Friends:

Florida’s 2007 regular Legislative Session ended Friday, May 4. Thanks to coordinated efforts through Team Retail, our involved members, staff and consultants, like-minded business organizations as well as business-astute legislators worked cohesively to advance a healthy retail environment. Successes include legislation enacting sales tax holidays, flu immunizations by licensed pharmacists and stiffer penalties for organized retail theft. Ultimately, billions of retail industry dollars were at stake through these and other issues addressed during the 60-day session. Highlights are presented in this Legislative Wrap- Up.

Regardless of the business type or size, retailers have a vested interest in keeping informed and making their voices heard. The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) provides its members opportunities to stay informed not only during Legislative sessions, but throughout the year. Communication tools include written publications, direct mail, emails, e-casts, meetings, and our newest addition this session – weekly video casts summarizing legislative actions. An archive of the video casts and other information, including in-depth narrative on the issues in this communication, can be found on our Web site at www.frf.org. You can always call us, too, toll-free at 1.888.FL.RETAIL (357.3824).

Working together, we can proactively help shape Florida’s retail environment on topical issues such as healthcare, property rights and taxes. If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to become part of FRF’s grassroots network by joining the Team Retail Action Network at www.TeamRetail.org or calling us at the number mentioned above. Together, we’ll ensure The Voice of Florida Retailing is heard!

Sincerely,
Richard A. McAllister
FRF President and CEO

Click to open PDF version of 2007 Legislative Wrap Up