Reminder: Florida Eliminates Sales Tax on Commercial Rent: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

A major change is coming to Florida’s commercial real estate market—and it’s great news for both tenants and landlords. Starting October 1, 2025, businesses leasing commercial space in Florida will no longer have to pay state or local sales tax on their rent. This long-awaited move, signed into law by Governor DeSantis on June 30, 2025, is set to bring significant savings and simplify leasing for everyone involved.

Here’s what you need to know about this new law and how it will affect your lease, payments, and responsibilities.

What’s Changing?

Florida has been the only state in the nation to tax commercial lease payments. With the passage of House Bill 7031, that’s finally ending. Effective October 1, 2025, all state and local sales tax on commercial rent will be eliminated. This applies to office, retail, and industrial leases across the state.

What Tenants Should Know

Immediate Savings:
If you’re renting commercial space, your monthly rent just got less expensive. For example, a business paying $5,000 a month in rent and previously paying a 2% state sales tax (plus any local surtax) will save at least $100 a month, or $1,200 a year. In some counties, the savings will be even greater.

Lease Agreements:
Review your lease. Any clauses that refe%rence “applicable sales tax” on rent will no longer apply after October 1, 2025. If you have automated payments set up, make sure you update them to remove the tax portion for rent due after that date.

Subleases:
If you sublease your space, let your subtenants know that sales tax will no longer be added to their rent payments after the change goes into effect.

What Landlords and Property Managers Should Do

Update Invoices and Billing:
Remove sales tax from rent invoices for occupancy periods starting October 1, 2025. Update your billing systems and templates to prevent accidental overcharging.

Remit Pre-Repeal Taxes:
Sales tax is still due for rent covering periods through September 30, 2025—even if tenants pay late. Make sure you remit all taxes collected for those periods.

Communicate with Tenants:
Let your tenants know about the change so there’s no confusion. Clear communication will help ensure a smooth transition.

Sales Tax Accounts:
After you’ve remitted all required taxes, you can close your sales tax account with the Florida Department of Revenue if you don’t have other taxable activities.

What’s Not Changing

Not all leases are covered by this repeal. The following will still be subject to sales tax in Florida:

·         Short-term residential rentals (leases under six months)

·         Parking facilities

·         Boat slips and docking

·         Self-storage units and aircraft hangars

Also, if you receive late payments for periods before October 1, 2025, those payments are still taxable—even if paid after the repeal date.

The Bottom Line

This repeal is a big win for Florida’s business community. Tenants will see real savings, and landlords will enjoy simpler billing and compliance. Both should review their leases, update their systems, and communicate with each other as the October 1, 2025, effective date approaches.

Florida’s commercial leasing landscape is about to get a lot more business-friendly. Get ready to take advantage of the change!

Have an Florida Department of Revenue Problem? 

    

Contact the Tax Lawyers at 

Marini & Associates, P.A. 

 

 

for a FREE Tax HELP contact us at:

www.TaxAid.com or www.OVDPLaw.com 
or Toll Free at 888-8TaxAid (888) 882-9243

Sources:

1.       https://www.gunster.com/newsroom/publications/florida-repeals-sales-tax-on-commercial-leases 

2.      https://www.bilzin.com/insights/publications/2025/07/fl-eliminates-state-sales-tax-on-commercial-rent      

3.      https://kaufmanrossin.com/blog/florida-bill-eliminates-sales-tax-on-commercial-rent-what-tenants-and-landlords-need-to-know/               

4.      https://www.deanmead.com/a-win-for-florida-businesses-property-owners-florida-ends-sales-tax-on-commercial-leases/ 

5.       https://roireal.estate/florida-commercial-rent-tax-repeal-2025/ 

6.      https://www.handfirm.com/blog/florida-to-eliminate-sales-tax-on-commercial-leases-what-property-owners-and-tenants-need-to-know/ 

7.       https://www.siegfriedrivera.com/blog/florida-eliminates-sales-tax-on-commercial-real-estate-leases/    

8.      https://www.gtlaw.com/en/insights/2025/6/florida-legislature-repeals-sales-tax-on-commercial-leases     

9.      https://www.gulatilaw.com/florida-repeals-sales-tax-on-commercial-leases-what-property-owners-and-tenants-need-to-know/

10. https://www.kbgrp.com/individual-and-business-tax-consulting/sales-tax-on-commercial-rents-eliminated-under-new-florida-law-update-for-landlords-and-tenants.html

Say Goodbye to Paper Checks: Get Ready for Mandatory Electronic IRS Payments in 2025 - IRS Goes Digital

A major shift is coming to how U.S. taxpayers send and receive money from the IRS. Starting with 2025 tax returns, the IRS will phase out most paper checks—and both individuals and businesses need to adapt. The IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) has released tips to help taxpayers transition to electronic options for making payments and receiving tax refunds following the agency's decision to largely stop issuing paper check refunds after September 30, 2025, in accordance with Executive Order 14247, "Modernizing Payments to and From America's Bank Account.

"Here’s what you need to know, plus steps to make sure you and your clients are ready for mandatory electronic payments and refunds.

IRS To Phase Out Paper Checks: What Taxpayers Need to Know

The IRS is modernizing payments with the goal of moving all refunds and payments to electronic methods. Beginning with 2025 tax returns, most taxpayers will no longer receive refunds by paper check. Instead, direct deposit will become the default, offering faster and more secure processing. However, paper checks will still be available in some limited situations—for example, for those qualifying for an exception, but the process will take longer.

How Refunds Will Work

Taxpayers will need to provide their direct deposit information (account and routing numbers) when filing 2025 and later returns.   Refunds can be deposited into checking, savings, mutual fund, IRA accounts, prepaid debit cards, or eligible mobile apps.

The IRS allows splitting a refund into as many as three different accounts using Form 8888. If you don’t provide direct deposit details, expect to receive a request from the IRS to update your information. If not provided, a paper check will be issued after about six weeks, delaying your refund.

Electronic Payment Options

·         IRS Direct Pay: Simple, secure, and no login needed for paying directly from a bank account.

·         Debit/credit card or digital wallet: Accepted with a possible processing fee. Not valid for payroll taxes.

·         IRS Online Account: Individuals and businesses can make payments on outstanding balances online.

·         EFTPS: The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System allows payments direct from bank accounts.

·         Electronic Funds Withdrawal: Available when e-filing through tax software or a tax professional.

Foreign Taxpayers and Taxpayers Living Abroad

The guidance acknowledged that groups such as unbanked individuals, taxpayers living abroad, and those with specific religious beliefs may encounter difficulties with the transition. TAS advised unbanked taxpayers to explore low-cost banking options at FDIC.gov/GetBanked or seek assistance through the Veterans Benefits Banking Program.

Meanwhile, taxpayers living overseas were encouraged to seek international banking solutions that accept U.S. government payments, consult a tax professional, or contact the IRS if their bank cannot receive U.S. Treasury deposits.

Exceptions: Who Can Still Get Paper Checks?

The unbanked, those living overseas, or with certain religious exemptions may qualify for limited exceptions. The IRS will provide guidance before the next filing season on how to apply for an exception.

Action Steps for Taxpayers and Advisors

·         Review and update direct deposit banking details before filing 2025 returns.

·         Educate clients about this critical change—especially those who are unbanked or living abroad.

·         For those needing a bank account, programs like the FDIC’s GetBanked initiative offer low-cost solutions.

·         Watch for additional announcements from the IRS on exception processing and new requirements.

Get ready now because electronic payments are on the way to becoming the new IRS standard.

 Have an IRS Tax Problem?

     Contact the Tax Lawyers at

Marini & Associates, P.A. 

for a FREE Tax HELP Contact us at:
www.TaxAid.com or www.OVDPLaw.com
or Toll Free at 888 8TAXAID (888-882-9243)

Sources:

1.       https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/tax-tips/tips-on-electronic-payment-options-available-to-taxpayers-as-the-irs-phases-out-paper-checks/2025/10/       

2.      https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/tax-tips/tips-on-electronic-payment-options-available-to-taxpayers-as-the-irs-phases-out-paper-checks/2025/10/     

3.      https://www.duanemorris.com/alerts/irs_shifts_electronic_methods_tax_refunds_payments_0925.html

4.      https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/tax-tips/tips-on-electronic-payment-options-available-to-taxpayers-as-the-irs-phases-out-paper-checks/2025/10/    

5.       https://bmf.cpa/2025/09/29/executive-order-14247-what-you-need-to-know-about-mandatory-electronic-irs-payments/

6.      https://horne.com/irs-electronic-payments-transition/

7.       https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/modernizing-payments-the-shift-from-paper-checks-to-digital

8.      https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/nta-blog/as-the-irs-phases-out-paper-checks-vulnerable-taxpayers-must-not-be-left-behind/2025/10/

9.      https://dsb-rockisland.com/news-connections/heads-up-the-irs-is-going-paperless-for-tax-payments/

10.   https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/tax-tips/tips-on-electronic-payment-options-available-to-taxpayers-as-the-irs-phases-out-paper-checks/2025/10/

11.    https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/irs-director-elaborates-on-transition-from-paper-checks/

12.   https://www.brinkersimpson.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-mandatory-electronic-irs-payments

13.   https://www.irs.gov/newsroom

How To Successfully Defend An IRS Audit

IRS Audits are one of the most stressful actions the IRS can take against a taxpayer. In 2024, the IRS conducted 505,514 tax return audits and assessed over $29 billion in recommended additional taxes as a result of these examinations. This figure includes audits across all taxpayer categories, with the majority involving individual income tax returns and a concentration of field audits among high-income and corporate taxpayers.

While fewer than 1% of individual returns are audited, the risk rises sharply for high earners, businesses, and those with complex filings. Facing the IRS alone can lead to costly mistakes, professional IRS audit representation provides the protection and strategy necessary to achieve the best outcome.

To defend an IRS audit, begin by carefully reviewing the audit notice to understand exactly which years and parts of your tax return are being examined, and then systematically gather all relevant documentation, receipts, and records to support the items questioned by the IRS.

Steps for Defending an IRS Audit

·         Review the audit notice: Identify which tax years are under review and which specific items (income sources, deductions, or credits) are targeted.

·         Gather documentation: Collect tax returns, receipts, proof of payment, bank statements, contracts, and any other supporting records. Good documentation—often maintained before the audit—is your best defense.

·         Identify weaknesses: Analyze your records for any discrepancies or areas that may be questioned, such as missing receipts or inconsistent information.

·         Organize evidence: Present your documentation clearly to support your reported income and deductions. Proper organization makes it easier to substantiate your position.

·         Choose representation: For complicated audits, consider hiring a qualified tax professional such as a tax attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent. These professionals can challenge IRS findings, present evidence, negotiate outcomes, and manage all communications (via Form 2848 Power of Attorney).

·         Respond to findings: You may agree or dispute the IRS’ conclusions. If you disagree, provide a clear, thorough explanation and supporting documents. If needed, appeal through the IRS Office of Appeals or Tax Court.

·         Maintain professionalism: Always be factual, courteous, and prompt in responses to IRS requests. Transparent and professional communication helps resolve the audit faster.

Essential Audit Defense Documentation

·         Receipts and proof of payment showing the company/entity, date, amount, and nature of activity.

·         Mileage logs for any business, charitable, or medical mileage deductions.

·         Financial statements and business records if business activity is being audited.

·         Residency records for claiming specific exclusions or credits.

Professional Representation Benefits

·         Legal protection through attorney-client privilege

·         Efficient and organized responses to IRS queries and documentation requests

·         Negotiation skills to potentially reduce penalties or liability

·         Peace of mind—shielding from direct IRS questioning.

What to Expect

·         You’ll be asked for records and may need to attend meetings by mail, phone, or in-person (correspondence, office, or field audits).

·         Audits can result in an agreement (no change), additional taxes/penalties, or appeal procedures.

·         Documentation and clear communication greatly increase the chances of a favorable or reduced outcome.

Proper preparation, documentation, organization, and expert representation are key to successfully defending an IRS audit and minimizing exposure.

 Have an IRS Tax Problem?

     Contact the Tax Lawyers at

Marini & Associates, P.A. 

for a FREE Tax HELP Contact us at:
www.TaxAid.com or www.OVDPLaw.com
or Toll Free at 888 8TAXAID (888-882-9243)

Sources:

1.       https://gordonlaw.com/learn/irs-audit-what-to-do/  

2.      https://www.jdavidtaxlaw.com/blog/irs-audit-representation-mistakes-red-flags-and-defense/     

3.      https://blog.myirstaxrelief.com/tax-audit-representation-a-step-by-step-guide/      

4.      https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-news/fs-06-10.pdf 

5.       https://www.dimovaudit.com/blog-posts/irs-audit-process-explained

6.      https://certifiedtaxcoach.org/the-best-audit-defense/  

7.       https://rrbb.com/the-best-irs-audit-tax-deductions-defense/     

8.      https://criminaldefense.com/federal-criminal-defense/tax-violations/audit-defense/   

9.      https://www.hco.com/insights/irs-audit-representation-services 

10.   https://sorrell-lawgroup.com/tax/irs-audit-defense-strategies-a-lawyers-guide 

11.    https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/how-to-minimize-risk-irs-audit

12.   https://www.jdavidtaxlaw.com/blog/strategic-irs-audit-defense-tips-for-taxpayers/

13.   https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/brand/video-how-turbotax-protects-you-from-an-irs-audit/L0RVIYcAB

14.   https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/tax-planning-and-checklists/top-five-ways-to-avoid-a-tax-audit/L2dhSjRS9

15.    https://www.ipbtax.com/practices-IRS_Audit_Defense

16.   https://www.taxaudit.com/audit-defense/resources/quick-audit-tips

17.    https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/get-help/interacting-with-the-irs/audits-in-person/

18.   https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/irs-audits

19.   https://silvertaxgroup.com/10-important-tips-surviving-an-irs-tax-audit/

20.  https://klasing-associates.com/tax-audit-help/