Democrats push bills to save on cars for disabled veterans, first-time homebuyer costs

Democratic leaders say two bills heading to a House Committee this week could bring down costs for Floridians, as they slammed Republicans for not doing more.

“We just need the Republicans to stop wasting time on culture wars, party infighting, and trying to rename everything after Donald Trump,” said House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell during a virtual news conference. “Session is nearly half over and Floridians need and deserve their state government to do more to help them.”

HB 665 would create a new sales tax exemption for disabled veterans buying new cars. The bill, filed by Rep. Kim Daniels, a Jacksonville Democrat, is scheduled to go next to the House Ways & Means Committee.

In addition, legislation filed by Rep. Jervonte Edmonds (HB 311) would give companies a tax credit if they help employees with down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. That bill has been added onto the Ways & Means Committee agenda.

“This bill supports Florida’s long-term growth by making the pathway to homeownership an essential part of the American Dream more attainable for the people who keep our state moving,” said Edmonds, a West Palm Beach Democrat.

Another bill from Driskell herself (HB 675) advanced through its first committee stop recently. The bill contains several provisions, including exempting some first-time homebuyers from paying documentary stamp taxes, which Driskell said would save thousands of dollars at closing.

“We hope it will keep moving through the process and become law,” said Driskell, who is from Tampa.

Democrats are also focusing on lowering property insurance premiums. Rep. Kelly Skidmore, a Boca Raton Democrat, filed a bill (HB 319) to require Florida’s Insurance Commissioner to initiate a compact with other states to establish a national risk pool for property insurance for natural disasters.

Skimmer said her bill revives a concept that’s been around for at least 25 years and could lower premium costs by 30%.

So far, the bill hasn’t gotten a committee vote.