halting a blooming industry, impose regulatory measures on Sweepstakes Rooms and begin collecting tax revenue from them.
Why is this important?
***This is the official petition of the Florida Arcade Association***
Amusement Arcades pay all necessary state and local taxes! They employ thousands throughout the state of Florida and generate a significant amount of tax revenue. The industry is blooming, but it could come to an abrupt halt if these bills pass as-is!
Amusement Arcades pay all necessary state and local taxes! They employ thousands throughout the state of Florida and generate a significant amount of tax revenue. The industry is blooming, but it could come to an abrupt halt if these bills pass as-is!