The Nation : Florida OKs Tax Measure

The Florida Legislature passed a $761-million bill that applies the state’s sales tax to most services, and Gov. Bob Martinez quickly signed the measure into law. The bill was promoted as a way for Florida to pay for the additional roads, schools, and jails needed to accommodate a fast-growing population. The sales tax covers such services as advertising and fees charged by lawyers, accountants, engineers and others. Transportation, food production, health care and other services considered vital to the consumer were exempt.