TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The provisions of House Bill 7087, an economic development bill signed by Florida Gov. Rick Scott in March, will become effective in July and may provide some relief to meat and poultry operations.

Changes to Florida’s sales and use tax law provided in HB 7087 include amendments to three exemptions and the addition of two new exemptions. The bill expands the exemption for gas or electricity used for certain agricultural purposes to include electricity used in a packinghouse or where fruits, vegetables, beef or pork is prepared for market or to be shipped fresh to wholesalers. The exemption is effective July 1.