State senate panel approves measure taxing Internet sales

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida could soon join the line of other states trying to get online retailers to collect the state's sales tax.

A Senate panel on Tuesday approved a sweeping tax measure aimed at getting those selling products online to Florida residents to collect the state's six percent sales tax.

A similar bill was considered last year, but ultimately it was not adopted by the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature.

But this year's bill (SB 316) also includes tax breaks designed to offset the extra money that would be received by the state.

The legislation includes a cut in the state tax that is now charged on cellphones, cable and satellite dish bills. It also includes a top priority of Gov. Rick Scott to eliminate the sales tax charged on equipment bought by manufacturers.