Chapter 206 - 2021 Florida Statutes

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2021 Florida Statutes (Including 2021B Session)

Title XIV TAXATION AND FINANCE

Chapter 206
MOTOR AND OTHER FUEL TAXES

CHAPTER 206

MOTOR AND OTHER FUEL TAXES

PART I

MOTOR FUELS

(ss. 206.01-206.64)

PART II

DIESEL FUELS

(ss. 206.85-206.97)

PART III

AVIATION FUEL

(ss. 206.9815-206.9875)

PART IV

FUEL AND OTHER POLLUTANTS

(ss. 206.9915-206.9945)

PART V

NATURAL GAS FUEL

(ss. 206.9951-206.998)

PART I

MOTOR FUELS

206.01 Definitions.

206.02 Application for license; temporary license; terminal suppliers, importers, exporters, blenders, biodiesel manufacturers, and wholesalers.

206.021 Application for license; carriers.

206.022 Application for license; terminal operators.

206.025 Application by person whose license has been canceled; procedure.

206.026 Certain persons prohibited from holding a terminal supplier, importer, exporter, blender, carrier, terminal operator, or wholesaler license; suspension and revocation.

206.0261 Retaining all or portion of tax reduction amount or interference with tax reduction benefit prohibited.

206.027 Licenses not assignable.

206.028 Costs of investigation; department to charge applicants; contracts with private companies authorized.

206.03 Licensing of terminal suppliers, importers, exporters, and wholesalers.

206.04 License number and cards; penalties.

206.045 Licensing period.

206.05 Bond required of licensed terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler.

206.051 Importer and exporter; credit authorization and bonding requirements.

206.052 Export of tax-free fuels.

206.054 Payment of taxes by importers.

206.055 Departmental powers; cancellation of licenses; surrender of bond; interstate enforcement agreements.

206.06 Estimate of amount of fuel taxes due and unpaid.

206.07 Suits for collection of unpaid taxes.

206.075 Department’s warrant for collection of unpaid taxes.

206.08 Reports from persons who do not purchase tax-free motor fuel.

206.09 Reports from carriers transporting motor fuel or similar products.

206.095 Reports from terminal operators.

206.10 Reports to be filed whether taxes due or not.

206.11 Penalties.

206.12 Retention of records; all persons that purchase, import, export, use, sell, or store motor fuel.

206.13 Refund or credit of taxes erroneously paid or illegally collected.

206.14 Inspection of records; audits; hearings; forms; rules and regulations.

206.15 Fuel taxes a lien on property.

206.16 Officer selling property.

206.17 Department to furnish certificates of liens.

206.175 Foreclosure of liens.

206.18 Discontinuance or transfer of business; liability of tax, procedure; penalty for violation.

206.199 Transportation of motor fuel by pipeline or marine vessel.

206.20 Transportation of motor fuel over public highways.

206.204 Transportation of motor fuel by boats over the navigable waters of this state.

206.205 Forfeiture of vehicles and boats illegally transporting or delivering motor fuel.

206.21 Trial of issues interposed by defense; sale, etc.

206.215 Costs and expenses of proceedings.

206.22 Restraining and enjoining violations.

206.23 Tax; must be stated separately.

206.24 Department and agents may make arrests, seize property, and execute warrants.

206.25 Method for collection of tax cumulative.

206.27 Records and files as public records.

206.28 Exchange of information among the states.

206.404 License requirements for retail dealers and resellers; penalty.

206.41 State taxes imposed on motor fuel.

206.413 Liability for tax; interstate agreement; penalties.

206.414 Collection of certain taxes; prohibited credits and refunds.

206.416 Change in state destination.

206.42 Aviation gasoline exempt from excise tax; rocket fuel.

206.43 Terminal supplier, importer, exporter, blender, and wholesaler to report to department monthly; deduction.

206.44 Penalty and interest for failure to report on time; penalty and interest on tax deficiencies.

206.45 Payment of tax into State Treasury.

206.46 State Transportation Trust Fund.

206.47 Distribution of constitutional fuel tax pursuant to State Constitution.

206.48 Reports required of terminal suppliers, importers, exporters, blenders, and wholesalers.

206.485 Tracking system reporting requirements.

206.49 Invoice to show whether or not tax paid; liability.

206.56 Unlawful use of tax collected; theft of state funds.

206.59 Department to make rules; powers.

206.60 County tax on motor fuel.

206.605 Municipal tax on motor fuel.

206.606 Distribution of certain proceeds.

206.608 State Comprehensive Enhanced Transportation System Tax; deposit of proceeds; distribution.

206.609 Transfer of funds to the Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund.

206.61 Municipal taxes, limited.

206.62 Certain sales to United States tax-exempt; rules and regulations.

206.625 Return of tax to municipalities, counties, and school districts.

206.626 Refunds to ethanol dealers.

206.63 Definitions; s. 206.64.

206.64 Refunds on fuel used for agricultural or commercial fishing purposes.

206.01 Definitions.—As used in this chapter:

(1) “Department” means the Department of Revenue.

(2) “Refinery” means those industrial plants, regardless of capacity, that process crude oil feed stock and manufacture refined petroleum products, except when such plant is a petrochemical plant.

(3) “Importer” means any person that has met the requirements of s. 206.051 and is licensed by the department to import motor fuel or diesel fuel upon which no precollection of tax has occurred, other than through bulk transfer, into this state by common carrier or company-owned trucks.

(4) “Wholesaler” means any person who holds a valid wholesaler of taxable fuel license issued by the department.

(5) “Retail dealer” means any person who is engaged in the business of selling fuel at retail at posted retail prices.

(6) “Carrier” means every railroad company, pipeline company, water transportation company, private or common carrier, and any other person transporting motor or diesel fuel, casinghead gasoline, natural gasoline, naphtha, or distillate for others, either in interstate or intrastate commerce, to points within Florida, or from a point in Florida to a point outside of the state.

(7) “Fuel tax” means and includes any tax imposed by the laws of the state upon or measured by the sale, use, distribution, or consumption of motor fuel.

(8) “Fuel tax collection trust fund” means any fund or funds heretofore or hereafter created by the Legislature for the purpose of enforcing the fuel tax laws of the state.

(9) “Motor fuel” or “fuel” means all gasoline products or any product blended with gasoline or any fuel placed in the storage supply tank of a gasoline-powered motor vehicle.

(10) “Person” means and includes natural persons, corporations, copartnerships, firms, companies, agencies, or associations; state agencies; and counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions of this state, singular or plural.

(11) “Public highways” means and includes every way or place, of whatever nature generally open to the use of the public as a matter of right, for the purpose of vehicular travel, notwithstanding that the same have been temporarily closed for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or repair.

(12) “Loading rack” means that part of a terminal or refinery by which petroleum products are physically removed from the terminal or refinery into tanker trucks or rail cars.

(13) “Gross amount” means the actual amount of fuel pumped through the loading rack, pipeline, or tanker and not adjusted for 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

(14) “Net amount” means the actual amount of fuel pumped through the loading rack, pipeline, or tanker adjusted for 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

(15) “Bulk transfer” means the shipment of fuel by pipeline or marine vessel between terminals or from a refinery to a terminal.

(16) “Import” means delivery of motor fuel or diesel fuel into this state.

(17) “Position holder” means a person that holds the inventory position in the motor or diesel fuel in storage at a terminal, as reflected on the records of the terminal operator. A person holds the inventory position in motor or diesel fuel when that person has a contractual agreement with the terminal operator for the use of storage facilities and terminaling services at a terminal with respect to the motor or diesel fuel. A position holder also includes a terminal operator that owns motor or diesel fuel in its terminal.

(18) “Terminal” is a storage and distribution facility for taxable motor or diesel fuel, supplied by pipeline or marine vessel, that has the capacity to receive and store a bulk transfer of taxable motor or diesel fuel, including a loading rack through which petroleum products are physically removed into tanker trucks or rail cars, and that is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a terminal.

(19) “Terminal operator” means any person that owns, operates, or otherwise controls a terminal. A terminal operator may own the motor or diesel fuels that are transferred through or stored in the terminal.

(20) “Export” means any removal of taxable motor or diesel fuels from this state other than by bulk transfer.

(21) “Exporter” means any person that has met the requirements of s. 206.052 and that is licensed by the department as an exporter of taxable motor or diesel fuels either from substorage at a bulk facility or directly from a terminal rack to a destination outside the state.

(22) “Terminal supplier” means any position holder that has been licensed by the department as a terminal supplier, that has met the requirements of ss. 206.05 and 206.90, and that is registered under s. 4101 of the Internal Revenue Code for transactions involving the bulk storage and transfer of taxable motor or diesel fuels.

(23) “Motor vehicle” means any vehicle, machine, or mechanical contrivance which is propelled by any form of engine or motor which utilizes motor or diesel fuel and is required, or would be required, to be licensed under chapter 320 if owned by a resident.

(24) “Use” means the placing of motor or diesel fuel into any receptacle on a motor vehicle from which fuel is supplied for the propulsion thereof.

(25) “Exchange agreement” means an agreement between two licensed terminal suppliers whereby a position holder in a terminal agrees to deliver fuel to the other party or the other party’s customer at the loading rack of the terminal where the delivering party holds an inventory position.

(26) “Fuel tank” means any receptacle or reservoir attached to a motor vehicle from which fuel is supplied for the propulsion thereof.

(27) “Forwarding agent” means a person or firm engaged in the business of preparing property for shipment or arranging for its shipment.

(28) “Pipeline” means a fuel distribution system that moves product in bulk, through a pipe, from a refinery to a terminal or from one terminal to another terminal.

(29) “Reseller” means any person who purchases in the state tax-paid fuel from a terminal supplier or wholesaler and who is authorized by the terminal supplier or wholesaler to resell such fuel to retail dealers or end users only.

(30) “Blender” means any person who blends any product with motor or diesel fuel and who has been licensed or authorized by the department as a blender.

History.—s. 1, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(62); s. 1, ch. 28100, 1953; s. 1, ch. 57-162; s. 2, ch. 61-119; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1, ch. 75-286; s. 1, ch. 84-329; s. 73, ch. 85-342; s. 53, ch. 87-99; s. 2, ch. 91-82; s. 14, ch. 91-112; s. 1, ch. 95-417; s. 2, ch. 96-323; s. 1, ch. 97-54.

Note.—Former s. 207.01.

206.02 Application for license; temporary license; terminal suppliers, importers, exporters, blenders, biodiesel manufacturers, and wholesalers.—

(1) It is unlawful for any person to engage in business as a terminal supplier, importer, exporter, blender, biodiesel manufacturer, or wholesaler of motor fuel within this state unless such person is the holder of an unrevoked license issued by the department to engage in such business. A person is engaging in such business if he or she:

(a) Imports or causes any motor fuel to be imported and sells such fuel at wholesale, retail, or otherwise within this state.

(b) Imports and withdraws for use within this state by himself or herself or others any motor fuel from the tank car, truck, or other original container or package in which such motor fuel was imported into this state.

(c) Manufactures, refines, produces, or compounds any motor fuel and sells such fuel at wholesale or retail, or otherwise within this state for use or consumption within this state.

(d) Imports into this state from any other state or foreign country, or receives by any means into this state, any motor fuel which is intended to be used for consumption in this state and keeps such fuel in storage in this state for a period of 24 hours or more after it loses its interstate or foreign commerce character as a shipment in interstate or foreign commerce.

(e) Is primarily liable under the fuel tax laws of this state for the payment of motor fuel taxes.

(f) Purchases or receives in this state motor fuel upon which the tax has not been paid.

(g) Exports taxable motor or diesel fuels either from substorage at a bulk facility or directly from a terminal rack to a destination outside the state.

(2) To procure a terminal supplier license, a person shall file with the department an application under oath, and in such form as the department may prescribe, setting forth:

(a) The name under which the person will transact business within the state and that person’s registration number under s. 4101 of the Internal Revenue Code.

(b) The location, with street number address, of his or her principal office or place of business and the location where records will be made available for inspection.

(c) The name and complete residence address of the owner or the names and addresses of the partners, if such person is a partnership, or of the principal officers, if such person is a corporation or association; and, if such person is a corporation organized under the laws of another state, territory, or country, he or she shall also indicate the state, territory, or country where the corporation is organized and the date the corporation was registered with the Department of State as a foreign corporation authorized to transact business in the state.

Each license must be renewed annually through application.

(3) To procure an importer, exporter, or blender of motor fuels license, a person shall file with the department an application under oath, and in such form as the department may prescribe, setting forth:

(a) The name under which the person will transact business within the state.

(b) The location, with street number address, of his or her principal office or place of business and the location where records will be made available for inspection.

Each license must be renewed annually through application.

(4) To procure a wholesaler of motor fuel license, a person shall file with the department an application under oath and in such form as the department may prescribe, setting forth:

(a) The name under which the person will transact business within the state.

(b) The location, with street number address, of his or her principal office or place of business within this state and the location where records will be made available for inspection.

Each license must be renewed annually through application.

(5) Each biodiesel manufacturer must meet the reporting, bonding, and licensing requirements for wholesalers under this chapter. This subsection does not apply to a municipality, county, or school district that manufactures biodiesel fuel solely for use by the municipality, county, or school district.

(6) Upon the filing of an application for a license and concurrently therewith, a bond of the character stipulated and in the amount provided for shall be filed with the department. No license shall issue upon any application unless accompanied by such a bond, except as provided in s. 206.05(1).

(7)(a) If all applicants for a license hold a current license in good standing of the same type and kind, the department shall issue a temporary license upon the filing of a completed application and the posting of adequate bond. A temporary license shall automatically expire 90 days after its effective date or, prior to the expiration of 90 days or the period of any extension, upon issuance of a permanent license or of a notice of intent to deny a permanent license. A temporary license may be extended once for a period not to exceed 60 days, upon written request of the applicant, subject to the restrictions imposed by this subsection.

(b) A publicly held corporation, the securities of which are regularly traded on a national securities exchange and not over the counter, which begins a new business and which applies for a license as a terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler shall be issued a license without the department’s background investigation.

(8)(a) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this chapter, the department may grant a temporary fuel license for immediate use if:

1. The Governor has declared a state of emergency under s. 252.36; or

2. The President of the United States has declared a major disaster in this state or in any other state or territory of the United States.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter requiring a license and a bond or criminal background check, the department may issue a temporary license as an importer or exporter to a person who holds a valid Florida wholesaler license or to a person who is an unlicensed dealer. A license may be issued under this subsection only to a business that has a physical location in this state and holds a valid Florida sales and use tax certificate of registration or that holds a valid fuel license issued by another state.

(c) A temporary license expires on the last day of the month following the month in which the temporary license was issued. The department may extend any temporary license on a month-to-month basis during the period of a declared state of emergency or major disaster as provided in this subsection. If the department extends a temporary license, the extended license expires on the last day of the month in which the temporary license was extended.

(d) In order to procure a temporary license, a nonresident business must provide to the department the information required in subsection (4); the federal identification number of the business or, if such number is unavailable, the social security number of the owner; and any other information that is required by the department.

(e) A temporary license authorized by this subsection may not be renewed if the licensee has not filed the required returns or made payment of the taxes required under this chapter.

History.—s. 2, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(63); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 10, 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1, ch. 77-149; s. 2, ch. 84-329; s. 74, ch. 85-342; s. 54, ch. 87-99; s. 1059, ch. 95-147; s. 2, ch. 95-417; s. 3, ch. 96-323; s. 10, ch. 2003-254; s. 14, ch. 2004-5; s. 15, ch. 2007-106; s. 1, ch. 2013-142; s. 9, ch. 2017-36.

Note.—Former s. 207.02.

206.021 Application for license; carriers.—

(1) It is unlawful for any person to engage in business as a private or common carrier of motor fuel within this state or to engage in the business of transporting fuel by pipeline or marine vessel unless he or she is the holder of an unrevoked license issued by the department to engage in such business.

(2) To procure such license, a person shall file with the department an application under oath and in such form as the department may prescribe, setting forth:

(a) The name under which the person will transact business within the state.

(b) The location, with street number address, of his or her principal office or place of business within this state and the location where records will be made available for inspection.

(c) The name, federal employer identification number or, if such number is not available, the social security number, and complete residence address of the owner or the names and addresses of the partners, if such person is a partnership, or of the principal officers, if such person is a corporation or association; and, if such person is a corporation organized under the laws of another state, territory, or country, he or she shall also file with the application a certified copy of the certificate or license issued by the Department of State showing that such corporation is authorized to transact business in the state.

(3) Each license must be renewed annually through application.

(4) Any person transporting fuel without first obtaining such license commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Such person shall also be subject to the provisions of s. 206.205.

(5)(a) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this chapter, the department may grant a temporary fuel license for immediate use if:

1. The Governor has declared a state of emergency under s. 252.36; or

2. The President of the United States has declared a major disaster in this state or in any other state or territory of the United States.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter requiring a license and a bond or criminal background check, the department may issue a temporary license as a carrier to a person who holds a valid Florida wholesaler, importer, exporter, or blender license or to a person who is an unlicensed dealer. A license may be issued under this subsection only to a business that has a physical location in this state and holds a valid Florida sales and use tax certificate of registration or that holds a valid fuel license issued by another state.

(d) In order to procure a temporary license, a nonresident business must provide to the department the information required in subsection (2); the federal identification number of the business or, if such number is unavailable, the social security number of the owner; and any other information that is required by the department.

(e) A temporary license authorized by this subsection may not be renewed if the licensee has not filed the required returns or made payment of the taxes required under this chapter.

History.—s. 75, ch. 85-342; s. 1060, ch. 95-147; s. 3, ch. 95-417; s. 16, ch. 2007-106; s. 10, ch. 2017-36.

206.022 Application for license; terminal operators.—

(1) It is unlawful for any terminal operator to operate within this state unless he or she is the holder of an unrevoked license issued by the department to engage in such business. To procure such license, a person shall file with the department an application under oath and in such form as the department may prescribe, setting forth:

(a) The name under which the person will transact business within the state.

(b) The location, with street number address, of his or her principal office or place of business within this state and the location where records will be made available for inspection.

(c) The name and complete residence address of the owner or the names and addresses of the partners, if such person is a partnership, or of the principal officers, if such person is a corporation or association; and, if such person is a corporation organized under the laws of another state, territory, or country, he or she shall also file with the application a certified copy of the certificate or license issued by the Department of State showing that such corporation is authorized to transact business in the state.

(d) The storage capacity of the facility.

(e) Any other information which the department may deem necessary.

(2) Each license shall be renewed annually through application.

History.—s. 76, ch. 85-342; s. 1061, ch. 95-147; s. 4, ch. 96-323; s. 11, ch. 2017-36.

206.025 Application by person whose license has been canceled; procedure.—In the event that any application for a license to transact business in the state shall be filed by any person whose license at any time theretofore shall have been canceled for cause by the department, or in case the department is of the opinion that such application was not filed in good faith or that such application was filed by some person as a subterfuge for the real person in interest whose license or registration theretofore shall have been canceled for cause by said department, the department may refuse to issue to such person a license to transact business in the state.

History.—s. 2, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(63); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 54, ch. 78-95; s. 77, ch. 85-342.

Note.—Former s. 207.03.

206.026 Certain persons prohibited from holding a terminal supplier, importer, exporter, blender, carrier, terminal operator, or wholesaler license; suspension and revocation.—

(1) No corporation, except a publicly held corporation regularly traded on a national securities exchange and not over the counter, general or limited partnership, sole proprietorship, business trust, joint venture or unincorporated association, or other business entity shall hold a terminal supplier, importer, exporter, blender, carrier, terminal operator, or wholesaler license in this state if any one of the persons or entities specified in paragraph (a) has been determined by the department not to be of good moral character or has been convicted of any offense specified in paragraph (b):

(a)1. The licenseholder.

2. The sole proprietor of the licenseholder.

3. A corporate officer or director of the licenseholder.

4. A general or limited partner of the licenseholder.

5. A trustee of the licenseholder.

6. A member of an unincorporated association licenseholder.

7. A joint venturer of the licenseholder.

8. The owner of any equity interest in the licenseholder, whether as a common shareholder, general or limited partner, voting trustee, or trust beneficiary.

9. An owner of any interest in the license or licenseholder, including any immediate family member of the owner, or holder of any debt, mortgage, contract, or concession from the licenseholder, who by virtue thereof is able to control the business of the licenseholder.

(b)1. A felony in this state.

2. Any felony in any other state which would be a felony if committed in this state under the laws of Florida.

3. Any felony under the laws of the United States.

4. A felony under the Florida Motor Fuel Tax Relief Act of 2004.

(2)(a) If the applicant for a license as specified under subsection (1) or a licenseholder as specified in paragraph (1)(a) has received a full pardon or a restoration of civil rights with respect to the conviction specified in paragraph (1)(b), then the conviction shall not constitute an absolute bar to the issuance or renewal of a license or ground for the revocation or suspension of a license.

(b) A corporation which has been convicted of a felony shall be entitled to apply for and receive a restoration of its civil rights in the same manner and on the same grounds as an individual.

(3) After notice and hearing, the department shall refuse to issue or renew, or shall suspend, as appropriate, any license found in violation of subsection (1). The order shall become effective 120 days after service of the order upon the licenseholder and shall be amended to constitute a final order of revocation unless the licenseholder has, within that period of time, either caused the divestiture, or agreed with the convicted person upon a complete immediate divestiture, of his or her holding, or has petitioned the circuit court as provided in subsection (4), or, in the case of corporate officers or directors of the holder or employees of the holder, has terminated the relationship between the licenseholder and those persons mentioned. If no action has been taken by the licenseholder within the 120-day period following the issuance of the order of suspension, the department shall, without further notice or hearing, enter a final order of revocation of the license.

(4) The circuit courts shall have jurisdiction to decide a petition brought by a holder of a license who shows that the holder’s license is in jeopardy of suspension or revocation under subsection (3) and that such licenseholder is unable to agree upon the terms of divestiture of interest with the person specified in subparagraphs (1)(a)3.-9. who has been convicted of an offense specified in paragraph (1)(b). The court shall determine the reasonable value of the interest of the convicted person and order a divestiture upon such terms and conditions as it finds just. In determining the value of the interest of the convicted person, the court may consider, among other matters, the value of the assets of the licenseholder, its good will and value as a going concern, recent and expected future earnings, and other criteria usual and customary in the sale of like enterprises.

(5) The department shall obtain the fingerprints and personal data from persons described in paragraph (1)(a) for purposes of determining whether such persons have a criminal background and shall obtain data regarding the business entities described in subsection (1) to effectuate the provisions of this section. Such fingerprints shall be used for statewide criminal and juvenile records checks through the Department of Law Enforcement and federal criminal records checks through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

History.—s. 78, ch. 85-342; s. 47, ch. 87-224; s. 1062, ch. 95-147; s. 4, ch. 95-417; s. 2, ch. 97-54; s. 11, ch. 2003-254; s. 9, ch. 2004-73.

206.0261 Retaining all or portion of tax reduction amount or interference with tax reduction benefit prohibited.—It is unlawful for a terminal supplier, wholesaler, importer, reseller, or retail dealer of motor fuel to retain any part of the tax reduction set forth in this act or to interfere with providing the full benefit of the tax reduction to the retail purchaser of motor fuel. Any person violating the provisions of this act commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.—s. 7, ch. 2004-73.

206.027 Licenses not assignable.—

(1) No license granted under the provisions of this chapter shall be transferred or assigned except upon application to, and written consent and approval of the transferee by, the department pursuant to the provisions of s. 206.026.

(2) At all times prior to approval of a transfer or assignment of the license the transferor shall be deemed to be the licenseholder.

(3) Whenever a license is held by a corporation or business entity other than an individual, no transfer of the stock or other evidence of ownership or equity in the licenseholder shall be made, absent the prior approval of the transferee by the department pursuant to the provisions of s. 206.026.

History.—s. 79, ch. 85-342.

206.028 Costs of investigation; department to charge applicants; contracts with private companies authorized.—

(1) The department may charge any anticipated costs incurred by the department in determining the eligibility of any person or entity specified in s. 206.026(1)(a) to hold a license against such person or entity.

(2) The department must furnish to the applicant an itemized statement of actual costs incurred during the investigation to determine eligibility.

(3) If there are unused funds at the conclusion of the investigation, the unused funds must be returned to the applicant within 60 days after the determination of eligibility has been made.

(4) If the actual costs of investigation exceed anticipated costs, the department must assess the applicant those moneys necessary to recover all actual costs.

(5) The department may enter into contracts with private companies to conduct investigations to determine the eligibility of any person or entity specified in s. 206.026(1)(a) to hold a license. The costs of the investigations must be charged to the applicant as provided in this section.

History.—s. 80, ch. 85-342; s. 6, ch. 94-353; s. 3, ch. 2020-4.

206.03 Licensing of terminal suppliers, importers, exporters, and wholesalers.—

(1) The application in proper form having been accepted for filing and the bond accepted and approved, except as provided in s. 206.05(1), the department shall issue to such person a license to transact business in the state, subject to cancellation of such license as provided by law.

(2) The license so issued by the department shall not be assignable except pursuant to s. 206.027, shall be valid only for the person in whose name it has been issued, and shall be displayed conspicuously in the principal place of business in the state.

(3) The department shall keep and file all applications and bonds with an alphabetical index thereof, together with a record of all duly licensed persons.

(4) An importer must first be licensed as a wholesaler prior to being licensed as an importer.

History.—s. 2, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(63); s. 7, ch. 22858, 1945; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 2, ch. 77-149; s. 81, ch. 85-342; s. 48, ch. 87-224; s. 5, ch. 95-417; s. 12, ch. 2017-36.

Note.—Former s. 207.04.

206.04 License number and cards; penalties.—Each terminal supplier, importer, exporter, and wholesaler shall be assigned a license number upon qualifying for a license hereunder, and the department shall issue to each such licensee separate license cards for each tank truck operated by that person. Such license card shall indicate the license number so assigned, the motor number of the truck authorized to be operated under such license card, and such other information as the department may prescribe. The license card shall be conspicuously displayed in the vehicle to which it is assigned, and any person operating a tank truck in this state conveying or transporting motor fuel without such license card or, if a common carrier, a bill of lading is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.—s. 2, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(63), 7794(5); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 116, ch. 71-136; s. 82, ch. 85-342; s. 71, ch. 87-6; s. 6, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.05.

206.045 Licensing period.—Beginning January 1, 1998, the licensing period under this chapter shall be a calendar year, or any part thereof.

History.—s. 29, ch. 96-323; s. 4, ch. 99-5; s. 13, ch. 2017-36.

206.05 Bond required of licensed terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler.—

¹(1) Each terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler, except a municipality, county, school board, state agency, federal agency, or special district which is licensed under this part, shall file with the department a bond in a penal sum of not more than $300,000, such sum to be approximately 3 times the combined average monthly tax levied under this part and local option tax on motor fuel paid or due during the preceding 12 calendar months under the laws of this state. An exporter shall file a bond in an amount equal to 3 times the average monthly tax due on gallons acquired for export. The bond shall be in such form as may be approved by the department, executed by a surety company duly licensed to do business under the laws of the state as surety thereon, and conditioned upon the prompt filing of true reports and the payment to the department of any and all fuel taxes levied under this chapter including local option taxes which are now or which hereafter may be levied or imposed, together with any and all penalties and interest thereon, and generally upon faithful compliance with the provisions of the fuel tax and local option tax laws of the state. The licensee shall be the principal obligor, and the state shall be the obligee. An assigned time deposit or irrevocable letter of credit may be accepted in lieu of a surety bond.

(2) In the event that liability upon the bond thus filed with the department is discharged or reduced, whether by judgment rendered, payment made, or otherwise, or if in the opinion of the department any surety on the bond theretofore given has become unsatisfactory or unacceptable, then the department may require a new bond with satisfactory sureties in the same amount, failing which the department shall forthwith cancel the license. If such new bond is furnished as above provided, the department shall cancel and surrender the bond of the person for which such new bond is substituted.

(3) In the event that the department decides that the amount of the existing bond is insufficient to ensure payment to the state of the amount of the tax and any penalties and interest for which the person is or may at any time become liable, then that person shall forthwith, upon the written demand of the department, file additional bond in the same manner and form with like security thereon as hereinbefore provided, and the department shall forthwith cancel the license of anyone failing to file an additional bond as herein provided.

(4) Any surety on any bond furnished by a person, as above provided, shall be released and discharged from any and all liability to the state accruing on such bond after the expiration of 60 days from the date upon which such surety has filed with the department written request to be released and discharged. However, such request shall not operate to relieve, release, or discharge such surety from any liability already accrued, or which shall accrue, before the expiration of the 60-day period. The department shall, promptly on receipt of notice of such request, notify the licensee who furnished the bond, and, unless the licensee on or before the expiration of the 60-day period files with the department a new bond with a surety company satisfactory to the department in the amount and form hereinbefore in this section provided, the department shall forthwith cancel the license. If the new bond is furnished as above provided, the department shall cancel and surrender the bond of the licensee for which the new bond is provided.

History.—s. 3, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(64); s. 1, ch. 57-78; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 1, ch. 63-299; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 3, ch. 77-149; s. 54, ch. 78-95; s. 9, ch. 83-3; s. 1, ch. 83-137; s. 1, ch. 83-138; s. 83, ch. 85-342; s. 73, ch. 87-99; s. 1, ch. 92-184; s. 7, ch. 95-417; s. 14, ch. 2020-10.

¹Note.—Section 32, ch. 2020-10, provides that:

“(1) The Department of Revenue is authorized, and all conditions are deemed met, to adopt emergency rules pursuant to s. 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, for the purpose of implementing the amendments made by this act to ss. 206.05, 206.8741, 206.90, 212.05, 213.21, and 220.1105, Florida Statutes, and the creation of ss. 212.134 and 212.181, Florida Statutes, by this act. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, emergency rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are effective for 6 months after adoption and may be renewed during the pendency of procedures to adopt permanent rules addressing the subject of the emergency rules.

“(2) This section shall take effect upon this act becoming a law and expires July 1, 2023.”

Note.—Former s. 207.06.

206.051 Importer and exporter; credit authorization and bonding requirements.—

(1) Prior to being licensed, an importer must establish credit worthiness with the department. This shall be accomplished by posting a bond equivalent to 60 days’ tax liability or by making a cash deposit or providing an irrevocable letter of credit in that amount. An importer shall then be authorized to import fuels and remit taxes directly to the state as provided in this part up to the amount of credit so established. Before an importer’s liability may exceed its established credit limit, the importer shall make a tax deposit, by electronic funds transfer to the department, in an amount equal to its current tax liability, or provide the department with additional security as provided by this section. Any importer who fails to timely remit taxes and supply sufficient credit as required by this section shall be prohibited from importing untaxed fuel into this state.

(2) Prior to each importation of taxable motor or diesel fuels upon which tax has not been charged by the supplier, an importer must notify the department and obtain an import authorization number which shall be recorded by the importer on the shipping papers.

(3) Prior to being licensed, an exporter must post a bond with the department equal to 3 times the total state and local option taxes that would be due if sold for highway use in Florida, based on the average monthly number of gallons of motor and diesel fuel to be exported, subject to the maximum bonding restrictions for motor fuels in s. 206.05 and diesel fuels in s. 206.90. To the extent that a taxpayer already has established a bond under those sections, only an amount necessary to comply with this section will be required.

(4) A licensed exporter shall be authorized to take a credit on its monthly fuel tax return or apply for a refund of all state fuel tax and local option fuel tax paid on fuel exported from the state in compliance with this section. To establish the right to refund, an exporter shall provide a copy of the return filed in the destination state showing the import of all fuels claimed for refund. The department shall, absent any violation, authorize a refund based on the information submitted.

(5) Any exporter filing a false refund claim or claiming a false credit shall be prohibited from making future refund or credit claims for taxes paid on motor fuels exported from this state for a period of not less than 12 months. A false claim for credit or refund shall be a basis for license revocation.

History.—s. 8, ch. 95-417.

206.052 Export of tax-free fuels.—

(1) A licensed exporter may purchase from a terminal supplier at a terminal taxable motor fuels for export from this state without paying the tax imposed pursuant to this part only under the following circumstances:

(a) The exporter has designated to the terminal supplier the destination for delivery of the fuel to a location outside the state;

(b) The exporter is licensed in the state of destination and has supplied the terminal supplier with that license number;

(d) The terminal supplier collects and remits to the state of destination all taxes imposed on said fuel by the destination state.

(2) A terminal supplier may purchase taxable motor fuels from another terminal supplier at a terminal without paying the tax imposed pursuant to this part only under the following circumstances:

(a) The terminal supplier who purchased the motor fuel will sell the motor fuel to a licensed exporter for immediate export from the state.

(b) The terminal supplier who purchased the motor fuel has designated to the terminal supplier who sold the motor fuel the destination for delivery of the fuel to a location outside the state.

(c) The terminal supplier who purchased the motor fuel is licensed in the state of destination and has supplied the terminal supplier who sold the motor fuel with that license number.

(d) The licensed exporter has not been barred from making tax-free exports by the department for violation of s. 206.051(5).

(e) The terminal supplier who sold the motor fuel to the other terminal supplier collects and remits to the state of destination all taxes imposed by the destination state on the fuel.

(3) A licensed exporter shall not divert for sale or use in this state any fuel designated to a destination outside this state without first obtaining a diversion number from the department as specified in s. 206.416(1)(b) and manually recording that number on the shipping paper prior to diversion of fuel for sale or use in this state.

History.—s. 9, ch. 95-417; s. 31, ch. 2003-254; s. 27, ch. 2018-118.

206.054 Payment of taxes by importers.—

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this part, the taxes imposed on the importation of motor fuel and taxable diesel fuel by this chapter on net gallons imported from another state shall be paid by the licensed importer who has imported such nonexempt motor or diesel fuel. The taxes shall be due to the state on the first day of the month following the month in which the taxable importation occurred as provided in s. 206.43. Nothing in this part shall provide an importer with an exemption privilege. Importers must pay taxes when billed by the terminal supplier on purchases of Florida destination fuels. A licensed importer may qualify and be authorized by the department to remit taxes to its supplier pursuant to s. 206.43(5).

(2) The department may license an out-of-state terminal supplier to precollect and remit the taxes imposed by this chapter with respect to taxable motor fuel and diesel fuel imported from a terminal outside this state in the same manner and at the same time as taxes would arise and be paid under this chapter if the taxable motor and diesel fuel had been sold or removed from storage at a terminal in this state. The sales record shall reflect the taxes collected, total number of net gallons, and the destination state. The state of destination shall also be printed on the shipping papers, a copy of which must remain with the carrier during transport. A terminal supplier shall bill the taxes imposed by this chapter on all Florida destination sales.

(3) The taxes imposed by this chapter on use of taxable motor or diesel fuels which are imported into this state other than by a bulk transfer shall be due at the time the product enters into the state and shall be measured by invoiced net gallons received outside this state at a refinery, terminal, or bulk plant for delivery to a destination in this state.

(4) The department may, upon written notification, require any terminal supplier, wholesaler, or importer to make a direct payment of taxes due on purchases from a terminal supplier who has failed to file a proper return and remit the taxes due. The department may require a wholesaler not licensed as an importer to obtain an importer’s license to continue purchasing from the terminal supplier.

History.—s. 10, ch. 95-417.

206.055 Departmental powers; cancellation of licenses; surrender of bond; interstate enforcement agreements.—

(1) If a terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler at any time:

(a) Knowingly files a false monthly report of the data or information required by the provisions of this chapter;

(b) Fails, refuses, or neglects to file the monthly report required by such laws;

(c) Fails to pay the fuel taxes as required by part I or part II of this chapter or the local option tax required under this chapter and the laws of the state; or

(d) Knowingly files a false claim for refund or credit of fuel tax;

the department may cancel the license of the terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler.

(2) The department may cancel any license hitherto or hereafter issued to any such person if it ascertains and finds that the person to whom such license has been issued is no longer engaged in such business and has not been so engaged for the period of 6 months immediately preceding such cancellation; but no license shall be canceled upon the request of any person until and unless the person has, prior to the date of such cancellation, paid to the state all fuel taxes payable under the laws of the state, together with any and all penalties, interest, and fines accruing by reason of any failure on the part of said person to make accurate reports as required by the fuel tax laws of Florida or to pay said taxes, interest, and penalties. In the event that any license is canceled by the department as provided in this section, and in the further event that the licensee shall have paid to the state all fuel taxes due and payable by it under the laws of this state, together with any and all penalties and interest accruing by reason of any failure on the part of the licensee to make accurate reports or to pay said tax, interest, and penalties, the department shall cancel and surrender the bond held on file by the department.

(3) The department is authorized, with the consent of another jurisdiction of the United States whose cooperation is needed, to enforce this chapter in that jurisdiction, either directly or, at the option of that jurisdiction, by entering into an agreement with its agencies, officers, and employees.

History.—s. 4, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(65); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 54, ch. 78-95; s. 87, ch. 81-259; s. 84, ch. 85-342; s. 11, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.07.

206.06 Estimate of amount of fuel taxes due and unpaid.—

(1) Whenever any terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler neglects or refuses to make and file any report for any calendar month, as required by the fuel tax laws of this state, or files an incorrect or fraudulent report, or is in default in the payment of any fuel taxes and penalties thereon payable under the laws of this state, the department shall, from any information it may be able to obtain from its office or elsewhere, estimate the number of gallons of motor fuel with respect to which the terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler has become liable for taxes under the fuel tax laws of this state and the amount of taxes due and payable thereon, to which sum shall be added a penalty and interest as provided in s. 206.44.

(2) In any action or proceeding for the collection of the fuel tax and any penalties or interest imposed in connection therewith, an assessment by the department of the amount of the tax due and interest or penalties due to the state shall constitute prima facie evidence of the claim of the state, and the burden of proof shall be upon the terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler to show that the assessment was incorrect or contrary to law.

(3) If any terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler fails to make a complete report, including all schedules, the department shall add, in addition to any other penalty or interest due, a penalty in the amount of $200.

History.—ss. 5, 24, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(66), (84); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 3, ch. 84-329; s. 85, ch. 85-342; s. 9, ch. 92-320; s. 12, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.08.

206.07 Suits for collection of unpaid taxes.—

(1) Upon demand of the department, the Department of Legal Affairs or any state attorney of any judicial circuit shall bring appropriate actions in the name of the state, or in the name of the Department of Revenue in the capacity of its office, for the recovery of the above-mentioned taxes, penalties, and interest, and judgment shall be rendered for the amount so found to be due together with costs. However, if it shall be found as a fact that such failure to pay was willful on the part of any terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler, judgment shall be rendered for double the amount of the tax found to be due with costs. The department may employ an attorney at law to institute and prosecute proper proceedings to enforce payment of the fuel taxes provided for by the laws of this state and the penalties and interest provided for by part I or part II of this chapter and to fix the compensation for the services of said attorney at law.

(2) Any seller and purchaser convicted of conspiring to defraud the state of any tax imposed under this chapter may be held liable for the tax and any penalty and interest due on such tax.

History.—s. 5, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(66); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 11, 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 88, ch. 81-259; s. 86, ch. 85-342; s. 75, ch. 87-99; s. 14, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.09.

206.075 Department’s warrant for collection of unpaid taxes.—

(1) Upon the determination and assessment of the amount of unpaid taxes and penalties due, the department may issue a warrant, under its official seal, directed to the sheriff of any county of the state, commanding said sheriff to levy upon and sell the goods and chattels of such person found within the sheriff’s jurisdiction for the payment of the amount of such delinquency, with the added penalties and interest and the cost of executing the warrant and conducting the sale, and to return such warrant to the department and pay the department the money collected by virtue thereof. However, any surplus resulting from said sale after all payments of costs, penalties, and delinquent taxes have been made shall be returned to the person in default. If there is jeopardy to the revenue and jeopardy is asserted in or with an assessment, the department shall proceed in the manner specified for jeopardy assessment in s. 213.732.

(2) The sheriff to whom any such warrant shall be directed shall proceed upon the same in all respects to and with like effect and in the same manner (with the exceptions herein noted) as prescribed by law in respect to executions issued against goods and chattels upon judgments by the several circuit courts.

(3) In the event there shall be a contest or claim of any kind with reference to the property levied upon or the amount of taxes, costs, or penalties due, such contest or claim shall be tried in the circuit court in and for the county in which the warrant was executed as nearly as may be in the same manner and means as such contest or claim would have been tried in such court had the warrant originally issued upon a judgment rendered by said court. The warrant issued as aforesaid shall constitute prima facie evidence of the amount of taxes, interest, and penalties due to the state by the licensee, and the burden of proof shall be upon the licensee to show that the amounts or penalties were incorrect.

(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed as forfeiting or waiving any rights to collect such taxes, interest, or penalties by an action upon any bond that may be filed with the department under the provisions of part I or part II of this chapter or by suit or otherwise; and in case such suit, action, or other proceeding is instituted for the collection of the tax, such suit, action, or other proceeding shall not be construed as waiving any other right herein provided. Any civil proceeding under part I or part II of this chapter shall not be construed as a waiver or estoppel in any criminal proceeding against such person under part I or part II of this chapter.

History.—s. 24, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(84); s. 7, ch. 22858, 1945; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 89, ch. 81-259; s. 87, ch. 85-342; s. 10, ch. 92-315; s. 1064, ch. 95-147; s. 15, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.10.

206.08 Reports from persons who do not purchase tax-free motor fuel.—

(1) Every person purchasing or otherwise acquiring motor fuel in tank car, truck, or cargo lots and selling the same for delivery in Florida who is not required by the provisions of part I or part II of this chapter to be licensed under s. 206.02 or by the laws of Florida to make reports shall file a statement setting forth:

(a) The name under which such person is transacting business within the state;

(b) The location with street number address of such person’s principal office or place of business within the state; and

(c) The name and address of the owner or the names and addresses of the partners, if such person is a partnership, or the principal officers, if such person is a corporation or association.

(2) On or before the 20th day of each calendar month, such person shall, on forms prescribed by the department, report to the department all purchases or other acquisition and sales or other disposition of motor fuel during the preceding calendar month, giving a record of each tank car, truck, or cargo lot delivered to a point within Florida. Such report shall set forth:

(a) The name and license number of the person from whom each tank car, truck, or cargo lot was purchased or otherwise acquired;

(b) The point of shipment;

(d) The point of delivery;

(e) The date of shipment;

(f) The name and license number of the carrier, the initials and number of the car, and the number of gallons contained in the tank car, if shipped by rail;

(g) The name and owner of the boat, barge, or vessel and the number of gallons contained therein, if shipped by water;

(h) The name and license number of the owner of the truck and the number of gallons contained in such truck, if shipped by truck; and

(i) Any other additional information the department may require relative to such motor fuel.

(3) If any person required to file under this section fails to make a complete report, the department shall impose, in addition to any other penalty or interest due, a penalty in the amount of $200.

History.—s. 6, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(67); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 90, ch. 81-259; s. 88, ch. 85-342; s. 10, ch. 92-320; s. 16, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.11.

206.09 Reports from carriers transporting motor fuel or similar products.—

(1) Every railroad company, pipeline company, water transportation company, private carrier, and common carrier transporting motor fuel, casinghead gasoline, natural gasoline, naphtha, or diesel fuel distillate, either in interstate or intrastate or foreign commerce, to points within Florida, and every person transporting motor fuel, casinghead gasoline, natural gasoline, naphtha, or diesel fuel distillate, by whatever manner, to a point in Florida from any point outside of said state, shall file monthly returns setting forth:

(a) The name under which such person is transacting business within the state.

(b) The location with street number address of such person’s principal office or place of business within the state.

(c) The name, federal employer identification number or, if such number is not available, the social security number, and business address of the owner or the names and addresses of the partners, if such person is a partnership, or the principal officers, if such person is a corporation or association.

(2) Such person or company shall report under oath to the department on forms prescribed by the department all deliveries of motor fuel, casinghead gasoline, natural gasoline, naphtha, or diesel fuel distillate so made to points within the state.

(3) Such reports shall cover monthly periods and be submitted within 20 days after the close of the month covered by the report and shall show:

(a) The name, federal employer identification number or, if such number is not available, the social security number, and complete business address of the person to whom the deliveries of motor fuel, casinghead gasoline, natural gasoline, naphtha, or diesel fuel distillate have actually and in fact been made;

(b) The name, federal employer identification number or, if such number is not available, the social security number, and complete business address of the originally named consignee, if motor fuel, casinghead gasoline, natural gasoline, naphtha, or diesel fuel distillate has been delivered to any person other than the originally named consignee;

(c) The municipality and state of origin, the municipality, county, and state of delivery, the date of delivery, and the number and initials of each tank car and the number of gallons contained therein, if shipped by rail;

(d) The name of the boat, barge, or vessel and the number of gallons contained therein, if shipped by water;

(e) The company unit number of each tank truck and the number of gallons contained therein, if transported by motor truck;

(f) If delivered by other means, the manner in which such delivery is made; and

(g) Such other additional information relative to shipments of motor fuel as the department may require.

(4) The department is authorized to suspend the reporting requirements of this section if substantially the same data is filed with the Internal Revenue Service and provided to the department through a national information reporting system.

(5) If any such person or company required to file under this section fails to make a complete report, the department shall impose, in addition to any other penalty or interest due, a penalty in the amount of $200.

(6) All moneys derived from the penalties imposed by this section shall be deposited into the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund and allocated in the same manner as provided by s. 206.875.

History.—s. 7, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(68); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 89, ch. 85-342; s. 55, ch. 87-99; s. 49, ch. 87-224; s. 11, ch. 92-320; s. 17, ch. 95-417; s. 11, ch. 2000-355; s. 7, ch. 2005-280.

Note.—Former s. 207.13.

206.095 Reports from terminal operators.—

(1) Every terminal operator who stores, handles, or transfers motor fuel, casinghead gasoline, natural gasoline, naphtha, diesel fuel, kerosene, or other middle distillates shall file a report on forms prescribed by the department. The report shall be filed on a monthly basis within 20 days after the close of the month covered by the report and shall show:

(a) The name, address, and license number of the terminal supplier, importer, or exporter storing or transferring such product.

(b) The name of the boat, barge, or vessel transporting the product to the terminal.

(d) Such other additional information relative to shipments and storage of products as the department may require.

(2) The department is authorized to suspend the reporting requirements of this section if substantially the same data is filed with the Internal Revenue Service and provided to the department through a national information reporting system.

(3) If any terminal operator fails to make a complete report, the department shall impose, in addition to any other penalty and interest due, a penalty in the amount of $100.

(4) All moneys derived from the penalties imposed by this section shall be deposited into the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund and allocated in the same manner as provided by s. 206.875.

History.—s. 90, ch. 85-342; s. 18, ch. 95-417; s. 6, ch. 96-323; s. 12, ch. 2000-355; s. 8, ch. 2005-280.

206.10 Reports to be filed whether taxes due or not.—All statements or reports required by part I or part II of this chapter and the fuel tax laws of this state to be made to the department monthly shall be filed each month, regardless of whether or not a fuel tax is due under the provisions of the laws of Florida.

History.—s. 17, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(78); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 91, ch. 81-259; s. 19, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.14.

206.11 Penalties.—

(1) Any false or fraudulent statement or report submitted under the fuel tax laws of this state and sworn to by a person knowing same to be false or fraudulent shall constitute perjury, and, upon conviction thereof, the person so convicted shall be punished as provided by law for conviction of perjury under s. 837.012.

(2) Any person:

(a) Who willfully refuses or neglects to make any statement, report, or return required by the provisions of this law;

(b) Who knowingly makes, or assists any other person in making, a false statement in a return or report or in connection with an application for refund of any tax;

(c) Who knowingly collects, or attempts to collect or causes to be paid to that person or to any other person, either directly or indirectly, any refund of such tax without being entitled to the same; or

(d) Who violates any of the provisions of part I or part II of this chapter, a penalty for which is not otherwise provided,

is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084; and, in addition thereto, the department may revoke or suspend the license of any violator. Each day or part thereof during which any person engages in business without being the holder of an uncanceled license as provided by part I or part II of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense within the meaning of this section. In addition to the penalty imposed by part I or part II of this chapter, the defendant shall be required to pay all fuel taxes, interest, and penalties due to the state. The penalties provided in this section shall be in addition to those provided for in s. 206.44.

History.—s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 115, ch. 71-136; s. 92, ch. 81-259; s. 91, ch. 85-342; s. 72, ch. 87-6; s. 1065, ch. 95-147; s. 20, ch. 95-417; s. 34, ch. 2020-2.

206.12 Retention of records; all persons that purchase, import, export, use, sell, or store motor fuel.—

(1) Each person shall maintain and keep such record of motor fuel received, used, transferred, sold, and delivered within this state by such person, together with invoices, bills of lading, and other pertinent records and papers, as may be required by the department for the reasonable administration of the motor fuel tax laws of this state. Records shall include all import and export documentation, all records necessary to provide evidence of exemptions claimed as a result of use, sale, or export, or through the sale, use, or storage of diesel fuels exempted for meeting dyeing requirements in part II. Each licensee or any other person who purchases, imports, exports, stores, sells, or uses motor fuel shall preserve such records as long as required by s. 213.35. This section shall not apply to noncommercial retail purchases of tax-paid fuel in quantities of 100 gallons or less. All purchases made by commercial and agricultural users shall be covered by this section.

(2) If any person required to maintain records by this chapter does not have adequate records of sales, use, imports, exports, transfers, exchanges, loans, or purchases, the department shall advise the person as to the adequacy of the records, and test or make a reasonable examination of the person’s available records or other available information relating to the sales or purchases made by such person for a representative period. This subsection does not affect the duty of the terminal supplier, terminal operator, importer, exporter, wholesaler, or dealer to collect, or the liability of any person to pay, any tax imposed by this part. The department shall provide the person with information concerning the method and extent of the test or reasonable examination.

(3) If the records of a person are adequate but voluminous in nature and substance, the department may use a representative sample of such records and estimate the audit findings derived therefrom for the entire audit period. The department must first make a good faith effort to reach an agreement with the person which provides for the means and methods to be used in the examination process. In the event that no agreement is reached, the person is entitled to a review by the executive director or the appropriate designee.

History.—s. 8, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(69), 7794(7); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1, ch. 80-104; s. 92, ch. 85-342; s. 7, ch. 88-119; s. 92, ch. 90-136; s. 3, ch. 90-351; s. 21, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.16.

206.13 Refund or credit of taxes erroneously paid or illegally collected.—When any taxes, interest, or penalties imposed by part I or part II of this chapter have been erroneously paid or illegally collected, the department may permit the terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler within 1 year to take credit against a subsequent tax report for the amount of the erroneous or illegal amount overpaid, or such person may apply for refund as provided by s. 215.26.

History.—s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 39, ch. 71-355; s. 93, ch. 81-259; s. 2, ch. 83-137; s. 93, ch. 85-342; s. 22, ch. 95-417.

206.14 Inspection of records; audits; hearings; forms; rules and regulations.—

(1) The department shall have the authority to prescribe all forms upon which reports shall be made to it and any other forms required for the proper administration of this law and shall prescribe and publish all rules and regulations for the enforcement of this part, which rules and regulations shall have the force and effect of law.

(2)(a) The department or any authorized deputy, employee, or agent is authorized to audit and examine the records, books, papers, and equipment of terminal suppliers, importers, exporters, or wholesalers, retail dealers, terminal operators, or all private and common carriers to verify the truth and accuracy of any statement or report and ascertain whether or not the tax imposed by this law has been paid. No prior written notification is necessary. In addition to making all records available to the department to determine the accuracy of tax payments to the state and suppliers, all persons, including retail dealers, wholesalers, importers, exporters, terminal suppliers, and end users with storage other than the fuel tank of a highway vehicle, shall make available to the department, during normal business hours, records disclosing all receipts, sales, inventory records, fuel payments, and tax payment information. These records shall cover all transactions within the last 3 complete calendar months and shall be made available within 3 business days of the department’s request. The department may correct by credit or refund any overpayment of tax, penalty, or interest revealed by an audit or examination and shall make assessment of any deficiency in tax, penalty, or interest determined to be due.

(b) Any person who fails to provide the records required by this section shall, in addition to all other penalties, be subject to a fine of $5,000.

(3) The department or any of its duly authorized agents shall have the power in the enforcement of the provisions of this part to hold hearings, administer oaths to witnesses, and take sworn testimony of any person and cause it to be transcribed into writing; and for such purposes the department is authorized to issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum, compel the attendance of witnesses and records, and conduct such investigations as it may deem necessary.

(4) If any person unreasonably refuses access to such records, books, papers or other documents, or equipment, or if any person fails or refuses to obey such subpoenas duces tecum or to testify, except for lawful reasons, before the department or any of its authorized agents, the department shall certify the names and facts to the clerk of the circuit court of any county; and the circuit court shall enter such order against such person in the premises as the enforcement of this law and justice requires.

(5) In any action or proceeding for the collection of the tax and penalties or interest imposed in connection therewith, an assessment by the department of the amount of the tax, penalties, or interest due shall be prima facie evidence of the claim of the state, and the burden of proof shall be upon the person charged to show the assessment was incorrect and contrary to law.

(6) All moneys derived from the penalties imposed by this section shall be deposited into the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund and allocated in the same manner as provided by s. 206.875.

History.—s. 9, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(70); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 31, ch. 74-382; s. 3, ch. 83-137; s. 94, ch. 85-342; s. 23, ch. 95-417; s. 12, ch. 2003-254; s. 9, ch. 2005-280.

Note.—Former s. 207.17.

206.15 Fuel taxes a lien on property.—If any person liable for the fuel tax imposed by law neglects or refuses to pay it, the amount of the tax (including any interest, penalty, or addition to the tax, with any cost that may accrue in addition thereto) shall be a lien in favor of the state upon all franchises, property, and rights to property, whether real or personal, then belonging to, or thereafter acquired by, the person, (whether the property is employed by the person in the prosecution of business or is in the hands of an assignee, trustee, or receiver for the benefit of creditors) from the date the taxes are due and payable. The lien shall have priority over any lien or encumbrance whatsoever except the lien of other state taxes having priority by law, and except that the lien shall not be valid as against any bona fide mortgagee, pledgee, judgment creditor, or purchaser whose rights have attached before the time when the department has filed claim of lien in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the county where the principal place of business of the person is located or, if the person has no principal place of business in the state, in the office of the Department of State (for which no filing fee shall be required). The lien shall continue until the amount of the tax, with any penalties and interest subsequently accruing, is paid or the tax is barred under chapter 95. The department may issue a certificate of release of lien when the amount of the tax, with any penalties and interest subsequently accruing thereon, has been satisfied by the person, and the person may record it with the clerk of the circuit court of the county where the claim of lien was filed.

History.—s. 10, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(71); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 32, ch. 74-382; s. 24, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.18.

206.16 Officer selling property.—

(1) No sheriff, receiver, assignee, general or special magistrate, or other officer shall sell the property or franchise of any person for failure to pay fuel taxes, penalties, or interest without first filing with the department a statement containing the following information:

(a) The name of the plaintiff or party at whose instance or upon whose account the sale is made;

(b) The name of the person whose property or franchise is to be sold;

(d) The nature of the property and the location of the same.

(2) The department, after receiving notice as aforesaid, shall furnish to the sheriff, receiver, trustee, assignee, general or special magistrate, or other officer having charge of the sale a certified copy or copies of all fuel taxes, penalties, and interest on file in the office of the department as liens against such person, and, in the event there are no such liens, a certificate showing that fact, which certified copies or copy of certificate shall be publicly read by such officer at and immediately before the sale of the property or franchise of such person.

History.—s. 10, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(71); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 25, ch. 95-417; s. 73, ch. 2004-11.

Note.—Former s. 207.19.

206.17 Department to furnish certificates of liens.—The department shall furnish to any person applying therefor a certificate showing the amount of all liens for fuel tax, penalties, and interest that may be of record in the files of the department against any person under the provisions of this part.

History.—s. 10, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(71); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 26, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.20.

206.175 Foreclosure of liens.—The department may file an action in the name of the state to foreclose the liens provided for herein. The procedure shall be the same as the procedure for foreclosure of mortgages on real estate. A certificate of the department setting forth the amount of fuel taxes due shall be prima facie evidence of the matter therein contained. The action may be instituted at any time after the lien becomes effective and before it is barred under chapter 95. The title to the land conveyed by such deed shall be indefeasible as to all parties defendant in the action.

History.—s. 10, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(71); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 33, ch. 74-382; s. 27, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.21.

206.18 Discontinuance or transfer of business; liability of tax, procedure; penalty for violation.—

(1) Whenever a person ceases to engage in business as a terminal supplier, importer, exporter, or wholesaler within the state by reason of the discontinuance, sale, or transfer of the business, such person shall notify the department in writing at least 10 days prior to the time the discontinuance, sale, or transfer takes effect. Such notice shall give the date of discontinuance and, in the event of a sale or transfer of the business, the date thereof and the name and address of the purchaser or transferee. All fuel taxes, penalties, and interest not due and payable under the provisions of the laws of this state shall, notwithstanding such provisions, become due and payable concurrently with such discontinuance, sale, or transfer; and any such person shall, concurrently with such discontinuance, sale, or transfer, make a report, pay all such taxes, interest, and penalties, and surrender to the department the license certificate theretofore issued to said person by the department.

(2) Unless the above notice shall have been given to the department as above provided, such purchaser or transferee shall be liable to the state for the amount of all taxes, penalties, and interest under the laws of Florida accrued against any such person selling or transferring his or her business on the date of such sale or transfer, but only to the extent of the value of the property and business thereby acquired from such person.

(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as releasing the person so transferring or discontinuing his or her business from liability for any fuel taxes or for any interest or penalty due under the fuel tax laws.

(4) In the event any dealer is delinquent in the payment of the tax herein provided for, the department may give notice of the amount of such delinquency by registered mail to all persons having in their possession or under their control any credits or other personal property belonging to such dealer or owing any debts to such dealer at the time of receipt by them of such notice. All persons so notified shall within 5 days after receipt of the notice advise the department of all such credits, other personal property, or debts in their possession, under their control, or owing by them. After receiving the notice, the persons so notified shall neither transfer nor make any other disposition of the credits, other personal property, or debts in their possession or under their control at the time they receive the notice until the department consents to a transfer or disposition or until 60 days elapse after the receipt of the notice, whichever period expires earlier, except that the credits, other personal property, or debts which exceed the delinquent amount stipulated in the notice shall not be subject to the provisions of this section, wherever held, in any case in which such dealer does not have a prior history of tax delinquencies. All persons notified shall likewise within 5 days advise the department of any subsequent credits or other personal property belonging to such dealer or any debts incurred and owing to such dealer which may come within their possession or under their control during the time prescribed by the notice or until the department consents to a transfer or disposition, whichever expires earlier. If such notice seeks to prevent transfer or other disposition of a deposit in a bank or other credits or personal property in the possession or under the control of a bank, the notice to be effective shall be delivered or mailed to the office of such bank, at which such deposit is carried or at which such credits or personal property is held. If, during the effective period of the notice to withhold, any person so notified makes any transfer or disposition of the property or debts required to be withheld hereunder, he or she shall be liable to the state for any indebtedness due under this chapter from the person with respect to whose obligation the notice was given to the extent of the value of the property or the amount of the debts thus transferred or paid if, solely by reason of such transfer or disposition, the state is unable to recover the indebtedness of the person with respect to whose obligation the notice was given. All such credits or other personal property or debts are subject to garnishment by the department for satisfaction of the delinquent tax due.

(5) Any violation of the provisions of this section is a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.—s. 11, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(72), 7794(8); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 95, ch. 85-342; s. 73, ch. 87-6; s. 44, ch. 87-101; s. 50, ch. 87-224; s. 1066, ch. 95-147; s. 28, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.22.

206.199 Transportation of motor fuel by pipeline or marine vessel.—

(1) Every person engaged in the business of transporting motor fuel by pipeline, marine vessel, or barge to a storage facility in this state from a point either within or outside this state or between facilities in this state shall have in his or her possession an invoice or delivery ticket, bill of sale, or other record evidence showing the true name and address of the person from whom he or she has received the motor fuel, the number of gallons so originally received by him or her from said person, the true name and address, including state of destination, of every person to whom he or she has made deliveries of said motor fuel, the number of gallons so delivered to each of said persons, and the destination address of the undelivered gallons. The person hauling, transporting, or conveying such motor fuel shall, at the request of any person authorized by law to inquire into or investigate said matters, produce and offer for inspection said invoice or delivery ticket, bill of sale, or record evidence. If the person fails to produce the invoice or delivery ticket, bill of sale, or record evidence, or if, when produced, it fails clearly to disclose said information, the same shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.

(2) Any person engaged in the business activity of transporting fuel by pipeline or marine vessel with an origin or destination in this state either as a private or common carrier or for his or her own account shall maintain records disclosing all receipts and deliveries of motor fuel products enumerated in subsection (1). Records shall include terminal location or receiving point of origin, federal employer identification numbers of the fuel owner, the shipper and the consignee, the volume and type of fuel transported, the complete address of delivery destination, and the date of delivery.

History.—s. 29, ch. 95-417.

206.20 Transportation of motor fuel over public highways.—

(1) Every person hauling, transporting, or conveying motor fuel over any of the public highways of this state must, during the entire time he or she is so engaged, have in his or her possession an invoice or delivery ticket, bill of sale, or other record evidence showing the true name and address of the person from whom he or she has received the motor fuel, the number of gallons so originally received by him or her from said person, the true name and address, including state of destination, of every person to whom he or she has made deliveries of said motor fuel, and the number of gallons so delivered to each of said persons, and the destination address of the undelivered gallons. The person hauling, transporting, or conveying such motor fuel shall, at the request of any person required by law to inquire into or investigate said matters, produce and offer for inspection said invoice or delivery ticket, bill of sale, or record evidence. If the person fails to produce the invoice or delivery ticket, bill of sale, or record evidence, or if, when produced, it fails clearly to disclose said information, the same shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.

(2) Any person engaged in the business activity of transporting fuel over public highways as a private or common carrier or for his or her own account shall maintain records disclosing all receipts and deliveries of fuel products enumerated in subsection (1). Records shall include terminal location or receiving point of origin, federal employer identification numbers of the fuel owner, the shipper and the consignee, the volume and type of fuel transported, the complete address of delivery destination, the date and time of pickup and delivery and, for all imports of untaxed fuel, the import authorization number required by this part.

(3) The provisions of this section shall not apply to vehicles transporting motor fuel not in excess of 200 gallons contained in the fuel tank of such vehicle provided for the carrying of motor fuel for propelling same, which motor fuel is to be used solely for the motive power of such vehicle, to vehicles transporting motor fuel in quantities of not more than 5 gallons for emergency purposes, or to motor fuel being transported by common carrier in railroad cars.

(4) Except as authorized by this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to transport or cause to be transported any taxable motor or diesel fuels, other than through bulk transfer, within this state, upon which the tax imposed by this part has not been paid, including all fuels removed from bulk storage through a loading rack.

(5) The department may authorize a licensed importer to transport untaxed fuel if all credit requirements set forth in s. 206.051 have been met.

(6) Transportation of fuel by common carrier from a point outside the state to a destination outside the state in interstate or foreign commerce shall not constitute a violation of this section.

(7) Any person who violates this section commits a first degree misdemeanor, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083; and, in addition, the department may revoke or cancel the license of such person.

History.—s. 13, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(74), 7794(9); s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1067, ch. 95-147; s. 30, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.24.

206.204 Transportation of motor fuel by boats over the navigable waters of this state.—

(1) Every person hauling, transporting, or conveying motor fuel over any of the navigable waters of this state must, during the entire time so engaged, have in his or her possession an invoice or bill of sale or other record evidence showing the true name and address of the person from whom he or she has received said motor fuel and the true name and address of every person or persons to whom he or she has made or is making deliveries of same, and the number of gallons (that is, a person hauling, transporting, or conveying said motor fuel must have in his or her possession record evidence of the name and address of the person from whom he or she has received the same, and also of the name and address of the person to whom he or she has delivered or is going to deliver the same, and the number of gallons). The person hauling, transporting, or conveying said motor fuel shall at the request of any person authorized by law to inquire into or investigate said matters, produce and offer for inspection the invoice or bill of sale or other record evidence. If the person fails to produce the invoice or bill of sale or other record evidence, or if, when produced, it fails to clearly disclose said information, the same shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.

(2) Any person engaged in the business activity of transporting fuel over the navigable waters of this state as a private or common carrier or for his or her own account shall maintain records disclosing all receipts and deliveries of motor fuel products enumerated in subsection (1). Records shall include:

(a) The terminal location or receiving point of origin.

(b) The federal employer identification numbers of the fuel owner, the shipper, and the consignee.

(d) The complete address of delivery destination.

(e) The date and time of pickup and delivery.

Importers of untaxed motor fuel shall also include the import authorization number required by this part.

(3) No person shall haul, transport, or convey motor fuel in boats over any of the navigable waters of the state, except in boats plainly and visibly marked on both sides and above the waterline thereof with the word “gasoline” or other name of the motor fuel being transported, in letters at least 4 inches high and of corresponding appropriate width, together with the name and address of the owner of the boat in which such motor fuel is contained.

(4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to boats transporting motor fuel to be used solely for their own motive power.

History.—s. 14, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(75), 7794(10); s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1068, ch. 95-147; s. 31, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.25.

206.205 Forfeiture of vehicles and boats illegally transporting or delivering motor fuel.—

(1) The right of property in and to all conveyances, boats, and other vehicles of transportation, and all tanks and other equipment used in connection therewith, employed in the illegal transportation or delivery of motor fuel in this state for the purpose of illegally evading or avoiding any fuel tax provided or imposed by the laws of this state, and all other personal property that may have been used by any person for the purpose of illegally evading or avoiding any such tax, or which may have been used to facilitate the illegal evasion or avoidance of any such tax, is declared not to exist in any person, and the same shall be forfeited. The department, its authorized agents, and the several sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, and police officers of municipalities shall seize any and all such things; and the same shall be safely kept by the sheriff of the county until disposed of as provided by law. Every conveyance, boat, and other vehicle of transportation, and all tanks and other equipment used in connection therewith, as hereinabove described shall be seized and may be forfeited as provided by the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act. All other personal property shall be seized and forfeited as provided by this section.

(2) Any person who violates s. 206.199, s. 206.20, or s. 206.204, or who fails to obtain a license as a carrier and report as required by this chapter, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, and such person shall be subject to the forfeiture provisions of this section.

(3) The sheriff of the county, within 10 days after the receipt of any such things, shall make and subscribe to an affidavit in writing before some officer authorized by law to administer an oath, reciting such seizure, with the date, place, and things seized, giving a reasonably full description thereof, the name of the alleged owner and person from whose possession same were taken, if either or both be known to such sheriff, and a short statement of the circumstances under which said property was being used for the purpose of illegally evading or avoiding, or had been used for the purpose of illegally evading or avoiding, any fuel tax provided or imposed by the laws of this state.

(4) Within 10 days after the receipt of such things by the sheriff, the sheriff shall present such affidavit to the judge of the circuit court of the county where such things were seized, and the circuit judge of said court shall direct that such sheriff shall serve written notice upon such owner and person from whose possession such things were taken, if known, and if he or she, it, or they be within the county, of time and place of the hearing upon such affidavit, which may be in term time or in vacation, and at any place within the judicial circuit as the circuit judge may fix, which notice shall be signed by the circuit judge citing such person to appear and show cause, if any, why such things should not be adjudged forfeited and disposed of as in this section provided.

(5) If such sheriff shall recite in his or her affidavit that such things were not taken from the possession of any person, or that the owner is unknown, or that either of such persons is without the county, conceals himself or herself or themselves, or that personal service of such notice cannot be made by such sheriff for any good reason, the circuit judge shall by written order direct that, in lieu of personal notice of such hearing to any such person, written notice of such hearing shall be posted at the county courthouse door, directed to all persons interested in such things and giving notice of such seizure and of the date and place thereof and a reasonable description of the things seized, and of the time and place of the hearing upon such affidavit, which notice shall be signed by the circuit judge.

(6) If at the time and place provided for the hearing upon such affidavit no person shall appear and claim such things, the affidavit of the sheriff shall stand as confessed and taken as true, and the recitals therein contained shall not thereafter be open to question in any other court or proceeding; and the circuit judge shall thereupon make an order in writing directing the sale thereof.

(7) Such sale shall be in the presence of the clerk of the circuit court of the county and at such times and places and in such manner as the judge shall in his or her order direct.

History.—s. 16, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(77); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 20, ch. 73-334; s. 5, ch. 74-385; s. 5, ch. 80-68; s. 1069, ch. 95-147; s. 32, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.27.

206.21 Trial of issues interposed by defense; sale, etc.—

(1) Should any person appear at the hearing provided for in s. 206.205 and claim the things seized and interpose any defense to the affidavit mentioned in said section, the circuit judge shall determine whether the evidence adduced proves beyond a reasonable doubt that such things are forfeited and make his or her written order accordingly. If the judge shall determine in the affirmative, such things shall be sold by the sheriff in the same manner and upon the same terms and conditions as provided in s. 206.205, but if the judge shall determine in the negative respecting all or any of such things, the part not forfeited shall be returned to the person legally entitled thereto.

(2) The hearing before the circuit judge shall be informal, and he or she may make all rules and orders to carry this section into effect. The sheriff may call upon the state attorney to assist him or her in preparing the affidavit herein mentioned and represent the sheriff at the hearing before the circuit judge, and in taking and perfecting any appeal from the final decision of the circuit judge.

(3) The state, the sheriff, or the claimant who is dissatisfied with the decision may appeal from the final decision of the court to the appropriate district court of appeal in the same manner and within the time as appeals in chancery are taken under the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, and upon such appeal being entered such circuit judge shall cause to be reduced to writing and authenticate with the judge’s signature all oral evidence considered by the judge upon such hearing, and the same shall be filed with the papers in the case and thereby become a part of the record proper.

(4) If authorized by the State Constitution, appeal may be taken to the Supreme Court. No appeal taken by any party shall operate as a supersedeas, but such things shall remain in the custody of the sheriff pending such appeal and to abide the final decision of the appellate court.

History.—s. 16, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(77); s. 20, ch. 63-559; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 20, ch. 73-334; s. 1070, ch. 95-147.

Note.—Former s. 207.28.

206.215 Costs and expenses of proceedings.—

(1) For the performance of the duties required of the sheriff by the provisions of ss. 206.205 and 206.21 he or she shall receive the same fees provided by law for the arrest and return of persons charged with crime, including the same mileage and the actual cost of transporting such things, and all such fees and compensations shall be paid out of the proceeds of the sale.

(2) The clerks of the courts performing duties under the provisions aforesaid shall receive the same fees as prescribed by the general law for the performance of similar duties, and witnesses attending any investigation pursuant to subpoena shall receive the same mileage and per diem as if attending as a witness before the circuit court.

(3) All fees and costs provided for shall be paid from the proceeds of the sale, or if there be no sale or if the proceeds of such sale be insufficient to meet such fees and costs then such fees and costs shall be paid out of the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund or other funds available for the enforcement of the fuel tax laws by the department.

(4) In the event the proceeds of the sale are more than sufficient to pay all costs and fees attending the sale, then the surplus thereof shall be sent to the department to be disposed of as provided for the disposition of the taxes collected under the fuel tax laws of the state; provided, however, that any property seized under s. 206.205 against which there is existing a mortgage lien or retain title contract held by a person who has no knowledge that such property is being used for the purpose of illegally evading or avoiding the payment of the fuel taxes provided for under the laws of the state, then such seizure shall not invalidate such lien or retain title contract, but the same shall be paid out of any funds derived from a sale of said property, provided the retain titleholder or mortgagee shall within 30 days after seizure come into court and set up his or her claim to such retained title lien or mortgage.

History.—s. 16, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(77); s. 2, ch. 61-119; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1071, ch. 95-147; s. 33, ch. 95-417; s. 12, ch. 2013-25.

Note.—Former s. 207.29.

206.22 Restraining and enjoining violations.—Any person who violates any of the provisions of this part or who fails to pay fuel taxes and all interest and penalties due by him or her to the state under the provisions of the laws of this state may be restrained and enjoined in a suit or other proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction instituted in the name of the state by the Department of Legal Affairs or by any state attorney at the direction of the department from selling, consuming, using, distributing, or transporting any motor fuel which is taxable under the laws of this state until such person shall have paid all of said taxes, interest, and penalties due the state and complied with the provisions of this part. Any proceeding instituted under this section shall not operate as a bar to the prosecution of any person guilty of violating any of the criminal laws of the state.

History.—s. 19, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(80); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 11, 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1072, ch. 95-147; s. 34, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.30.

206.23 Tax; must be stated separately.—

(1) Any person engaged in selling motor fuel shall add the amount of the fuel tax to the price of the motor fuel sold by him or her and shall state the tax separately from the price of the motor fuel on all invoices. All taxes due pursuant to this part shall be separately stated and identified as Florida fuel tax and as a local option fuel tax imposed by a specific county, as applicable. However, this section shall not apply to retail sales by a retail service station.

(2) A person engaged in any activity taxable under this chapter may not advertise or hold out to the public, in any manner, directly or indirectly, that he or she will absorb all or any part of the tax, or that he or she will relieve the purchaser of the payment of all or any part of the tax, or that the tax will not be added to the selling price of the property or services sold or released or, when added, that it or any part thereof will be refunded either directly or indirectly by any method whatsoever. A person who violates this provision with respect to advertising or refund commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A second or subsequent offense constitutes a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(3) Any person who has purchased, received, or otherwise acquired motor fuel for sale, use, or storage outside a terminal facility in this state who cannot prove that tax was charged by and paid to his or her supplier shall be liable for the payment to the department of tax, penalty, and interest imposed pursuant to this part on such fuel.

History.—s. 22, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(82); s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 97, ch. 85-342; s. 1073, ch. 95-147; s. 35, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.31.

206.24 Department and agents may make arrests, seize property, and execute warrants.—

(1) The department and its deputies, agents, and employees may make arrests without warrants for any violation of the provisions of this part. Any person arrested for violation of any provision of this part shall be surrendered without delay to the sheriff of the county in which the arrest was made and formal complaint made against him or her, in accordance with law.

(2) The department and its deputies, agents, and employees also may seize property as set out in ss. 206.205, 206.21, and 206.215, and upon said seizure being made shall surrender without delay such seized property to the sheriff of the county where said property was seized for further procedure as set out in said sections.

(3) When the department deems advisable, it may direct the warrant provided for in s. 206.075 to one of the said department’s deputies, agents, and employees who shall then execute said warrant and proceed thereon in the same manner provided for sheriffs in such cases.

History.—s. 25, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(85); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1074, ch. 95-147.

Note.—Former s. 207.32.

206.25 Method for collection of tax cumulative.—The methods and means of effecting and enforcing the collection of fuel taxes as set out in this part shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the methods and means of effecting and enforcing collection set out in the fuel tax laws of Florida.

History.—s. 28, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(87); s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 36, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.33.

206.27 Records and files as public records.—

(1) The records and files in the office of the department appertaining to parts I and II of this chapter shall be available in Tallahassee to the public at any time during business hours. The department shall prepare and make available a list each month of all current licensed terminal suppliers, importers, exporters, and wholesalers which also shall include all new licenses issued and all licenses canceled during the past 12 months. Such list shall be used to verify license numbers of purchasers issuing exemption certificates or affidavits.

(2) Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the department to provide as a public record any information concerning audits in progress or those records and files of the department described in this section which are currently the subject of pending investigation by the Department of Revenue or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is specifically provided that the foregoing information shall be exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and shall be considered confidential pursuant to s. 213.053; however, the department may make available to the executive director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or his or her designee, exclusively for official purposes in administering chapter 207, any information concerning any audit in progress, and the provisions of s. 213.053(8) requiring a written agreement and maintenance of confidentiality by the recipient, and the penalty for breach of confidentiality, shall apply if the department makes such information available. Any officer, employee, or former officer or employee of the department who divulges any such information in any manner except for such official purposes or under s. 213.053 is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.—s. 21, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(81); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 98, ch. 85-342; s. 28, ch. 86-152; s. 76, ch. 87-99; s. 27, ch. 88-119; s. 44, ch. 90-360; s. 236, ch. 91-224; s. 37, ch. 95-417; s. 58, ch. 96-406; s. 3, ch. 97-54; s. 2, ch. 2005-140; s. 10, ch. 2005-280; s. 3, ch. 2006-85.

Note.—Former s. 207.36.

206.28 Exchange of information among the states.—The department shall, upon request duly received from the officials to whom are entrusted the enforcement of the fuel tax laws of any other state, forward to such officials any information which it may have in its possession relative to the manufacture, receipt, sale, use, transportation, or shipment by any person of motor fuel.

History.—s. 21, ch. 16082, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(81); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 38, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 207.37.

206.404 License requirements for retail dealers and resellers; penalty.—

(1)(a) It is unlawful to engage in the business of selling motor or diesel fuel at retail without first obtaining the license required by this section.

(b) It is unlawful to engage in the business of reselling tax-paid fuel to retailers or end users without first obtaining the license required by this section.

(c) Every person engaging in the business of selling motor or diesel fuel at retail or engaging in business as a reseller shall, prior to engaging in business, register with the department pursuant to chapter 212.

(d) No license shall be transferred.

(e) Each business location shall have a separate license.

(f) Each application shall include the federal employer identification number or, if such number is not available, the social security number of the applicant and the Department of Environmental Protection storage tank facility number.

(g) Each applicant shall declare his or her primary business activity as either the sale of motor fuel at retail, the sale of diesel fuel at retail, or acting as a reseller.

(h) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(2)(a) Each person required to be licensed by this section shall maintain all records required under s. 206.12 and shall make those records available to the department for inspection or audit upon request.

(b) Any person required to register under this section who fails to make records available to the department within the time specified in s. 206.12 commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, and the department shall estimate such person’s tax liability and make a jeopardy assessment for the estimated tax due. In addition to any estimated tax, delinquency penalty, and interest found to be due, the licensee shall be subject to a civil penalty of $500 and the department shall revoke such person’s registration under chapter 212.

(3) Any retail dealer or reseller in violation of the provisions of this chapter or the provisions of the Florida Motor Fuel Tax Relief Act of 2004 shall be subject to revocation of his or her license under chapter 212.

History.—s. 1, ch. 15659, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(16); s. 1, ch. 20303, 1941; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 2, ch. 75-286; s. 99, ch. 85-342; s. 31, ch. 86-152; s. 39, ch. 95-417; s. 7, ch. 96-323; s. 10, ch. 2004-73.

Note.—Former s. 208.01.

206.41 State taxes imposed on motor fuel.—

(1) The following taxes are imposed on motor fuel under the circumstances described in subsection (6):

(a) An excise or license tax of 2 cents per net gallon, which is the tax as levied by s. 16, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended, and continued by s. 9(c), Art. XII of the 1968 State Constitution, as amended, which is therein referred to as the “second gas tax,” and which is hereby designated the “constitutional fuel tax.”

(b) An additional tax of 1 cent per net gallon, which is designated as the “county fuel tax” and which shall be used for the purposes described in s. 206.60.

(c) An additional tax of 1 cent per net gallon, which is designated as the “municipal fuel tax” and which shall be used for the purposes described in s. 206.605.

(d) An additional tax of 1 cent per net gallon may be imposed by each county on motor fuel, which shall be designated as the “ninth-cent fuel tax.” This tax shall be levied and used as provided in s. 336.021.

(e) An additional tax of between 1 cent and 11 cents per net gallon may be imposed on motor fuel by each county, which shall be designated as the “local option fuel tax.” This tax shall be levied and used as provided in s. 336.025.

(f)1. An additional tax designated as the State Comprehensive Enhanced Transportation System Tax is imposed on each net gallon of motor fuel in each county. This tax shall be levied and used as provided in s. 206.608.

2. The rate of the tax in each county shall be equal to two-thirds of the lesser of the sum of the taxes imposed on motor fuel pursuant to paragraphs (d) and (e) in such county or 6 cents, rounded to the nearest tenth of a cent.

3. Beginning January 1, 1992, and on January 1 of each year thereafter, the tax rate provided in subparagraph 2. shall be adjusted by the percentage change in the average of the Consumer Price Index issued by the United States Department of Labor for the most recent 12-month period ending September 30, compared to the base year average, which is the average for the 12-month period ending September 30, 1990, and rounded to the nearest tenth of a cent.

4. The department shall notify each terminal supplier, position holder, wholesaler, and importer of the tax rate applicable under this paragraph for the 12-month period beginning January 1.

(g)1. An additional tax is imposed on each net gallon of motor fuel, which tax is on the privilege of selling motor fuel and which is designated the “fuel sales tax,” at a rate determined pursuant to this paragraph. Before January 1 of 1997, and of each year thereafter, the department shall determine the tax rate applicable to the sale of fuel for the forthcoming 12-month period beginning January 1, rounded to the nearest tenth of a cent, by adjusting the initially established tax rate of 6.9 cents per gallon by the percentage change in the average of the Consumer Price Index issued by the United States Department of Labor for the most recent 12-month period ending September 30, compared to the base year average, which is the average for the 12-month period ending September 30, 1989. However, the tax rate shall not be lower than 6.9 cents per gallon.

2. The department is authorized to adopt rules and adopt such forms as may be necessary for the administration of this paragraph.

3. The department shall notify each terminal supplier, position holder, wholesaler, and importer of the tax rate applicable under this paragraph for the 12-month period beginning January 1.

(h) An additional 0.125 cents per net gallon is levied on all motor fuel for sale or use in this state for the purpose of defraying the expenses incident to inspecting, testing, and analyzing motor fuel in this state. All moneys collected pursuant to this paragraph shall be deposited into the State Treasury. Such moneys shall be distributed monthly into the General Inspection Trust Fund.

(2) Revenues from these taxes become state funds at the time of collection by the terminal supplier, importer, or wholesaler, who shall act as agent for the state in the collection of such taxes whether he or she is the ultimate seller or not. For purposes of this chapter, the term “first sale” or “first removal” shall be the net amount of motor fuel pumped from the loading rack. The term “first sale” does not include exchanges or loans, gallon-for-gallon, of motor fuel between licensed terminal suppliers before the fuel has been sold or removed through the loading rack or transfers between terminal facilities owned by the same taxpayer. The tax on motor fuel first imported into this state by a licensed terminal supplier storing such fuel in a terminal facility shall be imposed when the product is first removed through the loading rack. The tax shall be remitted by the licensed terminal supplier who owned the motor fuel immediately prior to removal of such fuel from storage.

(3) Motor fuel contained in the fuel tanks of any motor vehicle entering this state and used to propel such motor vehicle into Florida from another state shall be exempt from the taxes imposed by this part. Motor fuel supplied by a vehicle manufacturer and contained in the fuel tanks of a new and untitled motor vehicle shall be exempt from the taxes imposed by this part. “Fuel tanks” shall mean the reservoir or receptacle attached to the motor vehicle by the manufacturer as the container for fuel used to propel the vehicle.

(4)(a) Nothing in this part shall be construed to change the legal incidence of the tax and the right to a refund by a qualifying ultimate consumer. The legal incidence of the tax shall be on the ultimate consumer; however, the tax shall be precollected for administrative convenience prior to the sale to the ultimate consumer.

(b) Any person who uses motor fuel on which the taxes imposed by paragraph (1)(e), paragraph (1)(f), or paragraph (1)(g) have been paid for any system of mass public transportation authorized to operate within any city, town, municipality, county, or transit authority region in this state, as distinguished from any over-the-road or charter system of public transportation, is entitled to a refund of such taxes. However, such transit system shall be entitled to take a credit on the monthly diesel fuel tax return not to exceed the tax imposed under said paragraphs on those gallons which would otherwise be eligible for refund, when such transit system is licensed as a mass transit system. A public transportation system or transit system as defined in this paragraph may operate outside its limits when such operation is found necessary to adequately and efficiently provide mass public transportation services for the city, town, or municipality involved. A transit system as defined in this paragraph includes demand service that is an integral part of a city, town, municipality, county, or transit or transportation authority system but does not include independent taxicab or limousine operations. The terms “city,” “county,” and “authority” as used in this paragraph include any city, town, municipality, county, or transit or transportation authority organized in this state by virtue of any general or special law enacted by the Legislature.

(c)1. Any person who uses any motor fuel for agricultural, aquacultural, commercial fishing, or commercial aviation purposes on which fuel the tax imposed by paragraph (1)(e), paragraph (1)(f), or paragraph (1)(g) has been paid is entitled to a refund of such tax.

2. For the purposes of this paragraph, “agricultural and aquacultural purposes” means motor fuel used in any tractor, vehicle, or other farm equipment which is used exclusively on a farm or for processing farm products on the farm, and no part of which fuel is used in any vehicle or equipment driven or operated upon the public highways of this state. This restriction does not apply to the movement of a farm vehicle, farm equipment, citrus harvesting equipment, or citrus fruit loaders between farms. The transporting of bees by water and the operating of equipment used in the apiary of a beekeeper shall be also deemed an agricultural purpose.

3. For the purposes of this paragraph, “commercial fishing and aquacultural purposes” means motor fuel used in the operation of boats, vessels, or equipment used exclusively for the taking of fish, crayfish, oysters, shrimp, or sponges from salt or fresh waters under the jurisdiction of the state for resale to the public, and no part of which fuel is used in any vehicle or equipment driven or operated upon the highways of this state; however, the term may in no way be construed to include fuel used for sport or pleasure fishing.

4. For the purposes of this paragraph, “commercial aviation purposes” means motor fuel used in the operation of aviation ground support vehicles or equipment, no part of which fuel is used in any vehicle or equipment driven or operated upon the public highways of this state.

(d) The portion of the tax imposed by paragraph (1)(g) which results from the collection of such taxes paid by a municipality or county on motor fuel or diesel fuel for use in a motor vehicle operated by it shall be returned to the governing body of such municipality or county for the construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of roads and streets within the municipality or county. A municipality or county, when licensed as a local government user, shall be entitled to take a credit on the monthly diesel fuel tax return not to exceed the tax imposed under paragraphs (1)(b) and (g) on those gallons which would otherwise be eligible for refund.

(e)1. The portion of the tax imposed by paragraph (1)(g) which results from the collection of such tax paid by a school district or a private contractor operating school buses for a school district or by a nonpublic school on motor fuel or diesel fuel for use in a motor vehicle operated by such district, private contractor, or nonpublic school shall be returned to the governing body of such school district or to such nonpublic school. A school district, when licensed as a local government user, shall be entitled to take a credit on the monthly diesel fuel tax return not to exceed the tax imposed under paragraphs (1)(b) and (g) on those gallons which would otherwise be eligible for refund.

2. Funds returned to school districts shall be used to fund construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of roads and streets within the school district required as a result of the construction of new schools or the renovation of existing schools. The school board shall select the projects to be funded; however, the first priority shall be given to projects required as the result of the construction of new schools, unless a waiver is granted by the affected county or municipal government. Funds returned to nonpublic schools shall be used for transportation-related purposes.

(5)(a)1. This subsection applies to administration of the refunds provided for by subsection (4). To procure a permit, a person must file with the department an application, on forms furnished by the department, stating that he or she is entitled to a refund according to the provisions of subsection (4) and that he or she intends to file an application for refund for a calendar quarter during the current calendar year, and must furnish the department such other information as the department requests.

2. No person may in any event be allowed a refund unless he or she has filed the application provided for in subparagraph 1. with the department. A permit shall be effective for the year issued by the department and shall be continuous from year to year so long as the permitholder files refund claims from year to year. In the event the permitholder fails to file a claim for any year, he or she must apply for a new permit.

3. If an applicant for a refund permit has violated any provision of this subsection or any regulation pursuant hereto; or has been convicted of bribery, theft, or false swearing within the period of 5 years preceding the application; or if the department has evidence of the financial irresponsibility of the applicant, the department may require the applicant to execute a corporate surety bond of $1,000 to be approved by the department, conditioned upon the payment of all taxes, penalties, and fines for which such applicant may become liable.

(b)1. When motor fuel or diesel fuel is sold to a person who claims to be entitled to a refund under subsection (4), the seller of such motor fuel or diesel fuel shall make out a sales invoice, which shall contain the following information:

a. The name, post office address, and residence address of the purchaser.

b. The number of gallons purchased.

c. The date on which the purchase was made.

d. The price paid for the motor fuel or diesel fuel.

e. The name and place of business of the seller of the motor fuel or diesel fuel.

f. The license number, or other identification number, of the motor vehicle or boat of the purchaser.

g. The Department of Environmental Protection storage tank facility identification number for the seller’s location, if the location is required to be registered in accordance with s. 376.303.

2. The sales invoice shall be retained by the purchaser until the department’s power to issue an assessment with respect to such tax has terminated pursuant to s. 95.091(3). In lieu of original sales invoices, a purchaser may submit a detailed schedule of individual transactions which includes the information required by subparagraph 1. along with the refund application. No refund will be allowed unless the seller has executed such an invoice and unless proof of payment of the taxes for which the refund is claimed can be provided to the department upon request. The department may refuse to grant a refund in whole or in part if the schedule or an invoice is incomplete and fails to contain the full information required in this paragraph.

3. No person may execute a sales invoice, as described in subparagraph 1., except a terminal supplier, importer, exporter, wholesaler, reseller, or retail dealer.

4. When motor fuel or diesel fuel is sold by a retail dealer to a person who claims to be entitled to a refund under subsection (4), a detailed schedule of individual purchase transactions including names, addresses, Department of Environmental Protection storage tank facility identification number of the station, date of purchase, invoice number, and number of gallons purchased may be provided the department by the permitted refund applicant in lieu of the original invoices.

5. Notwithstanding provisions of this paragraph to the contrary, refunds to a school district for fuel consumed by school buses operated for the district by private contractors shall be based on an estimate of taxes paid. The estimate shall be determined quarterly by dividing the total miles traveled by such vehicles for school purposes by their average miles per gallon, as determined by the department, and multiplying the result by the applicable tax rate per gallon. It is the responsibility of the school district to provide information relevant to this determination.

(c)1. No refund may be authorized unless a sworn application therefor containing such information as the department may determine is filed with the department not later than the last day of the month following the quarter for which the refund is claimed. However, when a justified excuse for late filing is presented to the department and the last preceding claim was filed on time, the deadline for filing may be extended an additional month. No refund will be authorized unless the amount due is for $5 or more for any refund period and unless application is made upon forms prescribed by the department.

2. Claims made for refunds provided pursuant to subsection (4) shall be paid quarterly.

(d) The right to receive any refund under the provisions of this subsection is not assignable, except to the executor or administrator, or to the receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, or assignee in an insolvency proceeding, of the person entitled to the refund.

(e)1. Each terminal supplier, importer, blender, exporter, or wholesaler shall, in accordance with the requirements of the department, keep at his or her principal place of business in this state or at the bulk plant where the sale is made a complete record of or duplicate sales tickets for all motor fuel or diesel fuel sold by him or her for which a refund provided in this section may be claimed, which records must give the date of each such sale, the number of gallons sold, the name of the person to whom sold, and the sale price. A terminal supplier, importer, blender, exporter, or wholesaler, or his or her agent or employee, may not acknowledge or assist in the preparation of any false or fraudulent claim for tax refund. Any terminal supplier, importer, blender, exporter, or wholesaler, or his or her agent or employee, that has knowledge or should have had knowledge that a refund is false or fraudulent shall in addition to other penalties be jointly liable with the refund recipient to the state for the tax improperly refunded.

2. Every person to whom a refund permit has been issued under this subsection shall, in accordance with the requirements of the department, keep at his or her residence or principal place of business in this state a record of each purchase of motor fuel or diesel fuel from a terminal supplier, importer, blender, exporter, or wholesaler, or his or her authorized agent; the number of gallons purchased; the name of the seller; the date of the purchase; and the sale price.

3. The records required to be kept under this paragraph are subject, at all reasonable hours, to audit or inspection by the department or by any person duly authorized by the department. Such records shall be preserved and may not be destroyed until the period specified in s. 215.26(2) has elapsed.

4. The department shall keep a permanent record of the amount of refund claimed and paid to each claimant. Such records are open to public inspection.

(f) Agents of the department are authorized to go upon the premises of any permitholder or terminal supplier, importer, blender, exporter, or wholesaler, or duly authorized agent thereof, to make inspection to ascertain any matter connected with the operation of this subsection or the enforcement hereof. However, no agent may enter the dwelling of any person without the consent of the occupant or authority from a court of competent jurisdiction.

(g) If any taxes are refunded erroneously, the department shall advise the payee by registered mail of the erroneous refund. If the payee fails to reimburse the state within 15 days after the receipt of the letter, an action may be instituted by the department against such payee in the circuit court, and the department shall recover from the payee the amount of the erroneous refund plus a penalty of 25 percent.

(h) No person shall:

1. Knowingly make a false or fraudulent statement in an application for a refund permit or in an application for a refund of any taxes under this section;

2. Fraudulently obtain a refund of such taxes;

3. Knowingly aid or assist in making any such false or fraudulent statement or claim; or

4. Buy motor fuel or diesel fuel to be used for any purpose other than as provided in subsection (4).

(i) The refund permit of any person who violates any provision of this subsection shall be revoked by the department and may not be reissued until 2 years have elapsed from the date of such revocation. The refund permit of any person who violates any other provision of this chapter may be suspended by the department for any period, in its discretion, not exceeding 6 months.

(j) The department shall prescribe a permit form which shall be used to secure refunds under this subsection.

(6) Unless otherwise provided for by this chapter, the taxes specified in subsection (1) are imposed on all of the following:

(a) The removal of motor fuel in this state from a terminal if the motor fuel is removed at the rack.

(b) The removal of motor fuel in this state from any refinery if either of the following applies:

1. The removal is by bulk transfer and the owner of the motor fuel immediately before the removal is not a licensed terminal supplier; or

2. The removal is at the refinery rack.

(c) The entry of motor fuel into this state for sale, consumption, use, or warehousing if either of the following applies:

1. The entry is by bulk transfer and the enterer is not licensed as a terminal supplier or importer; or

2. The entry is not by bulk transfer.

(d) The removal of motor fuel in this state to an unregistered person, unless there was a prior taxable removal, entry, or sale of the motor fuel.

(e) The removal or sale of blended motor fuel in this state by the blender thereof. The number of gallons of blended motor fuel subject to tax is the difference between the total number of gallons of blended motor fuel removed or sold and the number of gallons of previously taxed motor fuel used to produce the blended motor fuel.

History.—s. 9, ch. 7905, 1919; s. 3, ch. 10134, 1925; CGL 3965; s. 1, ch. 15659, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(16); s. 1, ch. 18298, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 1167(29a); s. 1, ch. 20303, 1941; s. 1, ch. 24176, 1947; s. 2, ch. 57-162; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 18, ch. 69-216; s. 1, ch. 70-342; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 3, ch. 75-286; s. 97, ch. 81-259; s. 11, ch. 83-3; s. 102, ch. 85-342; s. 38, ch. 86-152; s. 56, ch. 87-99; s. 3, ch. 91-82; s. 3, ch. 92-184; s. 74, ch. 92-291; s. 5, ch. 95-146; s. 1075, ch. 95-147; ss. 40, 135, ch. 95-417; s. 8, ch. 96-323; s. 4, ch. 97-54; s. 1, ch. 2007-31; s. 2, ch. 2012-83; s. 7, ch. 2012-174; s. 1, ch. 2013-251; s. 15, ch. 2017-36.

Note.—Former s. 208.04; paragraph (1)(h) former s. 525.09(1).

206.413 Liability for tax; interstate agreement; penalties.—

(1) The person liable for payment of the taxes imposed by s. 206.41 shall be as follows:

(a) Every position holder shall pay taxes on the removal of motor fuel from a terminal as described by s. 206.41. In an exchange agreement between two licensed terminal suppliers, the receiving party shall be liable as the position holder if the receiving party is identified to the terminal operator by the delivering party.

(b) Every terminal supplier shall pay taxes on the removal of motor fuel from a refinery as specified by s. 206.41.

(d) Any person that produces blended motor fuel outside the bulk transfer or terminal system shall pay taxes as provided for by s. 206.41.

(e) Any person using motor fuel upon which the tax required by s. 206.41 has not been paid and which is not exempted by this part is liable for the backup tax imposed by s. 206.873.

(f) The seller of motor fuel is jointly and severally liable for the backup tax imposed by s. 206.873 if the seller knows or has reason to know that the motor fuel will be used in any nonexempt use.

(g) The terminal operator is jointly and severally liable for the taxes imposed by s. 206.41 if:

1. The position holder with respect to the motor fuel is a person other than the terminal operator and is not a terminal supplier; or

2. The terminal operator has not met the conditions specified under paragraph (h).

(h) A terminal operator is not liable for taxes imposed by s. 206.41 if at the time of the removal all the following apply:

1. The terminal operator is a terminal supplier.

2. The terminal operator has an unexpired notification certificate from the position holder as required by the Internal Revenue Service.

3. The terminal operator has no reason to believe that any information in the certificate is false.

(2) A licensed terminal supplier who is a position holder in a terminal located outside of this state or a seller transferring ownership of motor fuel outside of this state destined for this state agrees to be subject to the laws of this state and comply with the provisions of this chapter in the same manner as if the motor fuel were withdrawn from a terminal in this state or the transfer of ownership occurred in this state.

(3)(a) Any person who willfully evades or attempts to evade or defeat the payment of the fuel taxes imposed by this part shall be penalized in the amount of $10 for every gallon of motor fuel involved or $1,000, whichever is greater, for the first offense. The penalty shall increase with subsequent violations by multiplying the penalty amount by the number of prior violations. The penalty applies in any of the following circumstances:

1. If any motor fuel is sold or held for sale by any person for any use that is taxable and such person knows or has reason to know that the taxes due under this part have not been paid to the state, and that person fails to pay the taxes due directly to the state.

2. If any motor fuel is held for use or used by any person for a use other than a nontaxable use and such person knew, or had reason to know, that the taxes due under this part have not been paid to the state, and that person fails to pay the taxes due directly to the state.

3. If any person willfully, with intent to evade tax, alters sales or shipping documents or collects and fails to remit any taxes due under this part.

(b) Any business entity and each officer, employee, or agent of the entity who willfully participated in any act giving rise to the penalty is jointly and severally liable with the entity for the penalty.

History.—s. 5, ch. 97-54.

206.414 Collection of certain taxes; prohibited credits and refunds.—

(1) Notwithstanding s. 206.41, which requires the collection of taxes due when motor fuel is removed through the terminal loading rack, the taxes imposed by s. 206.41(1)(d), (e), and (f) shall be collected in the following manner:

(a) Prior to January 1 each year the department shall determine the minimum amount of taxes to be imposed by s. 206.41(1)(d), (e), and (f) in any county.

(b) The minimum tax imposed by s. 206.41(1)(d), (e), and (f) shall be collected in the same manner as the taxes imposed under s. 206.41(1)(a), (b), and (c); at the point of removal through the terminal loading rack; or as provided in paragraph (c). All taxes collected, refunded, or credited shall be distributed based on the current applied period.

(c) The taxes imposed by s. 206.41(1)(d), (e), and (f) above the annual minimum shall be collected and remitted by licensed wholesalers and terminal suppliers upon each sale, delivery, or consignment to retail dealers, resellers, and end users.

(2) Terminal suppliers and wholesalers shall not collect the taxes imposed by s. 206.41(1)(d), (e), and (f) above the annual minimum established in this section on authorized exchanges and sales to terminal suppliers, wholesalers, and importers.

(3) Terminal suppliers, wholesalers, and importers shall not pay the taxes imposed by s. 206.41(1)(d), (e), and (f) above the annual minimum established in this section to their suppliers. There shall be no credit or refund for any of the taxes imposed by s. 206.41(1)(d), (e), and (f) above the annual minimum established in this section paid by a terminal supplier, wholesaler, or importer to any supplier.

History.—s. 41, ch. 95-417; s. 6, ch. 97-54; s. 13, ch. 2003-254; s. 28, ch. 2014-17.

206.416 Change in state destination.—

(1)(a) A terminal supplier or position holder may sell motor or diesel fuel, other than by bulk transfer, a portion of which fuel is destined for sale or use in this state and a portion of which fuel is destined for sale or use in another state or states. However, such sale shall be documented by the terminal supplier or position holder by issuing shipping papers designating the state of destination for each portion of the fuel.

(b) A licensed terminal supplier, wholesaler, importer, or exporter who intends to sell or use motor fuel in this state which was purchased pursuant to shipping papers bearing an out-of-state destination shall obtain a diversion number issued by the department which shall be manually recorded by the terminal supplier, wholesaler, importer, or exporter on the shipping paper prior to importing the fuel into this state. The terminal supplier, wholesaler, importer, or exporter is liable for reporting and remitting all applicable taxes on fuel with the return required pursuant to s. 206.43.

(c) If a wholesaler or exporter diverts to this state, within 3 consecutive months, more than six loads of fuel which were originally destined for allocation outside the state, the wholesaler or exporter must register as an importer within 30 days after such diversion. A wholesaler or exporter who violates this paragraph is subject to the penalties prescribed under ss. 206.413 and 206.872.

(2)(a) Any person who owns or possesses motor fuel in this state bearing an out-of-state destination on the shipping paper as to which a diversion number has not been issued by the department and manually recorded on the shipping paper, and who cannot prove that the tax imposed under the part has been paid, shall be subject to a specific penalty of $1 per gallon based on the maximum capacity of the product storage tank of the vehicle, plus all applicable taxes, penalties, and interest otherwise imposed under this part on said fuel.

(b) In order to seek relief from any penalty assessed under this subsection, a person may, through the informal protest procedure established under s. 213.21 and the rules of the department, provide the department with evidence that the error was made despite a good faith effort to properly account for and report fuel shipments and taxes. Evidence may include proof of a written or standing order documenting the correct destination placed prior to the shipment, or evidence that demonstrates that the error is not a continuing event.

History.—s. 42, ch. 95-417; s. 14, ch. 2003-254.

206.42 Aviation gasoline exempt from excise tax; rocket fuel.—

(1) Each and every dealer in aviation gasoline in the state by whatever name designated who purchases from any terminal supplier, importer, or wholesaler, and sells, aviation gasoline (A.S.T.M. specification D-910 or current specification), of such quality not adapted for use in ordinary motor vehicles, being designed for and sold and exclusively used for aircraft, is exempted from the payment of taxes levied under this part, but is subject to the tax levied under part III.

(2) A terminal supplier or wholesaler may be entitled to a refund of taxes paid under this chapter on all gallons of aviation motor fuel sold to aviation dealers monthly. A terminal supplier or wholesaler may instead of refund take credit for taxes paid on his or her monthly returns.

(3) All sales of aviation motor fuel must be in compliance with the requirements of parts I, II, and III of this chapter and chapter 212 to qualify for the exemption.

(4) Fuels of such quality not adapted for use in ordinary motor vehicles, being produced for and sold and exclusively used for space flight as defined in s. 212.02 are not subject to the tax pursuant to this part, parts II and III, and chapter 212.

History.—s. 1, ch. 16789, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(102); s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 13, ch. 83-3; s. 4, ch. 83-137; s. 103, ch. 85-342; s. 1, ch. 85-348; ss. 25, 61, ch. 89-300; s. 8, ch. 90-192; s. 1076, ch. 95-147; s. 43, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 208.05.

206.43 Terminal supplier, importer, exporter, blender, and wholesaler to report to department monthly; deduction.—The taxes levied and assessed as provided in this part shall be paid to the department monthly in the following manner:

(1)(a) Taxes are due on the first day of the succeeding month and shall be paid on or before the 20th day of each month. The terminal supplier, importer, exporter, blender, or wholesaler shall mail to the department verified reports on forms prescribed by the department and shall at the same time pay to the department the amount of tax computed to be due. However, if the 20th day falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a federal or state legal holiday, returns shall be accepted if postmarked on the next succeeding workday. The terminal supplier or importer shall deduct from the amount of tax shown by the report to be payable an amount equivalent to .2 percent of the tax on motor fuels imposed by s. 206.41(1)(a), (b), (c), and (g), which deduction is hereby allowed to the terminal supplier or importer on account of services and expenses in complying with the provisions of the law. The allowance on taxable gallons of motor fuel sold to persons licensed under this chapter shall not be deductible unless the terminal supplier or importer has allowed 50 percent of the allowance provided by this section to a purchaser with a valid wholesaler or terminal supplier license. However, this allowance shall not be deductible unless payment of the tax is made on or before the 20th day of the month as herein required. The United States post office date stamped on the envelope in which the report is submitted shall be considered as the date the report is received by the department. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize a deduction from the constitutional fuel tax or fuel sales tax.

(b) In addition to the allowance authorized by paragraph (a), every terminal supplier and wholesaler shall be entitled to a deduction of 1.1 percent of the tax imposed under s. 206.41(1)(d) and the first 6 cents of tax imposed under s. 206.41(1)(e), which deduction is hereby allowed on account of services and expenses in complying with the provisions of this part. This allowance shall not be deductible unless payment of the tax is made on or before the 20th day of the month as herein required.

(2) Such report may show in detail the number of gallons so sold and delivered by the terminal supplier, importer, exporter, blender, or wholesaler in the state, and the destination as to the county in the state to which the motor fuel was delivered for resale at retail or use shall be specified in the report. The total taxable gallons sold shall agree with the total gallons reported to the county destinations for resale at retail or use. All gallons of motor fuel sold shall be invoiced and shall name the county of destination for resale at retail or use.

(3) All terminal suppliers, importers, exporters, blenders, and wholesalers shall report monthly:

(a) The consumption of motor fuel by the licensee and the county or counties in which the gallons of motor fuel were consumed.

(b) All sales to the ultimate consumer and the county or counties to which the gallons of motor fuel were delivered.

(c) All sales to retail dealers and service stations and the county or counties to which the gallons of motor fuel were delivered.

(4) The taxes herein levied and assessed shall be in addition to any and all other taxes authorized, imposed, assessed, or levied on motor fuel under any laws of this state.

(5)(a) A licensed wholesaler may, after obtaining written consent of the executive director of the department, remit the taxes imposed by s. 206.41 to its supplier by electronic funds transfer or other approved methods, no later than the last business day prior to the 20th day of the succeeding month following the date of the transaction. Consent of the department shall be conditioned solely upon a wholesaler having a license currently in good standing and shall be subject to the bond required pursuant to s. 206.05(1).

(b) If a terminal supplier or position holder sells motor fuel to a licensed wholesaler with electronic funds transfer authority from the department and is unable to collect the taxes imposed pursuant to this part by the end of the last day of the succeeding month following the date of the transaction, the terminal supplier or position holder shall be entitled to a refund or credit of taxes which it has been unable to collect from the wholesaler and which were reported and remitted to the department on fuel sold to the wholesaler through the end of the last day of such succeeding month.

(c) A terminal supplier or position holder which is unable to collect the taxes imposed pursuant to this part from a licensed wholesaler by the 10th day after the funds are due pursuant to paragraph (a) shall immediately notify the department of the wholesaler’s failure to pay such taxes. The department shall immediately notify all terminal suppliers and position holders that any sales of motor fuel to the wholesaler after the last day of the month following the date of the transaction shall not qualify for the refund or credit provided under paragraph (b), until the wholesaler shall have paid the amount of all applicable tax, penalties, and interest due to the department on the transaction, in which event the department shall immediately notify all terminal suppliers and position holders that sales to the wholesaler will thereafter qualify for the refund or credit provided under paragraph (b).

(d) Any terminal supplier or position holder which fails to timely notify the department as required pursuant to paragraph (c) shall not be entitled to the refund or credit provided under paragraph (b). However, nothing contained in this section shall be construed to impose liability upon the terminal supplier or position holder for taxes due on fuel sold to the wholesaler by any other terminal supplier or position holder.

(6)(a) A licensed wholesaler shall self-accrue and remit to the department the tax on motor fuel imposed by s. 206.41(1)(d), (e), and (f) in accordance with subsections (1)-(3).

(b) All motor fuel local option taxes required to be returned pursuant to this section by a licensed wholesaler shall be reported to the department on a consolidated fuel tax return. A wholesaler may, in lieu of applying for a refund, take a credit against any motor fuel local option taxes due to the department on said return for any motor fuel taxes, including local option taxes, paid by the wholesaler on fuel subsequently sold by it in a transaction which is exempt from fuel tax or eligible for a refund of fuel tax under this chapter.

(c) A terminal supplier or wholesaler that has paid the tax required under s. 206.41(1)(d), (e), and (f) upon sales to a retail dealer or reseller may take credit for any unpaid tax due on worthless accounts within 12 months after the month the bad debt was written off for federal income tax purposes, if the debt for the fuel upon which the tax was paid was also written off and if the credit for taxes paid is limited to the sales of fuel and taxes remitted within the first 60 days of nonpayment, not to exceed 120 percent of the 60-day average based on the prior 12 months of business. Any taxes due on sales to retailers and resellers resulting in worthless accounts receivable following the first 60 days of nonpayment shall not be credited or refunded. If any accounts so charged off for which a credit or refund has been obtained are thereafter in whole or in part paid to the licensee, the amount so paid shall be included in the first return filed after such collection and the tax paid accordingly.

(7)(a) Any terminal supplier or wholesaler who inadvertently reports a sale or use of motor fuel in a county other than the county in which such sale or use occurred shall have the right, prior to being contacted by the department concerning such liability, to correct the reporting error by filing an amended return and paying the correct amount of tax due, plus any applicable interest due on the difference between the correct tax due and the amount of tax originally reported. However, interest shall not be due if the amended return is filed with the department on or before the due date of the next return. The terminal supplier or wholesaler shall be entitled to a credit or refund of the amount, if any, by which the amount of tax originally reported exceeds the correct tax due.

(b) Any terminal supplier or wholesaler who fails to correct a reporting error under the circumstances provided in paragraph (a) within 180 days after making the error and prior to any request made by the department to examine the records of the licensee shall be liable for all the additional taxes due, applicable delinquency penalty and interest, a specific penalty of 100 percent of the additional tax due, and an additional specific penalty, for improper reporting, of 10 percent of the tax due to any county without benefit of credit for taxes paid in error.

History.—s. 1, ch. 15659, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(16); s. 1, ch. 20303, 1941; s. 1, ch. 24308, 1947; s. 1, ch. 26796, 1951; s. 1, ch. 65-360; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1, ch. 72-65; s. 3, ch. 78-250; s. 14, ch. 83-3; s. 10, ch. 83-138; s. 106, ch. 85-342; s. 1078, ch. 95-147; s. 45, ch. 95-417; s. 9, ch. 96-323; s. 7, ch. 97-54; s. 8, ch. 2008-227; s. 2, ch. 2013-103.

Note.—Former s. 208.06.

206.44 Penalty and interest for failure to report on time; penalty and interest on tax deficiencies.—

(1) If any person fails to make a report or pay the taxes due as required by this chapter, the department shall add a penalty in the amount of 10 percent of any unpaid tax if the failure is for not more than 1 month, with an additional 10 percent of any unpaid tax for each additional month or fraction thereof during which the failure continues. However, such penalty may not exceed 50 percent in the aggregate of any unpaid tax. Furthermore, in no event may the penalty assessed be less than $10. The department shall collect the tax, together with the penalty and costs, in the same manner as other delinquent taxes are collected.

(2) Any payment that is not received by the department on or before the due date as provided in s. 206.43 shall bear interest at the rate of 1 percent per month, from the date due until paid. Interest on any delinquent tax shall be calculated beginning on the 21st day of the month for which the tax is due, except as otherwise provided in this part.

History.—s. 2, ch. 15659, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(17); s. 2, ch. 24308, 1947; s. 11, ch. 25035, 1949; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 1, ch. 63-302; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1, ch. 72-65; s. 6, ch. 76-261; s. 7, ch. 81-178; s. 5, ch. 83-137; s. 107, ch. 85-342; s. 11, ch. 86-152; s. 75, ch. 87-6; s. 45, ch. 87-101; s. 12, ch. 92-320; s. 47, ch. 95-417; s. 8, ch. 97-54.

Note.—Former s. 208.07.

206.45 Payment of tax into State Treasury.—

(1) All moneys collected pursuant to ss. 206.41(1)(a), (b), and (c) and 206.87(1)(a) shall be paid into the State Treasury by the department for deposit in the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund. The department shall deduct the costs of collecting, administering, enforcing, and distributing each fuel tax proportionally from the revenues that are derived from that tax and deposited into the fund. Of the total amount collected for each tax, the department may not deduct more than 2 percent for administration costs.

(2) The department shall maintain a balance of at least $50,000 within the fund after making the following transfers:

(a) The constitutional fuel tax shall be remitted to the State Board of Administration for distribution as provided in the State Constitution.

(b) The county fuel tax shall be distributed as provided in s. 206.60.

(3) This section does not authorize a deduction from the constitutional fuel tax in order to maintain any balance in the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund or for the cost of the department to administer this tax.

History.—s. 3, ch. 15659, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(18); s. 3, ch. 61-119; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 18, ch. 69-216; s. 2, ch. 70-342; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 2, ch. 71-232; s. 1, ch. 71-363; s. 1, ch. 73-57; s. 15, ch. 83-3; s. 12, ch. 86-152; s. 1, ch. 94-146; ss. 48, 49, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 208.08.

206.46 State Transportation Trust Fund.—

(1) All moneys in the State Transportation Trust Fund, which is hereby created, shall be used for transportation purposes, as provided by law, under the direction of the Department of Transportation, which department may from time to time make requisition on the Chief Financial Officer for such funds. Moneys from such fund shall be drawn by the Chief Financial Officer by warrant upon the State Treasury pursuant to vouchers and shall be paid in like manner as other state warrants are paid out of the appropriated fund against which the warrants are drawn. All sums of money necessary to provide for the payment of the warrants by the Chief Financial Officer drawn upon such fund are appropriated annually out of the fund for the purpose of making such payments from time to time.

(2) Notwithstanding any other law, from the revenues deposited into the State Transportation Trust Fund a maximum of 7 percent in each fiscal year shall be transferred into the Right-of-Way Acquisition and Bridge Construction Trust Fund created in s. 215.605, as needed to meet the requirements of the documents authorizing the bonds issued or proposed to be issued under ss. 215.605 and 337.276 or at a minimum amount sufficient to pay for the debt service coverage requirements of outstanding bonds. Notwithstanding the 7 percent annual transfer authorized in this subsection, the annual amount transferred under this subsection may not exceed an amount necessary to provide the required debt service coverage levels for a maximum debt service not to exceed $350 million. Such transfer shall be payable primarily from the motor and diesel fuel taxes transferred to the State Transportation Trust Fund from the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund.

(3) Each fiscal year, a minimum of 15 percent of all state revenues deposited into the State Transportation Trust Fund shall be committed annually by the department for public transportation projects in accordance with chapter 311, ss. 332.003-332.007, chapter 341, and chapter 343.

(4) The department may authorize the investment of the earnings accrued and collected upon the investment of the minimum balance of funds required to be maintained in the State Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to s. 339.135(6)(b).

(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department may covenant to pay all or any part of the costs of operation and maintenance of any existing or future department-owned toll facility or system directly from moneys in the State Transportation Trust Fund which will be reimbursed from turnpike revenues after the payment of debt service and other bond resolution accounts as needed to protect the integrity of the toll facility or system. If such reimbursement is determined to adversely impact the toll facility or system, the reimbursement obligation shall become a debt payable to the State Transportation Trust Fund to be reimbursed over an agreed-upon period of time. The department shall take into account projections of operation and maintenance reimbursements in the financing of the tentative and adopted work programs. The state does hereby covenant that it will not repeal or impair or amend this section in any manner that will materially and adversely affect the rights of bondholders so long as bonds authorized pursuant to the provisions of this subsection are outstanding.

History.—s. 6, ch. 15659, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(21); s. 2, ch. 61-119; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; ss. 2, 3, ch. 73-57; s. 16, ch. 83-3; s. 1, ch. 88-247; s. 64, ch. 90-136; s. 115, ch. 92-152; s. 44, ch. 93-187; s. 5, ch. 95-257; s. 50, ch. 95-417; s. 14, ch. 96-320; ss. 10, 11, 45, ch. 96-323; s. 4, ch. 97-280; ss. 2, 67, ch. 99-385; s. 35, ch. 2000-151; s. 33, ch. 2002-1; s. 2, ch. 2002-20; s. 179, ch. 2003-261; s. 19, ch. 2005-290; s. 11, ch. 2010-139; s. 3, ch. 2021-186.

Note.—Former s. 208.09.

206.47 Distribution of constitutional fuel tax pursuant to State Constitution.—

(1) The constitutional fuel tax shall be allocated among the several counties in accordance with the formula stated in s. 16, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended, to the extent necessary to comply with all obligations to or for the benefit of holders of bonds, revenue certificates, and tax anticipation certificates or any refundings thereof secured by any portion of the constitutional fuel tax allocated under the provisions of s. 16, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended.

(2) The Department of Revenue will transmit the constitutional fuel tax as collected monthly to the State Board of Administration allocated and distributed to the credit of the several counties of the state based on the formula of distribution contained in s. 16, Art. IX of the Constitution of 1885, as amended.

(3) The State Board of Administration will calculate a distribution of the constitutional fuel tax received from the Department of Revenue under subsection (2), based on the formula contained in s. 9(c)(4), Art. XII of the revised State Constitution of 1968.

(4) The State Board of Administration shall allocate the constitutional fuel tax beginning with the tax collected January 1969 on the formula contained in s. 9(c)(4), Art. XII of the revised State Constitution of 1968, subject only to the debt service requirements of bonds pledging all or part of the constitutional fuel tax allocated under the provisions of s. 16, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended.

(5)(a) The distribution factor, “the tax collected on retail sales or use in each county,” shall be based upon a certificate of the Department of Revenue of the taxable gallons attributable to each county as of June 30 for each fiscal year. The Department of Revenue shall furnish a certificate to the State Board of Administration on or before July 31 following the end of each fiscal year, and such certificate shall be conclusive as to the tax collected on retail sales or use in each county for the prior fiscal year. The factor based on such certificate shall be applied to the fuel tax collections for the following fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30.

(b) For the purpose of this section, “taxable gallons attributable to each county” shall be calculated as a consumption factor for each county divided by the sum of such consumption factors for all counties, and multiplied by the total gallons statewide upon which a tax was paid pursuant to s. 206.41(1)(a). For each county imposing a tax pursuant to s. 206.41(1)(d) or (e), the consumption factor shall be the gallons upon which the county’s tax was paid under either or both of said sections. For each other county, the consumption factor shall be calculated as the taxable gallons yielding the tax amount certified pursuant to this section for fiscal year 1984-1985 for the county, multiplied by the quotient of the statewide total taxes collected pursuant to s. 206.41(1)(a) for the current year divided by the statewide total taxes certified pursuant to this section for fiscal year 1984-1985.

(6) The State Board of Administration will calculate a monthly allocation of the constitutional fuel tax received from the Department of Revenue based on the formula contained in s. 9(c)(4), Art. XII of the revised State Constitution of 1968, and credit to the account of each county the amount of the constitutional fuel tax to be allocated under such formula.

(7) The fuel tax funds credited to each county will be first distributed to meet the debt service requirements, if any, of the s. 16, Art. IX debt assumed or refunded by the State Board of Administration payable from the constitutional fuel tax. The remaining fuel tax funds credited to each county are surplus fuel tax funds and shall be distributed as provided by s. 9(c), Art. XII of the State Constitution or by law pursuant to that section and shall be used for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of roads. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “maintenance” includes periodic maintenance and routine maintenance, as defined in s. 334.03, and may include the construction and installation of traffic signals, sidewalks, bicycle paths, and landscaping. The funds may be used as matching funds for any federal, state, or private grant specifically related to these purposes.

(8) The State Board of Administration shall retain a reasonable percentage of the total surplus fuel tax in an amount to be determined by the board in each fiscal year and shall hold such funds in a reserve account to make any adjustments required for the distribution of the fuel tax for the fiscal year. Funds in the reserve account may be invested in direct obligations of the United States maturing not later than June 30 of each fiscal year.

(9) The State Board of Administration will, in each fiscal year, distribute the 80-percent surplus fuel tax allocated to each county to the debt service requirements of each bond issue pledging the 80-percent surplus accruing to that county under the provisions of s. 16, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended. The remaining 80-percent surplus fuel tax funds will be advanced monthly, to the extent practicable, to the boards of county commissioners for use in the county.

(10) The State Board of Administration will, in each fiscal year, distribute the 20-percent surplus fuel tax allocated to each county to the debt service requirements of each bond issue pledging the 20-percent surplus accruing to that county under the provisions of s. 16, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended. The remaining 20-percent surplus fuel tax funds will be advanced monthly, to the extent practicable, to the boards of county commissioners for use in the county.

(11) After receiving the fuel tax collections for the 12th month of each fiscal year, the State Board of Administration shall make a complete and total distribution of all earnings on investments and remaining fuel tax collected during the fiscal year, taking into account all the requirements of s. 16, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended, of bonds pledging all or any portion of the constitutional fuel tax accruing thereunder, and s. 9(c), Art. XII of the revised State Constitution of 1968, as amended.

History.—s. 1, ch. 69-304; ss. 21, 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 3, ch. 77-165; s. 98, ch. 81-259; s. 17, ch. 83-3; s. 264, ch. 84-309; s. 36, ch. 86-152; s. 77, ch. 87-99; s. 1, ch. 93-71; s. 6, ch. 95-257; s. 51, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 208.111.

206.48 Reports required of terminal suppliers, importers, exporters, blenders, and wholesalers.—

(1) Each terminal supplier, importer, blender, or wholesaler of motor fuels, when making a report to the Department of Revenue of the amount of such products sold in this state upon which the tax provided is due and payable by him or her to the department, shall at the same time report to the department each and every sale made by such person of any quantity of motor fuel which shall not have been at the time of such sale divested of its interstate or foreign character, which report shall show the name and business location of the person to whom the same is sold in this state. Every terminal supplier, importer, blender, or wholesaler shall, at the time other reports are required to be made to the department, report to the department each and every purchase of such products not theretofore divested of their interstate or foreign character made by such person upon which the tax is shown by the invoice thereof to have been assumed for report and payment by the terminal supplier, importer, blender, or wholesaler selling to him or her.

(2) Each importer of taxable motor or diesel fuels, when making a report to the department of the amount of such product brought into this state upon which the tax provided is due and payable by him or her directly to the department, shall at the same time report to the department each and every sale or storage, other than in a bulk facility, made by such person of any quantity of motor fuel in net gallons, the county to which said fuel was delivered, the terminal supplier of the imported fuel, the shipping paper number, the import authorization number required by s. 206.051, and any other information necessary as specified by the department.

(3) A licensed exporter shall file a report each month disclosing all gallons exported, including the following information: supplier name, terminal location, destination state, shipping manifest number, carrier name, carrier federal employer identification number, mode of transportation, destination address, state of destination, origin terminal identification, purchaser’s name, purchaser’s federal employer identification number or, if such number is not available, social security number, shipping paper number, invoice number, net gallons, gross gallons, billed gallons, product identification, and a copy of the return accounting for the import of these fuels to the destination state.

History.—s. 12, ch. 15659, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167 (27); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 108, ch. 85-342; s. 1079, ch. 95-147; s. 52, ch. 95-417; s. 12, ch. 96-323.

Note.—Former s. 208.15.

206.485 Tracking system reporting requirements.—

(1) The information required for tracking movements of petroleum products pursuant to ss. 206.08, 206.09, 206.095, and 206.48 shall be submitted in the manner prescribed by the executive director of the department by rule. The rule shall include, but not be limited to, the data elements, the format of the data elements, and the method and medium of transmission to the department.

(2) Any person liable for reporting under this chapter who fails to meet the requirements of this section within 3 months after notification of such failure by the department shall, in addition to all other penalties prescribed by this chapter, be subject to an additional penalty of $5,000 for each month such failure continues.

(3) All moneys derived from the penalties imposed by this section shall be deposited into the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund and allocated in the same manner as provided by s. 206.875.

History.—s. 2, ch. 86-159; s. 15, ch. 2003-254; s. 11, ch. 2005-280.

206.49 Invoice to show whether or not tax paid; liability.—

(1) Each terminal supplier or importer, when selling to any other terminal supplier or importer any of the products taxed under this part, shall render an invoice of such sale to the purchaser, and upon such invoice the terminal supplier or importer rendering such invoice shall plainly state thereon whether or not the tax required will be reported and paid by him or her, and the purchaser buying and receiving such products may fully rely upon the statement made in such invoice.

(2) In the event that a seller and purchaser of motor fuel have been convicted of conspiring to defraud the state of tax imposed under this chapter, the seller and purchaser may be held jointly and severally liable for the tax, interest, and penalties.

History.—s. 13, ch. 15659, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(28); s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 109, ch. 85-342; s. 1080, ch. 95-147; s. 53, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 208.16.

206.56 Unlawful use of tax collected; theft of state funds.—

(1) Any person who knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or use, taxes collected pursuant to this chapter, with the intent, either temporarily or permanently, to deprive the state of a right to the funds or a benefit therefrom, or appropriate the funds to his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled thereto, commits theft of state funds.

(2)(a) If the total amount of revenue involved is $100,000 or more, the offense is a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(b) If the total amount of revenue involved is $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000, the offense is a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(c) If the total amount of revenue involved is $300 or more, but less than $20,000, the offense is a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(d) If the total amount of revenue involved is less than $300, the offense is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. However, any person who commits theft of state funds involving less than $300 and who has previously been convicted of any theft of state funds is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any person who commits theft of state funds involving less than $300 and who has previously been convicted two or more times of any theft of state funds is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.—s. 15, ch. 15659, 1931; CGL 1936 Supp. 7254(1); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 110, ch. 85-342; s. 78, ch. 87-99; s. 15, ch. 91-112; s. 1081, ch. 95-147; s. 54, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 208.19.

206.59 Department to make rules; powers.—

(1) The department shall make rules and regulations, which shall have the force and effect of law, to govern reports and accounts by all persons dealing in or handling fuel for the purpose of enabling the department to ascertain whether or not any fuels are being dealt with, handled, or stored in this state under such circumstances as to become liable to the tax imposed by any law relating to a tax on fuel.

(2) The department is further given power to investigate, or cause to be investigated under its authority, all cases involving dealing in fuel by persons receiving, handling, or storing the same and to determine from such investigation whether or not any section in this chapter relating to the fuel tax is being evaded or illegally avoided. The determination of the department in any case shall be prima facie valid and authentic in all courts in this state and in all actions involving the validating of taxes on persons subject to the provisions of part I or part II of this chapter.

(3) The department may investigate and audit inventories, receipts, and disposals of fuel to ascertain the validity of all taxes collected and remitted to the department. Any fuel which cannot be accounted for, except for normal temperature gains, by a terminal supplier, importer, exporter, blender, or wholesaler is subject to all taxes levied under this chapter. As used in this subsection, “normal temperature gains” shall be limited to 1.5 percent of the total disposals in any month, unless the terminal supplier, importer, exporter, blender, or wholesaler demonstrates to the reasonable satisfaction of the department that temperature gains occurred in excess of 1.5 percent of total disposals for the month.

(4) The department may assess and collect any tax, penalty, or interest against any person who purchases, receives, or disposes of motor fuel in violation of any provision of this part.

History.—s. 7, ch. 13756, 1929; CGL 1936 Supp. 1167(11); s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 99, ch. 81-259; s. 111, ch. 85-342; s. 39, ch. 86-152; s. 79, ch. 87-99; s. 51, ch. 87-224; s. 4, ch. 92-184; s. 1082, ch. 95-147; s. 55, ch. 95-417; s. 13, ch. 96-323; s. 74, ch. 99-2.

Note.—Former s. 208.28.

206.60 County tax on motor fuel.—

(1) The proceeds of the county fuel tax imposed pursuant to s. 206.41(1)(b) are appropriated for public transportation purposes in the manner following:

(a) After transferring to the General Revenue Fund the service charge provided for by s. 215.20 and after deducting its administrative costs incurred in the collection, administration, enforcement, and distribution back to the counties of such tax, which administrative costs may not exceed 2 percent of collections, the department shall monthly divide the proceeds of such tax in the same manner as the constitutional fuel tax pursuant to s. 206.47 and the formula contained in s. 9(c)(4), Art. XII of the revised State Constitution of 1968.

(b)1. The Department of Revenue shall, from month to month, distribute the amount allocated to each of the several counties under paragraph (a) to the board of county commissioners of the county, who shall use such funds solely for the acquisition of rights-of-way; the construction, reconstruction, operation, maintenance, and repair of transportation facilities, roads, bridges, bicycle paths, and pedestrian pathways therein; or the reduction of bonded indebtedness of such county or of special road and bridge districts within such county, incurred for road and bridge or other transportation purposes. In the event the powers and duties relating to transportation facilities, roads, bridges, bicycle paths, and pedestrian pathways usually exercised and performed by boards of county commissioners are exercised and performed by some other or separate county board, such board shall receive the proceeds, exercise the powers, and perform the duties designated in this section to be done by the boards of county commissioners.

2. The board of county commissioners of each county, or any separate board or local agency exercising the powers and performing the duties relating to transportation facilities, roads, bridges, bicycle paths, and pedestrian pathways usually exercised and performed by the boards of county commissioners, shall be assigned the full responsibility for the maintenance of transportation facilities in the county and of roads in the county road system.

3. Nothing in this paragraph as amended by chapter 71-212, Laws of Florida, shall be construed to permit the expenditure of public funds in such manner or for such projects as would violate the State Constitution or the trust indenture of any bond issue or which would cause the state to lose any federal aid funds for highway or transportation purposes; and the provisions of this paragraph shall be applied in a manner to avoid such result.

(2) The gasoline inspection laws of the state shall be and are declared to be applicable to the enforcement of this section.

(3) The license tax herein levied shall be in addition to all other license taxes levied under the laws of the state and in addition to the dealer’s license tax for each place of business levied under the provisions of the laws of the state.

(4) It is hereby expressly recognized and declared by the Legislature that all public roads, bridges, bicycle paths, and pedestrian pathways being constructed or built or which will be hereafter constructed or built, including the acquisition of rights-of-way as incident thereto, either by the Department of Transportation or the several counties of the state, were, are, and will be constructed and built as general public projects and undertakings and that the cost of the construction and building thereof, including the acquisition of rights-of-way as incident thereto, was, is, and will be legitimate, proper state expense incurred for a general public and state purpose. And it is expressly recognized and declared that the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and acquisition of rights-of-way of all secondary roads are essential to the welfare of the state and that such roads when constructed, reconstructed, or maintained, or such rights-of-way when acquired, are and will be for a general public and state purpose. And the Legislature has found and hereby declares that for the proper and efficient construction and maintenance of public highways designated state roads, it is in the best interest of the state to further integrate the activities of the Department of Transportation and the several boards of county commissioners as provided in subsection (1) in order that both state and local highway needs may be adequately provided for.

(5) It is declared to be the legislative intent that the funds derived from this section shall be used in such manner and for the purposes aforesaid to reduce the burden of ad valorem taxes in the several counties.

History.—ss. 1-11, 13, 14, ch. 20228, 1941; ss. 1-11, 13, 14, ch. 21639, 1943; ss. 1-11, 13, 14, ch. 22822, 1945; ss. 1-14, ch. 24172, 1947; ss. 1-14, ch. 25266, 1949; ss. 1-12, 14, 16-18, ch. 26321, 1949; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 3, ch. 63-302; s. 2, ch. 65-360; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; s. 1, ch. 67-198; ss. 21, 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 70-342; s. 1, ch. 70-995; ss. 1, 2, ch. 71-212; s. 61, ch. 73-333; s. 57, ch. 77-104; s. 4, ch. 77-165; s. 2, ch. 80-77; s. 3, ch. 83-339; s. 2, ch. 85-164; s. 112, ch. 85-342; s. 40, ch. 86-152; s. 58, ch. 87-99; s. 4, ch. 91-82; s. 108, ch. 91-112; s. 5, ch. 92-184; s. 2, ch. 94-146; s. 30, ch. 95-146; s. 1485, ch. 95-147; ss. 56, 57, ch. 95-417; s. 13, ch. 97-95; s. 51, ch. 2001-266; s. 1, ch. 2003-86.

Note.—Former s. 208.44.

206.605 Municipal tax on motor fuel.—

(1) The proceeds of the municipal fuel tax imposed pursuant to s. 206.41(1)(c), after deducting the service charge pursuant to chapter 215 and the administrative costs incurred by the department in collecting, administering, enforcing, and distributing the tax, which administrative costs may not exceed 2 percent of collections, shall be transferred into the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for Municipalities.

(2) Funds available under this section shall be used only for purchase of transportation facilities and road and street rights-of-way; construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of roads, streets, bicycle paths, and pedestrian pathways; adjustment of city-owned utilities as required by road and street construction; and construction, reconstruction, transportation-related public safety activities, maintenance, and operation of transportation facilities. Municipalities are authorized to expend the funds received under this section in conjunction with other cities or counties or state or federal government in joint projects.

(3)(a) If any municipality subject to this section does not have the transportation facilities capability, the municipality may designate by resolution the projects to be undertaken, and the engineering may be thereafter performed and administered and the construction administered by the Department of Transportation or, in the case of a municipality, by the appropriate county, if such county has the capability and agrees to undertake the projects.

(b) In the event the municipality desires the Department of Transportation either to perform or administer the engineering services or to administer the construction, or both, it must so indicate at the time of the presentation of the annual budget or it must so designate at the time the county presents its annual budget.

History.—s. 2, ch. 71-363; s. 16, ch. 72-360; s. 58, ch. 77-104; s. 4, ch. 83-339; s. 113, ch. 85-342; s. 41, ch. 86-152; s. 59, ch. 87-99; s. 5, ch. 91-82; s. 6, ch. 92-184; s. 3, ch. 94-146; s. 1486, ch. 95-147; ss. 58, 59, ch. 95-417; s. 2, ch. 2003-86.

206.606 Distribution of certain proceeds.—

(1) Moneys collected pursuant to ss. 206.41(1)(g) and 206.87(1)(e) shall be deposited in the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund. Such moneys, after deducting the refunds granted pursuant to s. 206.41 and the administrative costs incurred by the department in collecting, administering, enforcing, and distributing the tax, which administrative costs may not exceed 2 percent of collections, shall be distributed monthly to the State Transportation Trust Fund, except that:

(a) $6.30 million shall be transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in each fiscal year and deposited in the Invasive Plant Control Trust Fund to be used for aquatic plant management, including nonchemical control of aquatic weeds, research into nonchemical controls, and enforcement activities. The commission shall allocate at least $1 million of such funds to the eradication of melaleuca.

(b) Annually, $2.5 million shall be transferred to the State Game Trust Fund in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and used for recreational boating activities and freshwater fisheries management and research. The transfers must be made in equal monthly amounts beginning on July 1 of each fiscal year. The commission shall annually determine where unmet needs exist for boating-related activities, and may fund such activities in counties where, due to the number of vessel registrations, sufficient financial resources are unavailable.

1. A minimum of $1.25 million shall be used to fund local projects to provide recreational channel marking and other uniform waterway markers, public boat ramps, lifts, and hoists, marine railways, and other public launching facilities, derelict vessel removal, and other local boating-related activities. In funding the projects, the commission shall give priority consideration to:

a. Unmet needs in counties having populations of 100,000 or less.

b. Unmet needs in coastal counties having a high level of boating-related activities from individuals residing in other counties.

2. The remaining $1.25 million may be used for recreational boating activities and freshwater fisheries management and research.

3. The commission may adopt rules to administer a Florida Boating Improvement Program.

The commission shall prepare and make available on its Internet website an annual report outlining the status of its Florida Boating Improvement Program, including the projects funded, and a list of counties whose needs are unmet due to insufficient financial resources from vessel registration fees.

(c) 0.65 percent of moneys collected pursuant to s. 206.41(1)(g) shall be transferred to the Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund.

(d) $13.4 million in fiscal year 2007-2008 and each fiscal year thereafter of the moneys attributable to the sale of motor and diesel fuel at marinas shall be transferred from the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund to the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

(2) Not less than 10 percent of the moneys deposited in the State Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to this section shall be allocated by the Department of Transportation for public transit and rail capital projects, including service development projects, as defined in s. 341.031(7) and (8), unless otherwise provided in the General Appropriations Act.

History.—s. 6, ch. 83-3; s. 1, ch. 84-348; s. 46, ch. 89-356; s. 115, ch. 91-112; ss. 116, 154, ch. 92-152; ss. 1, 2, ch. 92-308; s. 6, ch. 94-146; s. 53, ch. 94-356; ss. 60, 61, 115, ch. 95-417; ss. 7, 8, ch. 96-321; s. 27, ch. 96-323; ss. 2, 3, ch. 98-114; s. 4, ch. 98-307; s. 19, ch. 99-205; s. 15, ch. 99-245; s. 2, ch. 99-312; s. 3, ch. 2003-156; s. 1, ch. 2006-309; s. 11, ch. 2008-150; s. 1, ch. 2009-86; s. 49, ch. 2010-102; s. 29, ch. 2014-17; s. 4, ch. 2021-186.

Note.—Former s. 212.69.

206.608 State Comprehensive Enhanced Transportation System Tax; deposit of proceeds; distribution.—Moneys received pursuant to ss. 206.41(1)(f) and 206.87(1)(d) shall be deposited in the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund, and, after deducting administrative costs incurred by the department in collecting, administering, enforcing, and distributing the tax, which administrative costs may not exceed 2 percent of collections, shall be distributed as follows:

(1) 0.65 percent of the proceeds of the tax levied pursuant to s. 206.41(1)(f) shall be transferred to the Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund.

(2) The remaining proceeds of the tax levied pursuant to s. 206.41(1)(f) and all of the proceeds from the tax imposed by s. 206.87(1)(d) shall be transferred into the State Transportation Trust Fund, and may be used only for projects in the adopted work program in the district in which the tax proceeds are collected and, to the maximum extent feasible, such moneys shall be programmed for use in the county where collected. However, no revenue from the taxes imposed pursuant to ss. 206.41(1)(f) and 206.87(1)(d) in a county shall be expended unless the projects funded with such revenues have been included in the work program adopted pursuant to s. 339.135.

History.—s. 84, ch. 85-180; s. 34, ch. 86-152; s. 30, ch. 86-243; s. 72, ch. 87-99; s. 91, ch. 90-136; s. 19, ch. 91-112; s. 10, ch. 92-184; s. 9, ch. 94-146; ss. 961, 962, ch. 95-148; ss. 62, 63, 64, ch. 95-417; s. 28, ch. 96-323; ss. 4, 5, ch. 98-114; ss. 50, 72, ch. 2010-153; s. 7, ch. 2011-4; s. 52, ch. 2011-47; s. 1, ch. 2013-16; s. 5, ch. 2021-186.

Note.—Former s. 336.026.

206.609 Transfer of funds to the Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund.—Moneys transferred to the Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund pursuant to ss. 206.606 and 206.608 are subject to the following provisions:

(1) If the unobligated balance of the Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund exceeds $20 million, the transfers provided for in ss. 206.606(1)(c) and 206.608(1) shall be discontinued until the unobligated balance of the trust fund falls below $10 million, at which time such transfers shall be reinstated to return the balance to $20 million.

(2) A change in transfers pursuant to this section shall take effect on the first day of the month after 30 days’ notification to the Department of Revenue by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services when the unobligated balance of the trust fund exceeds or falls below a limit set pursuant to this section.

(3)(a) Any refunds of the tax imposed under s. 206.41(1)(f) claimed under s. 206.41(4)(c)1. in excess of such refunds claimed during the fiscal year preceding the effective date of this act shall be deducted from the amount transferred pursuant to s. 206.608(1), during the year the claims are made, to the Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund.

(b) Any refunds of the tax imposed under s. 206.41(1)(g) claimed under s. 206.41(4)(c)1. in excess of such refunds claimed during the fiscal year preceding the effective date of this act shall be deducted from the amount transferred pursuant to s. 206.606(1)(c), during the year the claims are made, to the Agricultural Emergency Eradication Trust Fund.

History.—s. 6, ch. 98-114; s. 36, ch. 2000-151.

206.61 Municipal taxes, limited.—No municipality or other political subdivision shall levy or collect any fuel tax or other tax measured or computed by the sale, purchase, storage, distribution, use, consumption, or other disposition of motor fuel. However, nothing herein shall prevent the levying by municipalities or other political subdivisions of reasonable flat license fees or taxes upon the business of selling gasoline at wholesale or retail.

History.—s. 23, ch. 26718, 1951; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 2, ch. 93-71; s. 65, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 209.22.

206.62 Certain sales to United States tax-exempt; rules and regulations.—

(1) Every terminal supplier or importer of motor fuels shall be exempt from the payment of all excise taxes upon motor fuels sold by such person in the state to the United States or its departments or agencies when the motor fuel is sold and delivered by the terminal supplier or importer in bulk lots of not less than 500 gallons in each delivery to and for the exclusive use by the United States or its departments or agencies.

(2) Every wholesaler of motor fuels who has purchased such fuel tax-exempt from a terminal supplier or importer shall be exempt from the payment of all excise taxes upon motor fuels sold by such licensee in the state to the United States or its departments or agencies when the motor fuel is sold and delivered by such licensee in bulk lots of not less than 500 gallons in each delivery to and for the exclusive use by the United States or its departments or agencies.

(3) Every wholesaler of motor fuels who has purchased such fuel tax paid shall be entitled to a monthly refund of all excise taxes paid upon motor fuels in the state to the United States or its departments or agencies when the motor fuel is sold and delivered by such licensee in bulk lots of not less than 500 gallons in each delivery to and for the exclusive use by the United States or its departments or agencies.

(4) Wholesalers may, instead of filing a refund request, take credit for taxes paid on such sales to the United States Government against tax due on monthly returns.

(5) Terminal suppliers, importers, and wholesalers are not exempt from the tax levied under this part on motor fuel sold or delivered to post exchanges located on United States military reservations.

(6) All purchases of motor fuel by the United States or its departments or agencies when sold through or by post exchanges located on United States military reservations are subject to the tax levied under this part.

(7) The term “exclusive use by the United States or its departments or agencies” shall be construed to mean the consuming by the United States or its departments or agencies of the motor fuel in equipment, devices, or motors owned and operated by the United States or its departments or agencies and operated by contract flying schools training cadet aviators for the United States Air Force under contract whereby the United States reimburses the contract flying school for the motor fuel so used.

(8) The term “exclusive use by the United States or its departments or agencies” shall be further construed to exclude specifically the use of motor fuel by any person, whether operating under contract with the United States or its departments or agencies or not, the original purchase by whom from a terminal supplier, importer, or wholesaler of motor fuel in this state would have rendered such terminal supplier, importer, or wholesaler liable for the payment of excise taxes upon such motor fuel under the laws of the state.

(9) The above definitions of the term “exclusive use by the United States or its departments or agencies,” shall not be construed to be the sole meaning intended by the use of such term in this section, but such term shall be given its ordinary and usual meaning in all instances not specifically mentioned herein, and the enumeration of the above definitions shall be construed as an extension of the ordinary and usual meaning of the term “exclusive use.”

(10) The department shall promulgate such rules and regulations and prescribe such forms as shall be necessary to effectuate and enforce the purpose of this section.

(11) If any subsection, provision, or clause of this section is declared to be invalid or unconstitutional and such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall have the effect of defeating or striking down the attempted exemption, it shall not affect the operation or validity of other statutes of the state providing for the taxation of every gallon of motor fuel sold in the state, it being hereby declared to be the legislative intent to grant exemption from taxation under conditions set forth in subsection (1) only in the event and to such extent that such exemption is lawful and constitutional; and it is further declared to be the legislative intent that if any subsection, provision or clause of this section is declared to be invalid or unconstitutional and such declaration shall have the effect of defeating or striking down the attempted exemption, the terminal supplier, importer, or wholesaler of motor fuel shall pay each and every excise tax levied upon every gallon of motor fuel sold in the state.

History.—ss. 1-3, 5, ch. 21757, 1943; s. 1, ch. 22801, 1945; ss. 1-3, ch. 23676, 1947; s. 11, ch. 25035, 1949; s. 1, ch. 28191, 1953; s. 24, ch. 57-1; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 114, ch. 85-342; s. 60, ch. 87-99; s. 66, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 208.45.

206.625 Return of tax to municipalities, counties, and school districts.—

(1) Those portions of the county fuel tax imposed by s. 206.41(1)(b) which result from the collection of such tax paid by a municipality or county on motor fuel for use in a motor vehicle operated by it shall be returned to the governing body of each such municipality or county according to the administrative procedures in s. 206.41 for the construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of roads and streets within the respective municipality or county.

(2) Those portions of the county fuel tax imposed by s. 206.41(1)(b) which result from the collection of such tax paid by a school district, or by a private contractor operating school buses for a school district, on motor fuel for use in a motor vehicle operated by such district or private contractor shall be returned to the governing body of each such school district according to the administrative procedures in s. 206.41 to be used to fund construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of roads and streets within the school district required as a result of new school construction or renovation of existing schools. The school board shall select the projects to be funded; however, first priority shall be given to projects required as the result of new school construction, unless a waiver is granted by the affected county or municipal government.

History.—s. 4, ch. 70-342; ss. 21, 62, ch. 83-3; s. 16, ch. 83-137; s. 3, ch. 84-334; s. 67, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 208.461.

206.626 Refunds to ethanol dealers.—Any ethanol dealer who has paid the tax imposed under this chapter on purchases of motor fuel used for denaturing from a duly licensed terminal supplier, importer, or wholesaler is entitled to a refund.

History.—s. 115, ch. 85-342; s. 68, ch. 95-417.

206.63 Definitions; s. 206.64.—For the purposes of s. 206.64, the following words and terms when used herein shall have the following meanings:

(1) “Agricultural purposes” shall be construed to mean motor fuel used in any tractor, vehicle, or other farm equipment which is used exclusively on a farm or for processing farm products on the farm and no part of which is used in any vehicle or equipment driven or operated upon the public highways of this state. This restriction shall not apply to the movement of farm vehicles or farm equipment between farms. The transporting of bees by water and the operating of equipment used in the apiary of a beekeeper and the practice of aquaculture shall be also deemed agricultural purposes.

(2) “Commercial fishing purposes” shall be construed to mean motor fuel used in the operation of boats, vessels, and equipment used exclusively for the taking of fish, crayfish, oysters, shrimp, and sponges from the salt and fresh waters under the jurisdiction of the state for resale to the public, but shall in no way be construed to include fuel used for sports or pleasure fishing, no part of which is used in any vehicle or equipment driven or operated upon the highways of this state.

History.—s. 1, ch. 28098, 1953; s. 1, ch. 29916, 1955; s. 1, ch. 57-205; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 3, ch. 87-367.

Note.—Former s. 208.47.

206.64 Refunds on fuel used for agricultural or commercial fishing purposes.—Any person who uses any motor fuel for agricultural purposes or commercial fishing purposes on which the tax, as imposed by this part, has been paid shall be entitled to a refund of the municipal tax imposed by s. 206.41(1)(c) according to the administrative procedures in s. 206.41.

History.—s. 2, ch. 28098, 1953; s. 2, ch. 29916, 1955; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 1, ch. 63-297; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 22, ch. 83-3; s. 69, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 208.48.

PART II

DIESEL FUELS

206.85 Purpose.

206.86 Definitions.

206.87 Levy of tax.

206.872 Liability for tax; interstate agreement.

206.873 Backup tax.

206.8735 Department authorized to inspect.

206.874 Exemptions.

206.8741 Dyeing and marking; notice requirements.

206.8745 Credits and refund claims.

206.875 Allocation of tax.

206.88 Appropriation for expenses of administration.

206.90 Bond required of terminal suppliers, importers, and wholesalers.

206.91 Tax reports; computation and payment of tax.

206.92 Surrender of bond or license.

206.93 Penalty for failure to report and pay taxes promptly.

206.94 Department may estimate diesel fuels sold or used.

206.945 Settlement or compromise of tax, penalty, or interest.

206.96 Reports from Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

206.97 Applicability of specified sections of part I.

206.85 Purpose.—The tax imposed by this part II of this chapter is levied for the purpose of providing revenue to be used by this state to defray in whole or in part the cost of constructing, widening, reconstructing, maintaining, resurfacing, and repairing the public highways of this state and the cost and expense incurred in the administration and enforcement of this part and for no other purpose whatsoever.

History.—s. 1, ch. 26718, 1951; s. 1, ch. 70-995.

Note.—Former s. 209.001.

206.86 Definitions.—As used in this part:

(1) “Diesel fuel” means all petroleum distillates commonly known as diesel #2, biodiesel, or any other product blended with diesel or any product placed into the storage supply tank of a diesel-powered motor vehicle.

(2) “Taxable diesel fuel” or “fuel” means any diesel fuel not held in bulk storage at a terminal which has not been dyed for exempt use in accordance with Internal Revenue Code requirements.

(3) “User” includes any person who uses diesel fuels within this state for the propulsion of a motor vehicle on the public highways of this state, even though the motor is also used for a purpose other than the propulsion of the vehicle.

(4) “Removal” means any physical transfer of diesel fuel and any use of diesel fuel other than as a material in the production of diesel fuel.

(5) “Blender” means any person who produces blended diesel fuel outside the bulk transfer/terminal system.

(6) “Colorless marker” means material that is not perceptible to the senses until the diesel fuel into which it is introduced is subjected to a scientific test.

(7) “Dyed diesel fuel” means diesel fuel that is dyed in accordance with United States Environmental Protection Agency or Internal Revenue Service requirements for high sulfur diesel fuel or low sulfur diesel fuel.

(8) “Ultimate vendor” means a licensee that sells undyed diesel fuel to the United States or its departments or agencies in bulk lots of not less than 500 gallons in each delivery or to the user of the diesel fuel for use on a farm for farming purposes.

(9) “Local government user of diesel fuel” means any county, municipality, or school district licensed by the department to use untaxed diesel fuel in motor vehicles.

(10) “Mass transit system” means any licensed local transportation company providing local bus service that is open to the public and that travels regular routes.

(11) “Diesel fuel registrant” means anyone required by this chapter to be licensed to remit diesel fuel taxes, including, but not limited to, terminal suppliers, importers, local government users of diesel fuel, and mass transit systems.

(12) “Biodiesel” means any product made from nonpetroleum-based oils or fats which is suitable for use in diesel-powered engines. Biodiesel is also referred to as alkyl esters.

(13) “Biodiesel manufacturer” means those industrial plants, regardless of capacity, where organic products are used in the production of biodiesel. This includes businesses that process or blend organic products that are marketed as biodiesel.

History.—s. 1, ch. 19446, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 1167(103); s. 2, ch. 26718, 1951; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 4, ch. 75-286; s. 2, ch. 84-369; s. 62, ch. 87-99; s. 20, ch. 91-112; s. 1083, ch. 95-147; s. 70, ch. 95-417; s. 14, ch. 96-323; s. 16, ch. 2003-254; s. 1, ch. 2013-198.

Note.—Former s. 209.01.

206.87 Levy of tax.—

(1)(a) An excise tax of 4 cents per gallon is imposed upon each net gallon of diesel fuel subject to the tax under subsection (2).

(b) An additional tax of 1 cent per net gallon shall be imposed by each county on each net gallon of diesel fuel, which shall be designated as the “ninth-cent fuel tax.” This tax shall be used as provided in s. 336.021.

(c) An additional tax of 6 cents per net gallon shall be imposed on diesel fuel by each county, which shall be designated as the “local option fuel tax.” This tax shall be levied and used as provided in s. 336.025.

(d) An additional tax designated as the State Comprehensive Enhanced Transportation System Tax is imposed on each net gallon of diesel fuel in each county, at a rate equal to the maximum rate provided in s. 206.41(1)(f). This tax shall be used as provided in s. 206.608.

(e)1. An additional tax is imposed on each net gallon of diesel fuel, which tax is on the privilege of selling diesel fuel and which is designated the “fuel sales tax,” at a rate determined pursuant to this paragraph. Before January 1 of 1997 and of each year thereafter, the department shall determine the tax rate applicable to the sale of diesel fuel applicable for the forthcoming 12-month period beginning January 1, rounded to the nearest tenth of a cent, by adjusting the initially established tax rate of 6.9 cents per gallon by the percentage change in the average of the Consumer Price Index issued by the United States Department of Labor for the most recent 12-month period ending September 30, compared to the base year average, which is the average for the 12-month period ending September 30, 1989. However, the tax rate shall not be lower than 6.9 cents per gallon.

2. The department is authorized to adopt rules and adopt such forms as may be necessary for the administration of this paragraph.

3. The department shall notify each terminal supplier, position holder, wholesaler, and importer of the tax rate applicable under this paragraph for the 12-month period beginning January 1.

(2) The taxes specified in this section are imposed on all of the following:

(a) The removal of diesel fuel in this state from a terminal if the diesel fuel is removed at the rack.

(b) The removal of diesel fuel in this state from any refinery if either of the following applies:

1. The removal is by bulk transfer and the owner of the diesel fuel immediately before the removal is not a licensed terminal supplier; or

2. The removal is at the refinery rack.

(c) The entry of diesel fuel into this state for sale, consumption, use, or warehousing if either of the following applies:

1. The entry is by bulk transfer and the enterer is not a licensed terminal supplier; or

2. The entry is not by bulk transfer.

(d) The removal of diesel fuel in this state to an unregistered person, unless there was a prior taxable removal, entry, or sale of the diesel fuel.

(e) The removal or sale of blended diesel fuel in this state by the blender thereof. The number of gallons of blended diesel fuel subject to tax is the difference between the total number of gallons of blended diesel fuel removed or sold and the number of gallons of previously taxed diesel fuel used to produce the blended diesel fuel.

History.—s. 2, ch. 19446, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 1167(104); s. 3, ch. 26718, 1951; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 4, ch. 71-363; s. 1, ch. 72-87; s. 5, ch. 75-286; s. 3, ch. 78-299; s. 2, ch. 80-163; ss. 1, 3, ch. 80-415; s. 9, ch. 81-151; s. 24, ch. 83-3; s. 6, ch. 83-137; s. 3, ch. 84-369; ss. 51, 125, ch. 85-342; s. 46, ch. 86-152; ss. 39, 76, ch. 87-6; s. 64, ch. 87-99; s. 45, ch. 87-548; s. 5, ch. 90-351; s. 13, ch. 92-320; s. 1084, ch. 95-147; s. 71, ch. 95-417; s. 2, ch. 2013-198.

Note.—Former s. 209.02.

206.872 Liability for tax; interstate agreement.—The person liable for payment of the taxes imposed by s. 206.87 shall be the following:

(1) Every position holder shall pay taxes on the removal of diesel fuel from a terminal as described by s. 206.87(2). In an exchange agreement between two licensed terminal suppliers, the receiving party shall be liable as the position holder if the receiving party is identified to the terminal operator by the delivering party.

(2) Every terminal supplier shall pay taxes on the removal of diesel fuel from a refinery as specified by s. 206.87(2)(b).

(3) Every importer shall pay taxes on the entry into this state as specified by s. 206.87(2)(c).

(4) Any person that produces blended diesel fuel outside the bulk transfer or terminal system shall pay taxes as provided for by s. 206.87(2)(e).

(5) Any person using diesel fuel in a use which is not exempt under s. 206.874 is liable for the backup tax imposed under s. 206.873.

(6) The seller of diesel fuel is jointly and severally liable for the backup tax imposed under s. 206.873 if the seller knows or has reason to know that the diesel fuel will be used in any nonexempt use.

(7) The terminal operator is jointly and severally liable for the taxes imposed under s. 206.87 if:

(a) The position holder with respect to the diesel fuel is a person other than the terminal operator and is not a terminal supplier; or

(b) The terminal operator has not met the conditions specified under subsection (8).

(8) A terminal operator is not liable for taxes imposed under s. 206.87 if at the time of the removal all the following apply:

(a) The terminal operator is a terminal supplier.

(b) The terminal operator has an unexpired notification certificate from the position holder as required by the Internal Revenue Service.

(9) The terminal operator is jointly and severally liable for the taxes imposed under s. 206.87 if, in connection with the removal of diesel fuel that is not dyed and marked in accordance with United States Environmental Protection Agency or Internal Revenue Service requirements, the terminal operator provides any person with any bill of lading, shipping paper, or similar document indicating that the diesel fuel is dyed and marked in accordance with United States Environmental Protection Agency or Internal Revenue Service requirements.

(10) A licensed importer, a position holder in a terminal located outside of this state, or a seller transferring ownership of diesel fuel outside of this state may enter into an agreement with the department for diesel fuel destined for this state whereby the position holder or the seller of diesel fuel agrees to be subject to the laws of this state and comply with the provisions of this chapter in the same manner as if the diesel fuel were withdrawn from a terminal in this state or the transfer of ownership occurred in this state.

(11)(a) Any person who willfully evades or attempts to evade or defeat the payment of the fuel taxes imposed by this part is subject to an assessable penalty. For each offense such person shall be subject to a penalty of $10 for every gallon of diesel fuel involved or $1,000, whichever is greater. The penalty increases with subsequent violations by multiplying the penalty amount by the number of prior violations. The penalty applies in any of the following circumstances:

1. If any dyed diesel fuel is sold or held for sale by any person for any use that such person knows or has reason to know is not a nontaxable use of such diesel fuel.

2. If any dyed diesel fuel is held for use or used by any person for a use other than a nontaxable use and such person knew, or had reason to know, that such diesel fuel was so dyed.

3. If any person willfully, with intent to evade tax, alters, or attempts to alter, the strength or composition of any dye or marker in any dyed diesel fuel.

History.—s. 72, ch. 95-417.

206.873 Backup tax.—The taxes imposed by s. 206.41 or s. 206.87 are imposed as a backup tax on the delivery or receipt in this state for any use which is not exempt under s. 206.42, s. 206.62, or s. 206.874 of any of the following:

(1) Any diesel fuel that contains a dye.

(2) Any diesel fuel on which a credit or claim for refund has been allowed.

(3) Any diesel fuel on which tax has not been imposed by this part.

(4) Any motor fuel on which tax has not been imposed by this chapter.

History.—s. 73, ch. 95-417; s. 15, ch. 96-323.

206.8735 Department authorized to inspect.—The department and its agents designated as inspectors, upon presenting appropriate credentials, are authorized to conduct inspections and to take and remove samples of fuel in reasonable quantities as follows:

(1) Inspections must be performed in a reasonable manner consistent with the circumstances, but in no event is prior notice required. Inspectors may physically inspect, examine, or otherwise search any tank, reservoir, or other container that can or might be used for the production, storage, or transportation of fuel. Inspection may be made of any equipment used for, or in connection with, the production, storage, or transportation of fuel. Inspectors may demand to have produced for immediate inspection the documents and records required to be kept by a person transporting fuel in nonbulk quantities.

(2) Inspections may be conducted at any place at which fuel is, or may be, produced, stored, delivered, or blended, or at any site where evidence of activities regulated by this part may be discovered, including, but not limited to:

(a) Terminal facilities.

(b) Other fuel storage facilities, including, but not limited to, bulk storage and retail facilities.

(3) Inspectors may reasonably stop and detain any person or equipment transporting fuel in or through this state for the purpose of determining whether the person is operating in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant thereto. Detainment may continue for such time only as is necessary to determine whether the person is in compliance.

(4) Any person who refuses, for the purpose of evading tax, to allow an inspection, in addition to being liable for any other penalties imposed by this part, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.—s. 74, ch. 95-417.

206.874 Exemptions.—

(1) The provisions of this part requiring the payment of taxes do not apply to any of the following:

(a) The removal from a terminal or refinery of, or the entry or sale of, any diesel fuel if all of the following apply:

1. The person otherwise liable for tax is a diesel fuel registrant;

2. In the case of a removal from a terminal, the terminal is an approved terminal; and

3. The diesel fuel satisfies the dyeing and marking requirements of s. 206.8741.

(b) Any entry by a licensed importer into this state of diesel fuel on which taxes have been imposed by this chapter on a diesel fuel registrant pursuant to an agreement entered into with the department as provided by s. 206.872.

1. The diesel fuel is removed by rail car from an approved refinery or terminal and is received at an approved refinery or terminal; and

2. The refinery and the terminal are operated by the same diesel fuel registrant.

(d) Diesel fuel which, pursuant to the contract of sale, is required to be shipped and is shipped to a point outside of this state by a supplier by means of any of the following:

1. Facilities operated by the supplier.

2. Delivery by the supplier to a carrier, customs broker, or forwarding agent, whether hired by the purchaser or not, for shipment to such out-of-state point.

3. Delivery by the supplier to any vessel clearing from a port of this state for a port outside of this state and actually exported from this state in the vessel.

(e) Diesel fuel which is destined for delivery to a location outside of this state on which the diesel fuel registrant is required to collect the taxes of the destination state pursuant to an agreement with the state of destination.

(2) Backup tax does not apply to delivery in this state of diesel fuel into the fuel tank of a diesel-powered motor vehicle as provided in s. 206.873 for use on a farm for farming purposes.

(3) Dyed diesel fuel may be purchased and used only for the following purposes:

(a) Use on a farm for farming purposes.

(b) Exclusive use of a local government.

(d) Exclusive use of the American Red Cross.

(e) Use in a vessel employed in the business of commercial transportation of persons or property or in commercial fishing.

(f) Use in a bus engaged in the transportation of students and employees of schools.

(g) Use in a local bus service that is open to the public and travels regular routes.

(h) Exclusive use of a nonprofit educational facility.

(i) Use in a motor vehicle owned by the United States Government which is not used on a highway.

(j) Use in a vessel of war.

(k) Use of diesel fuel for home heating.

(l) Use in self-propelled off-road equipment or stationary equipment subject to tax under s. 212.0501.

(m) Use by a noncommercial vessel.

(4)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section allowing local governments and school districts to use dyed or otherwise untaxed diesel fuel in motor vehicles, each county, municipality, and school district, to qualify for such use, must first register with the department as a local government user of diesel fuel.

(b) A municipality, county, or school district that manufactures biodiesel fuel solely for use by the municipality, county, or school district and local government users of diesel fuel are required to file a return accounting for biodiesel fuel manufacturing, diesel fuel acquisitions, inventory, and use, and remit a tax equal to 3 cents of the 4-cent tax required under s. 206.87(1)(a), plus the taxes required under s. 206.87(1)(b), (c), and (d) each month to the department.

(c) Any county, municipality, or school district not licensed as a local government user of diesel fuel shall be liable for the taxes imposed by s. 206.87(1) directly to the department for any highway use of untaxed diesel fuels.

(d) Each county, municipality, or school district may receive a credit for additional taxes paid under s. 206.87 for the highway use of diesel fuel, provided the purchases of diesel fuel meet the requirements relating to refunds for motor fuel purchases under s. 206.41.

(5)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section allowing local bus transit systems to use dyed or otherwise untaxed diesel fuel in qualifying motor vehicles providing local public transportation over regular routes, each qualifying mass transit provider, to qualify for such use, must first register with the department as a mass transit system.

(b) Mass transit system providers shall be required to file a return accounting for diesel fuel acquisitions, inventory, and use, and remit a tax equal to the taxes required under s. 206.87(1)(a) and (b) each month to the department.

(c) Any local provider not licensed as a mass transit system shall be liable directly to the department for any highway use of untaxed diesel fuels.

(d) Each licensed mass transit system may receive a credit for additional taxes paid under s. 206.87 for the highway use of diesel fuel, provided the purchases of diesel fuel meet the requirements relating to refunds for motor fuel purchases under s. 206.41.

(6) Diesel fuel contained in the fuel tanks of any motor vehicle entering this state and used to propel such motor vehicle into Florida from another state shall be exempt from the taxes imposed by this part but may be taxed under the provisions of chapter 207. Diesel fuel supplied by a vehicle manufacturer and contained in the fuel tanks of a new and untitled motor vehicle shall be exempt from the taxes imposed by this part. “Fuel tanks” means the reservoir or receptacle attached to the motor vehicle by the manufacturer as the container for fuel used to propel the vehicle.

(7) Biodiesel fuel manufactured by a public or private secondary school that produces less than 1,000 gallons annually for the sole use at the school, by its employees, or its students is exempt from the tax imposed by this part. A public or private secondary school that produces less than 1,000 gallons a year of biodiesel is exempt from the registration requirements of this chapter.

History.—s. 75, ch. 95-417; s. 16, ch. 96-323; s. 9, ch. 97-54; s. 1, ch. 2010-195; s. 2, ch. 2013-142.

206.8741 Dyeing and marking; notice requirements.—

(1) The department shall adopt by rule dyeing and marking requirements for diesel fuel consistent with, and not more stringent than, the requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Internal Revenue Service.

(2) Notice is required with respect to dyed diesel fuel. A notice stating: “DYED DIESEL FUEL, NONTAXABLE USE ONLY, PENALTY FOR TAXABLE USE” shall be:

(a) Provided by the terminal operator to any person that receives dyed diesel fuel at a terminal rack of that terminal operator.

(b) Provided by any seller of dyed diesel fuel to its buyer if the diesel fuel is located outside the bulk transfer or terminal system and is not sold from a retail pump posted in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (c).

(3) All shipping papers, bills of lading, and invoices accompanying the sale or removal of tax-paid, undyed diesel fuel shall be stamped, typed, printed, or written in indelible ink with the following notice: “THIS DIESEL FUEL DOES NOT CONTAIN VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF DYE.”

(4) All shipping papers, bills of lading, and invoices accompanying the sale of tax-paid, undyed diesel fuel exempt from the tax imposed by this part pursuant to s. 206.8745(2) shall be stamped, typed, printed, or written in indelible ink with a notice that the price of the fuel does not include Florida state and local fuel taxes and does not contain visible evidence of dye.

(5) The form of notice required under paragraphs (2)(a) and (b) shall be provided by the time of the removal or sale and shall be stamped, typed, printed, or written in indelible ink on shipping papers, bills of lading, and invoices accompanying the sale or removal of the dyed diesel fuel.

¹(6) Any person who fails to provide or post the required notice with respect to any dyed diesel fuel is subject to a penalty of $2,500 for each month such failure occurs.

History.—s. 76, ch. 95-417; s. 15, ch. 2020-10.

¹Note.—Section 32, ch. 2020-10, provides that:

“(2) This section shall take effect upon this act becoming a law and expires July 1, 2023.”

206.8745 Credits and refund claims.—

(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (7), any person who purchases undyed, tax-paid diesel fuel who has paid the tax imposed by this part to the seller may file a claim for refund of such taxes paid as provided in s. 215.26 if the fuel is used for an exempt purpose identified in s. 206.874(3).

(2) The provisions of subsection (1) do not apply to any person purchasing undyed, tax-paid diesel fuel for use on a farm for farming purposes, or to sales of undyed, tax-paid diesel fuel to the United States or its departments or agencies in bulk lots of not less than 500 gallons in each delivery. Such sales shall be made tax-free and the seller, if a registered ultimate vendor, shall be entitled to file a refund of such taxes or apply for a credit on its monthly return as authorized by law.

(3)(a) A licensed terminal supplier, importer, or wholesaler which holds title to undyed diesel fuel which has been mixed with dyed diesel fuel in storage may claim a refund or credit for any state and local option tax paid on the undyed diesel fuel. In lieu of applying for a refund, a credit may be taken on the return required pursuant to s. 206.43. Any refund or credit claimed under this subsection shall be supported by documentation showing the date and location of the mixing, number of gallons involved, and disposition of the mixed fuel.

(b) Any mixture of dyed and undyed diesel fuel shall not be subject to a taxable use, and shall remain subject to the dye specifications provided by s. 206.8741.

(4) A licensed wholesaler which has paid the tax imposed by this part and any applicable local option tax on undyed diesel fuel subsequently sold tax-free for use on a farm for farming purposes, or to the United States or its departments or agencies in bulk lots of not less than 500 gallons in each delivery may, in lieu of applying for a refund, take a credit on its monthly consolidated fuel tax return against any motor or diesel fuel local option taxes due to the department pursuant to s. 206.41(1)(d), (e), and (f).

(5) A terminal supplier or position holder which removes undyed diesel fuel from a terminal and subsequently places the fuel back into the same or another terminal may claim a refund or credit for all state and local option tax which it paid or accrued on the first removal of the fuel. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing a terminal supplier or position holder to remove undyed diesel fuel from a terminal without paying or accruing the tax imposed by this part.

(6) Undyed, tax-paid diesel fuel consumed by a power takeoff or engine exhaust for the purpose of unloading bulk cargo by pumping or turning a concrete mixer drum used in the manufacturing process, or for the purpose of compacting solid waste, which is mounted on a motor vehicle and which has no separate fuel tank or power unit, is subject to a refund as provided by rule.

(7) Any person who purchases undyed diesel fuel for use by a noncommercial vessel who has paid the tax imposed by this part to the seller may claim a refund of such taxes paid subject to the following restrictions:

(a) The purchaser may make one claim for refund per calendar year.

(b) The annual refund claim shall be submitted prior to April 1 of the year subsequent to the year in which the tax was paid.

(d) The purchaser shall submit, with the refund request, original purchase invoices showing the taxes paid.

(e) The purchaser shall remit as an offset to the refund the sales tax due under chapter 212 based on the purchase price of the fuel net of the state tax refunded.

(8) Undyed, tax-paid diesel fuel purchased in this state and consumed by the engine of a qualified motor coach during idle time for the purpose of running climate control systems and maintaining electrical systems for the motor coach is subject to a refund. As used in this subsection, the term “qualified motor coach” means a privately owned vehicle that is designed to carry nine or more passengers, that has a gross vehicle weight of at least 33,000 pounds, that is used exclusively in the commercial application of transporting passengers for compensation, and that has the capacity to measure diesel fuel consumed in Florida during idling, separate from diesel fuel consumed to propel the vehicle in this state, by way of an on-board computer.

(a) The purchaser may make one claim for refund per calendar year.

(b) The annual refund claim must be submitted before April 1 of the year following the year in which the tax was paid.

(c) The purchaser must submit original or copies of original purchase invoices showing the taxes paid, or, in lieu of original invoices, a purchaser may submit a schedule of purchases containing the information required by s. 206.41(5)(b)1.

(d) The purchaser must remit, as an offset to the refund, sales tax due under chapter 212 based on the purchase price of the fuel, net of the state tax refunded.

The Department of Revenue may adopt rules to administer this subsection.

History.—s. 77, ch. 95-417; s. 17, ch. 96-323; s. 10, ch. 97-54; s. 2, ch. 2000-266; s. 14, ch. 2018-110.

206.875 Allocation of tax.—

(1) All moneys derived from the taxes imposed by this part shall be paid into the State Treasury by the department for deposit in the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund, from which the following transfers shall be made: After withholding $10,000 from the proceeds of 4 cents of such tax, to be used as a revolving cash balance, all other moneys shall be transferred in the same manner and for the same purpose as provided by law for allocation of the taxes levied in part I, including deduction of the service charges provided for in s. 215.20 and the administrative costs incurred by the department in collecting, administering, enforcing, and distributing the tax, which administrative costs may not exceed 2 percent of collections.

(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that this section be construed to provide for the distribution of the appropriate portion of the diesel fuels tax imposed by this part, in the same manner as provided by ss. 206.41, 206.45, 206.60, 206.605, 206.606, 206.608, and 206.625.

History.—s. 3, ch. 19446, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 1167(105); s. 1, ch. 20554, 1941; s. 4, ch. 26718, 1951; s. 4, ch. 61-119; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 5, ch. 70-342; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 6, ch. 75-286; s. 100, ch. 81-259; s. 25, ch. 83-3; s. 5, ch. 83-339; s. 3, ch. 85-164; s. 40, ch. 87-6; s. 45, ch. 87-548; s. 109, ch. 91-112; s. 4, ch. 94-146; ss. 78, 79, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 209.03.

206.88 Appropriation for expenses of administration.—The Legislature shall include in its appropriation act a sum sufficient for the payment by the department of expenses incident to the administration of parts I and II of this chapter, including legal expenses, costs and expenses incident to litigation, and the payment of such sums of money as the department may from time to time determine shall be refunded to any person making overpayment of such taxes.

History.—s. 4, ch. 19446, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 1167(106); s. 15, ch. 26869, 1951; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 101, ch. 81-259.

Note.—Former s. 209.04.

206.90 Bond required of terminal suppliers, importers, and wholesalers.—

¹(1) Every terminal supplier, importer, or wholesaler, except a municipality, county, state agency, federal agency, school board, or special district, shall file with the department a bond or bonds in the penal sum of not more than $300,000. The sum of such bond shall be approximately 3 times the average monthly diesel fuels tax and local option tax on diesel fuels paid or due during the preceding 12 calendar months, with a surety approved by the department. The licensee shall be the principal obligor and the state shall be the obligee, conditioned upon the faithful compliance with the provisions of this chapter, including the local option tax laws. If the sum of 3 times a licensee’s average monthly tax is less than $50, no bond shall be required.

(2) When the liability upon the bond filed as provided in subsection (1) shall be discharged or reduced, whether by judgment rendered, payment made, or otherwise, or if in the opinion of the department any surety on the bond theretofore given has become unsatisfactory or unacceptable, the department may require the licensee to file a new bond with satisfactory surety in the same form and amount.

(3) If such new bond is furnished as provided in subsection (2), the department shall cancel and surrender the bond of the licensee for which such new bond is substituted. If the licensee fails to post the new bond, the department shall forthwith cancel the license of the licensee.

(4) If the department decides that the amount of the existing bond is insufficient to ensure payment to the state of the amount of tax and any penalties and interest for which the licensee is liable, the licensee shall forthwith, upon the written demand of the department, file additional bond in the same manner and form with like security thereon. The department shall forthwith cancel the license of any licensee failing to file the additional bond.

(5) Any surety on any bond furnished by a licensee, as provided in this section, shall be released and discharged from all liability to the state accruing on such bond after the expiration of 60 days from the date upon which such surety has lodged with the department a written request to be released and discharged. Such request shall not operate to relieve, release, or discharge such surety from any liability already accrued, or which shall accrue, before the expiration of the 60-day period. The department shall, promptly on receipt of such request, notify the licensee who furnished such bond, and, unless the licensee on or before the expiration of the 60-day period files with the department a new bond with a surety company satisfactory to the department in the amount and form as provided in subsection (1), the department shall forthwith cancel the license of such licensee. If the new bond is furnished, the department shall cancel and surrender the bond of the licensee for which the new bond is substituted.

History.—s. 6, ch. 19446, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 1167(108); s. 7, ch. 26718, 1951; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1, ch. 75-21; s. 5, ch. 77-149; s. 54, ch. 78-95; s. 26, ch. 83-3; s. 8, ch. 83-137; s. 2, ch. 83-138; s. 83, ch. 95-417; s. 16, ch. 2020-10.

¹Note.—Section 32, ch. 2020-10, provides that:

“(2) This section shall take effect upon this act becoming a law and expires July 1, 2023.”

Note.—Former s. 209.06.

206.91 Tax reports; computation and payment of tax.—

(1) For the purpose of determining the amount of taxes imposed by s. 206.87, each diesel fuel registrant shall, not later than the 20th day of each calendar month, mail to the department, on forms prescribed by the department, monthly reports that provide information on inventories, purchases, nontaxable disposals, and taxable sales in gallons of diesel fuel for the preceding calendar month required by the department. However, if the 20th day falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a federal or state legal holiday, returns shall be accepted if postmarked on the next succeeding workday. The reports must include, or be verified by, a written declaration stating that they are made under the penalties of perjury. The diesel fuel registrant shall deduct from the amount of taxes shown by the report to be payable an amount equivalent to .67 percent of the taxes on diesel fuel imposed by s. 206.87(1)(a) and (e), which deduction is allowed to the diesel fuel registrant on account of services and expenses in complying with the provisions of this part. The allowance on taxable gallons of diesel fuel sold to persons licensed under this chapter is not deductible unless the diesel fuel registrant has allowed 50 percent of the allowance provided by this section to a purchaser with a valid wholesaler or terminal supplier license. This allowance is not deductible unless payment of the taxes is made on or before the 20th day of the month as required in this subsection. This subsection does not authorize a deduction from the constitutional fuel tax or fuel sales tax.

(2) At the time of filing the monthly report, each diesel fuel registrant shall pay to the department the full amount of diesel fuel taxes for the preceding calendar month at the rate provided for in s. 206.87, less the amount allowable to the diesel fuel registrant on account of services and expenses as provided in subsection (1).

(3) The department may authorize a quarterly return and payment of taxes when the taxes remitted by the diesel fuel registrant for the preceding quarter did not exceed $100, and may authorize a semiannual return and payment of taxes when the taxes remitted by the diesel fuel registrant for the preceding 6 months did not exceed $200.

(4) In addition to the allowance authorized by subsection (1), every diesel fuel registrant shall be entitled to a deduction of 1.1 percent of the taxes imposed under s. 206.87(1)(b) and (c), which deduction is hereby allowed on account of services and expenses in complying with the provisions of this part. This allowance shall not be deductible unless payment of the tax is made on or before the 20th day of the month as herein required.

History.—s. 7, ch. 19446, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 1167(109); s. 8, ch. 26718, 1951; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 4, ch. 78-250; s. 1, ch. 81-165; s. 27, ch. 83-3; s. 9, ch. 83-137; s. 11, ch. 83-138; s. 80, ch. 87-99; s. 15, ch. 89-356; s. 84, ch. 95-417; s. 11, ch. 97-54; s. 5, ch. 2013-198.

Note.—Former s. 209.07.

206.92 Surrender of bond or license.—

(1) Upon receipt of a written request from any registrant to cancel the license, the department shall have the power to cancel such license, effective 60 days from the date of such written request. No such license shall be canceled unless the registrant has, prior to the date of such cancellation, paid to this state all taxes due and payable, together with all penalties and interest accruing under any of the provisions of this part, and unless the registrant has surrendered to the department the license certificate issued to him or her.

(2) If, upon investigation, the department ascertains and finds that any person to whom a license has been issued under this part is no longer engaged in the sale, use, transfer, or delivery of diesel fuels and has not been so engaged for a period of 6 months, the department shall have the power to cancel the license by giving such person 60 days’ notice of the cancellation, mailed to his or her last known address, in which event the license certificate theretofore issued to such person shall be surrendered to the department.

(3) If any license is canceled by the department as provided in this section, and if the registrant has paid to this state all taxes due and payable, together with any and all penalties and interest accruing under this part, the department shall cancel and surrender the bond theretofore filed by said registrant.

History.—s. 8, ch. 19446, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 1167(110); s. 9, ch. 26718, 1951; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1086, ch. 95-147; s. 85, ch. 95-417; s. 19, ch. 96-323.

Note.—Former s. 209.08.

206.93 Penalty for failure to report and pay taxes promptly.—If any person willfully fails to file the report and pay the tax as provided in s. 206.91, the department shall revoke the person’s license unless it appears that the failure to comply with this part was not due to fraud or to an intent to violate this part.

History.—s. 9, ch. 19446, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 1167(111); s. 10, ch. 26718, 1951; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 3, ch. 63-512; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 54, ch. 78-95; s. 16, ch. 89-356; s. 1087, ch. 95-147.

Note.—Former s. 209.09.

206.94 Department may estimate diesel fuels sold or used.—When any person neglects or refuses to file any report as required by s. 206.91 or files an incorrect or fraudulent report, the department shall determine, after investigation, the number of gallons of diesel fuels with respect to which the person has incurred liability under this part for any particular period and fix the amount of taxes due and payable thereon, to which taxes due shall be added the penalties and interest imposed by s. 206.44 as a penalty for the default of such person. The department may settle or compromise such penalties pursuant to s. 213.21.

History.—s. 10, ch. 19446, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 1167(112); s. 11, ch. 26718, 1951; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 1, ch. 63-301; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 7, ch. 76-261; s. 8, ch. 81-178; s. 10, ch. 83-137; s. 17, ch. 89-356; s. 86, ch. 95-417.

Note.—Former s. 209.10.

206.945 Settlement or compromise of tax, penalty, or interest.—The department may settle or compromise tax, penalty, or interest imposed by this part pursuant to s. 213.21.

History.—s. 8, ch. 81-178; s. 65, ch. 83-217; s. 94, ch. 90-136; s. 6, ch. 90-351.

206.96 Reports from Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.—Upon the request of the department at the time of issuing a license plate to the owner of a motor vehicle, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall determine the kind of fuel used to propel the motor vehicle, and for those motor vehicles using fuel other than gasoline, shall report to the Department of Revenue within 30 days the name and address of the owner, the make, and motor number of the vehicle. Forms for making such reports shall be furnished by the Department of Revenue.

History.—s. 22, ch. 26718, 1951; s. 7, ch. 63-253; s. 6, ch. 65-190; s. 5, ch. 65-371; s. 2, ch. 65-420; ss. 21, 24, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-995.

Note.—Former s. 209.21.

206.97 Applicability of specified sections of part I.—The provisions of ss. 206.01, 206.02, 206.026, 206.027, 206.028, 206.04, 206.051, 206.052, 206.054, 206.055, 206.07, 206.075, 206.08, 206.09, 206.095, 206.10, 206.11, 206.12, 206.13, 206.14, 206.15, 206.16, 206.17, 206.175, 206.18, 206.199, 206.20, 206.204, 206.205, 206.21, 206.215, 206.22, 206.23, 206.24, 206.25, 206.27, 206.28, 206.41, 206.416, 206.43, 206.44, 206.48, 206.49, 206.56, 206.59, 206.606, 206.608, 206.61, and 206.62 of part I of this chapter shall, as far as lawful or practicable, be applicable to the tax herein levied and imposed and to the collection thereof as if fully set out in this part. However, no provision of any such section shall apply if it conflicts with any provision of this part.

History.—s. 1, ch. 70-995; s. 7, ch. 75-286; s. 28, ch. 83-3; s. 11, ch. 83-137; s. 116, ch. 85-342; s. 5, ch. 88-243; s. 95, ch. 90-136; s. 7, ch. 90-351; s. 16, ch. 91-112; s. 87, ch. 95-417; s. 75, ch. 99-2; s. 5, ch. 2000-210.

PART III

AVIATION FUEL

206.9815 Definitions.

206.9825 Aviation fuel tax.

206.9826 Refund for certain air carriers.

206.9835 Administration of tax.

206.9837 Disclosure of price.

206.9845 Distribution of proceeds.

206.9855 Refund to carriers.

206.9865 Commercial air carriers; registration; reporting.

206.9875 United States government exempt.

206.9815 Definitions.—As used in this part:

(1) “Aviation fuel” means fuel for use in aircraft, and includes aviation gasoline and aviation turbine fuels and kerosene, as determined by the American Society for Testing Materials specifications D-910 or D-1655 or current specifications.

(2) “Kerosene” means all aviation turbine fuels and any distillate known as diesel #1, K-1, or any product suitable for use as a substitute for kerosene not taxed as a diesel fuel under part II. Any kerosene meeting the definition of diesel under s. 206.86(1) shall be taxed under part II.

(3) “Aviation gasoline” means any motor fuel blended or produced specifically for use in aircraft which has been dyed in accordance with federal regulations. Aviation gasoline does not include any such fuel used in any manner other than being placed in the storage tank of an aircraft.

History.—s. 2, ch. 85-348; s. 20, ch. 96-323.

206.9825 Aviation fuel tax.—

(1)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this part, an excise tax of 4.27 cents per gallon of aviation fuel is imposed upon every gallon of aviation fuel sold in this state, or brought into this state for use, upon which such tax has not been paid or the payment thereof has not been lawfully assumed by some person handling the same in this state. Fuel taxed pursuant to this part is not subject to the taxes imposed by ss. 206.41(1)(d), (e), and (f) and 206.87(1)(b), (c), and (d).

(b)1. Sales of aviation fuel to, and exclusively used for flight training through a school of aeronautics or college of aviation by, a college based in this state which is a tax-exempt organization under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or a university based in this state are exempt from the tax imposed by this part if the college or university:

a. Is accredited by or has applied for accreditation by the Aviation Accreditation Board International; and

b. Offers a graduate program in aeronautical or aerospace engineering or offers flight training through a school of aeronautics or college of aviation.

2. A licensed wholesaler or terminal supplier that sells aviation fuel to a college or university qualified under this paragraph and that does not collect the aviation fuel tax from the college or university on such sale may receive an ultimate vendor credit for the 4.27-cent excise tax previously paid on the aviation fuel delivered to such college or university.

3. A college or university qualified under this paragraph which purchases aviation fuel from a retail supplier, including a fixed-base operator, and pays the 4.27-cent excise tax on the purchase may apply for and receive a refund of the aviation fuel tax paid.

(2)(a) An excise tax of 4.27 cents per gallon is imposed on each gallon of kerosene in the same manner as prescribed for diesel fuel under ss. 206.87(2) and 206.872.

(b) The exemptions provided by s. 206.874 shall apply to kerosene if the dyeing and marking requirements of s. 206.8741 are met.

(c) Kerosene prepackaged in containers of 5 gallons or less and labeled “Not for Use in a Motor Vehicle” is exempt from the taxes imposed by this part when sold for home heating and cooking. Packagers may qualify for a refund of taxes previously paid, as prescribed by the department.

(d) Sales of kerosene in quantities of 5 gallons or less by a person not licensed under this chapter who has no facilities for placing kerosene in the fuel supply system of a motor vehicle may qualify for a refund of taxes paid. Refunds of taxes paid shall be limited to sales for use in home heating or cooking and shall be documented as prescribed by the department.

(3) An excise tax of 4.27 cents per gallon is imposed on each gallon of aviation gasoline in the manner prescribed by paragraph (2)(a). However, the exemptions allowed by paragraph (2)(b) do not apply to aviation gasoline.

(4) Any licensed wholesaler or terminal supplier that delivers undyed kerosene to a residence for home heating or cooking may receive a credit or refund as the ultimate vendor of the kerosene for the 4.27-cent excise tax previously paid.

(5) Any licensed wholesaler or terminal supplier that delivers undyed kerosene to a retail dealer not licensed as a wholesaler or terminal supplier for sale as a home heating or cooking fuel may receive a credit or refund as the ultimate vendor of the kerosene for the 4.27-cent excise tax previously paid, provided the retail dealer has no facility for fueling highway vehicles from the tank in which the kerosene is stored.

(6) Any person who fails to meet the requirements of this section is subject to a backup tax as provided by s. 206.873.

History.—s. 2, ch. 85-348; s. 49, ch. 86-152; s. 1, ch. 88-371; s. 1, ch. 89-529; s. 107, ch. 90-136; s. 6, ch. 90-203; s. 21, ch. 91-112; s. 1088, ch. 95-147; s. 88, ch. 95-417; s. 21, ch. 96-323; s. 5, ch. 2002-2; s. 10, ch. 2002-218; s. 3, ch. 2003-2; s. 15, ch. 2004-5; s. 10, ch. 2015-221; ss. 6, 7, ch. 2016-220.

206.9826 Refund for certain air carriers.—An air carrier conducting scheduled operations or all-cargo operations that are authorized under 14 C.F.R. part 121, 14 C.F.R. part 129, or 14 C.F.R. part 135, is entitled to receive a refund of 1.42 cents per gallon of the taxes imposed by this part on aviation fuel purchased by such air carrier. The refund provided under this section plus the refund provided under s. 206.9855 may not exceed 4.27 cents per gallon of aviation fuel purchased by an air carrier.

History.—s. 28, ch. 2018-118.

206.9835 Administration of tax.—To the extent that they are not manifestly incompatible with the provisions of this part, the provisions of part I shall govern the administration and enforcement of the tax imposed by this part.

History.—s. 2, ch. 85-348.

206.9837 Disclosure of price.—Every retail dealer engaged in the sale of aviation fuel to the public shall post in a place clearly visible to the public in the fixed base operator terminal, or on the outside housing of each pump or other dispensing device, the price of the aviation fuel, including a statement disclosing whether the stated price includes tax on the fuel. All display material shall be subject to the approval of the local governing or controlling agency with jurisdiction over the airport.

History.—s. 1, ch. 88-296.

206.9845 Distribution of proceeds.—Moneys collected pursuant to this part shall be deposited in the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund. Such moneys, after deducting the service charges imposed by s. 215.20, the refunds granted pursuant to s. 206.9855, and the administrative costs incurred by the department in collecting, administering, enforcing, and distributing the tax, which administrative costs may not exceed 2 percent of collections, shall be distributed monthly to the State Transportation Trust Fund.

History.—s. 2, ch. 85-348; s. 1, ch. 86-165; s. 111, ch. 91-112; s. 5, ch. 94-146; ss. 89, 90, ch. 95-417.

206.9855 Refund to carriers.—Any carrier that is in the business of transporting persons or property for compensation or hire by air shall be entitled to receive a refund of the taxes imposed by this part on aviation fuel purchased by such carrier. The refund shall not exceed 0.6 percent of the wages paid by the carrier to employees located or based within this state and who are covered by the provisions of chapter 443.

History.—s. 2, ch. 85-348.

206.9865 Commercial air carriers; registration; reporting.—

(1) A commercial air carrier which operates in Florida must apply for and receive from the department an aviation fuel tax license.

(2) To procure an aviation fuel tax license, the carrier must file an application in such form and furnish such information as the department may require.

(3) The application must be renewed annually.

(4) Upon issuance of the aviation fuel tax license, each carrier shall file with the department a report showing inventories; all purchases of tax-paid aviation fuel; all fuels drawn from bonded supplies; imports; and disbursements, sales, and usage. The report shall be filed pursuant to part I of this chapter.

(5) The license shall be for the purpose of remitting taxes on any aviation fuel which is drawn from bond or imported into Florida and which is used for domestic purposes.

(6) The provisions of this chapter relating to timely filing of reports, payment of any tax that may be due, suits for collection, warrants for collection, department warrants, penalties, interest, retention of records, inspection of records, liens on property, foreclosure, and enforcement apply to this part.

History.—s. 81, ch. 87-99; s. 20, ch. 89-356; s. 16, ch. 2017-36.

206.9875 United States government exempt.—Aviation fuel purchased by the United States or any department or agency of the United States is exempt from the tax imposed by this part when used in governmental aircraft. Any dealer of aviation fuel is entitled to a refund of any tax he or she has paid upon any aviation fuel purchased under such exemption.

History.—s. 82, ch. 87-99; s. 1089, ch. 95-147.

PART IV

FUEL AND OTHER POLLUTANTS

206.9915 Legislative intent and general provisions.

206.9925 Definitions.

206.9931 Administrative provisions.

206.9935 Taxes imposed.

206.9941 Exemptions.

206.9942 Refunds and credits.

206.9943 Pollutant tax license.

206.9945 Funds collected; disposition; department authority.

206.9915 Legislative intent and general provisions.—

(1) It is the legislative intent that the excise taxes imposed in this part shall be in addition to all other taxes imposed under this chapter and other provisions of law. The application of any one tax under this part shall not preclude application of any or all of the other taxes provided herein.

(2) The provisions of parts I-III of this chapter shall be applicable to the taxes imposed herein only by express reference to this part.

(3) The provisions of ss. 206.01, 206.02, 206.026, 206.027, 206.028, 206.051, 206.052, 206.054, 206.055, 206.06, 206.07, 206.075, 206.08, 206.09, 206.095, 206.10, 206.11, 206.12, 206.13, 206.14, 206.15, 206.16, 206.17, 206.175, 206.18, 206.199, 206.20, 206.204, 206.205, 206.21, 206.215, 206.22, 206.24, 206.27, 206.28, 206.416, 206.42, 206.44, 206.48, 206.49, 206.56, 206.59, 206.86, 206.87, 206.872, 206.873, 206.8735, 206.874, 206.8741, 206.8745, 206.94, 206.945, and 206.9815 shall, as far as lawful or practicable, be applicable to the levy and collection of taxes imposed pursuant to this part as if fully set out in this part and made expressly applicable to the taxes imposed herein.

History.—s. 3, ch. 86-159; s. 96, ch. 90-136; s. 8, ch. 90-351; s. 17, ch. 91-112; s. 91, ch. 95-417; s. 22, ch. 96-323; s. 15, ch. 96-397; s. 76, ch. 99-2.

206.9925 Definitions.—As used in this part:

(1) “Barrel” means 42 U.S. gallons at 60 °F.

(2) “Oil” means crude petroleum oil and other hydrocarbons, regardless of gravity, which are produced at the well in liquid form by ordinary production methods and which are not the result of condensation of gas after it leaves the reservoir.

(3) “Gas” means all natural gas, including casinghead gas, and all other hydrocarbons not defined as oil in subsection (2).

(4) “Petroleum product” means any refined liquid commodity made wholly or partially from oil or gas, or blends or mixtures of oil with one or more liquid products or byproducts derived from oil or gas, or blends or mixtures of two or more liquid products or byproducts derived from oil or gas, and includes, but is not limited to, motor gasoline, gasohol, aviation gasoline, naphtha-type jet fuel, kerosene-type jet fuel, kerosene, distillate fuel oil, residual fuel oil, motor oil and other lubricants, naphtha of less than 400 °F for petroleum feed, special naphthas, road oil, still gas, unfinished oils, motor gas blending components, including petroleum-derived ethanol when used for such purpose, and aviation gas blending components.

(5) “Pollutants” includes any petroleum product as defined in subsection (4) as well as pesticides, ammonia, and chlorine; lead-acid batteries, including, but not limited to, batteries that are a component part of other tangible personal property; and solvents as defined in subsection (6), but the term excludes liquefied petroleum gas, medicinal oils, and waxes. Products intended for application to the human body or for use in human personal hygiene or for human ingestion are not pollutants, regardless of their contents. For the purpose of the tax imposed under s. 206.9935(1), “pollutants” also includes crude oil.

(6) “Solvents” means the following organic compounds, if the listed organic compound is in liquid form: acetamide, acetone, acetonitrile, acetophenone, amyl acetates (all), aniline, benzene, butyl acetates (all), butyl alcohols (all), butyl benzyl phthalate, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, chlorobenzene, chloroform, cumene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanone, dibutyl phthalate, dichlorobenzenes (all), dichlorodifluoromethane, diethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate (di2-ethyl hexyl phthalate), n-dioctyl phthalate, 1,4-dioxane, petroleum-derived ethanol, ethyl acetate, ethyl benzene, ethylene dichloride, 2-ethoxy ethanol (ethylene glycol ethyl ether), ethylene glycol, furfural, formaldehyde, n-hexane, isophorone, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, 2-methoxy ethanol (ethylene glycol methyl ether), methyl tert-butyl ether, methylene chloride (dichloromethane), methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, mineral spirits, 140-F naphtha, naphthalene, nitrobenzene, 2-nitropropane, pentachlorobenzene, phenol, perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene), stoddard solvent, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, and xylenes (all).

(7) “Consume” means to destroy or to alter the chemical or physical structure of a solvent so that it is no longer identifiable as the solvent it was.

(8) “Storage facility” means a location owned, operated, or leased by a licensed terminal operator, which location contains any stationary tank or tanks for holding petroleum products.

History.—s. 3, ch. 86-159; s. 1, ch. 88-393; s. 1, ch. 89-171; s. 3, ch. 91-194; s. 2, ch. 91-305; s. 92, ch. 95-417; s. 5, ch. 96-323; s. 1, ch. 96-352.

206.9931 Administrative provisions.—

(1) Any person producing in, importing into, or causing to be imported into this state taxable pollutants for sale, use, or otherwise and who is not registered or licensed pursuant to other parts of this chapter is hereby required to register and become licensed for the purposes of this part. Such person shall register as either a producer or importer of pollutants and shall be subject to all applicable registration and licensing provisions of this chapter, as if fully set out in this part and made expressly applicable to the taxes imposed herein, including, but not limited to, ss. 206.02, 206.021, 206.022, 206.025, 206.03, 206.04, and 206.05. For the purposes of this section, registrations required exclusively for this part shall be made within 90 days of July 1, 1986, for existing businesses, or prior to the first production or importation of pollutants for businesses created after July 1, 1986. The fee for registration shall be $30. Failure to timely register is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(2) The taxes imposed in this part are due on the first day of the month succeeding the month of production, importation, or removal from a storage facility and shall be paid on or before the 20th day of each month. Taxes shall be reported on forms and in the manner prescribed by the department by rule.

(3) Any person subject to taxation under this part or any person who sells tax-paid pollutants, other than a retail dealer, shall separately state the amount of such tax paid on any charge ticket, sales slip, invoice, or other tangible evidence of the sale or shall certify on the sales document that the tax required pursuant to this part has been paid and the amount of tax paid per barrel.

(4) All pollutants imported, produced, or sold in this state are presumed to be subject to the taxes imposed by this part. Any person, except the final retail consumer, who has purchased a pollutant for sale, use, consumption, or distribution in this state must document that the taxes imposed by this part have been paid or must pay such taxes directly to the department in accordance with subsection (2).

(5) The department may authorize a quarterly return and payment when the tax remitted by the terminal supplier, importer, wholesaler, dealer, or producer for the preceding quarter did not exceed $100; may authorize a semiannual return and payment when the tax remitted by the licensee for the preceding 6 months did not exceed $200; and may authorize an annual return and payment when the tax remitted by the licensee for the preceding 12 months did not exceed $400.

History.—s. 3, ch. 86-159; s. 78, ch. 87-6; s. 65, ch. 87-99; s. 47, ch. 87-101; s. 22, ch. 91-112; s. 16, ch. 91-224; s. 93, ch. 95-417.

206.9935 Taxes imposed.—

(1) TAX FOR COASTAL PROTECTION.—

(a)1. There is hereby levied an excise tax for the privilege of producing in, importing into, or causing to be imported into this state pollutants for sale, use, or otherwise.

2. The tax shall be imposed only once on each barrel of pollutant, other than petroleum products, when first produced in or imported into this state. The tax on pollutants first imported into or produced in this state shall be imposed when the product is first sold or first removed from storage. The tax shall be paid and remitted by any person who is licensed by the department to engage in the production or importation of motor fuel, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, or other pollutants.

3. The tax shall be imposed on petroleum products and remitted to the department in the same manner as the motor fuel tax imposed pursuant to s. 206.41.

(b) The excise tax shall be 2 cents per barrel of pollutant, or equivalent measure as established by the department, produced in or imported into this state until the balance in the Coastal Protection Trust Fund equals or exceeds $50 million. For the fiscal year immediately following the year in which the balance in the fund equals or exceeds $50 million, no excise tax shall be levied unless:

1. The balance in the fund is less than or equal to $40 million. For the fiscal year immediately following the year in which the balance in the fund is less than or equal to $40 million, the excise tax shall be and shall remain 2 cents per barrel or equivalent measure until the fund again equals or exceeds $50 million. For the fiscal year immediately following the year in which the fund again is equal to or exceeds $50 million, the excise tax and fund shall be controlled as when the fund first was equal to or exceeded $50 million.

2. There is a discharge of catastrophic proportions, the results of which could significantly reduce the balance in the fund. In the event of such a catastrophic occurrence, the Secretary of Environmental Protection may, by rule, relevy the excise tax in an amount not to exceed 10 cents per barrel for a period of time sufficient to maintain the fund at a balance of $50 million, after payment of the costs and damages related to the catastrophic discharge.

3. The fund is unable to pay any proven claims against the fund at the end of the fiscal year. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, for the fiscal year following the year in which the fund is unable to pay any proven claims against the fund at the end of the fiscal year, the excise tax shall be and shall remain 5 cents per barrel or equivalent measure until all outstanding proven claims have been paid and the fund again equals or exceeds $20 million. For the fiscal year immediately following the year in which the fund, after levy of the 5-cent excise tax, again is equal to or exceeds $20 million, the excise tax and fund shall be controlled in accordance with subparagraph 1., unless otherwise provided.

4. The fund has had appropriated to it by the Legislature, but has not yet repaid, state funds from the General Revenue Fund. In such event, the excise tax shall continue to be in effect until all such funds are repaid to the General Revenue Fund.

(c)1. Excluding natural gas drilling activities, if offshore oil drilling activity is approved by the United States Department of the Interior for the waters off the coast of this state in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or Straits of Florida, paragraph (b) shall not apply. Instead, the excise tax shall be 2 cents per barrel of pollutant, or equivalent measure as established by the department, produced in or imported into this state, and the proceeds shall be deposited into the Coastal Protection Trust Fund with a cap of $100 million.

2. If a discharge of catastrophic proportions occurs, the results of which could significantly reduce the balance in the fund, the Secretary of Environmental Protection may, by rule, increase the levy of the excise tax to an amount not to exceed 10 cents per barrel for a period of time sufficient to pay any proven claim against the fund and restore the balance in the fund until it again equals or exceeds $50 million; except that for any fiscal year immediately following the year in which the fund is equal to or exceeds $50 million, the excise tax and fund shall be governed by the provisions of subparagraph 1.

(2) TAX FOR WATER QUALITY.—

(a)1. There is hereby levied an excise tax for the privilege of producing in, importing into, or causing to be imported into this state pollutants for sale, use, or otherwise.

2. The tax shall be imposed only once on each barrel or other unit of pollutant, other than petroleum products, when first produced in or imported into this state. The tax on pollutants first imported into or produced in this state shall be imposed when the product is first sold or first removed from storage. The tax shall be paid and remitted by any person who is licensed by the department to engage in the production or importation of motor fuel, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, or other pollutants.

3. The tax shall be imposed on petroleum products and remitted to the department in the same manner as the motor fuel tax imposed pursuant to s. 206.41.

(b) The excise tax shall be the applicable rate as specified in subparagraph 1. per barrel or per unit of pollutant, or equivalent measure as established by the department, produced in or imported into the state. If the unobligated balance of the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund is or falls below $3 million, the tax shall be increased to the applicable rates specified in subparagraph 2. and shall remain at said rates until the unobligated balance in the fund exceeds $5 million, at which time the tax shall be imposed at the rates specified in subparagraph 1. If the unobligated balance of the fund exceeds $12 million, the levy of the tax shall be discontinued until the unobligated balance of the fund falls below $5 million, at which time the tax shall be imposed at the rates specified in subparagraph 1. Changes in the tax rates pursuant to this paragraph shall take effect on the first day of the month after 30 days’ notification to the Department of Revenue when the unobligated balance of the fund falls below or exceeds a limit set pursuant to this paragraph. The unobligated balance of the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund as it relates to determination of the applicable excise tax rate shall exclude the unobligated balances of funds of the Dry Cleaning, Operator Certification, and nonagricultural nonpoint source programs, and other required reservations of fund balance. The unobligated balance in the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund is based upon the current unreserved fund balance, projected revenues, authorized legislative appropriations, and funding for the department’s base budget for the subsequent fiscal year. Determination of the unobligated balance of the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund shall be performed annually subsequent to the annual legislative appropriations becoming law.

1. As provided in this paragraph, the tax shall be 2.36 cents per gallon of solvents, 1 cent per gallon of motor oil or other lubricants, and 2 cents per barrel of petroleum products, pesticides, ammonia, and chlorine.

2. As provided in this paragraph, the tax shall be 5.9 cents per gallon of solvents, 2.5 cents per gallon of motor oil or other lubricants, 2 cents per barrel of ammonia, and 5 cents per barrel of petroleum products, pesticides, and chlorine.

(c) Any person producing in or importing into the state a liquid mixture and claiming that the mixture is not subject to taxation as a pollutant shall bear the burden of demonstrating to the Department of Revenue that the mixture is not a pollutant or is intended for application to the human body or for use in human personal hygiene or for human ingestion.

(3) TAX FOR INLAND PROTECTION.—

(a)1. There is hereby levied an excise tax for the privilege of producing in, importing into, or causing to be imported into this state pollutants for sale, use, or otherwise.

2. The tax shall be imposed only once on each barrel of pollutant produced in or imported into this state in the same manner as the motor fuel tax imposed pursuant to s. 206.41. The tax shall be paid or remitted by any person who is licensed by the department to engage in the production or importation of motor fuel, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, or other pollutants.

(b)1. The excise tax per barrel of pollutant, or equivalent measure as established by the department, produced in or imported into this state shall be:

a. Thirty cents if the unobligated balance of the fund is between $100 million and $150 million.

b. Sixty cents if the unobligated balance of the fund is above $50 million, but below $100 million.

c. Eighty cents if the unobligated balance of the fund is $50 million or less.

2. Any change in the tax rate shall be effective for a minimum of 6 months, unless the unobligated balance of the fund requires that a higher rate be levied.

3. If the unobligated balance of the fund exceeds $150 million, the tax shall be discontinued until such time as the unobligated balance of the fund reaches $100 million.

4. The Secretary of Environmental Protection shall immediately notify the Department of Revenue when the unobligated balance of the fund falls below or exceeds an amount set herein. Changes in the tax rates pursuant to this subsection shall take effect on the first day of the month after 30 days’ notification to the Department of Revenue by the Secretary of Environmental Protection when the unobligated balance of the fund falls below or exceeds a limit set pursuant to this subsection. The unobligated balance of the Inland Protection Trust Fund as it relates to determination of the applicable excise tax rate shall exclude any required reservations of fund balance. The unobligated balance of the Inland Protection Trust Fund is based upon the current unreserved fund balance, projected revenues, authorized legislative appropriations, and funding for the department’s base budget for the subsequent fiscal year. Determination of the unobligated balance of the Inland Protection Trust Fund shall be performed annually subsequent to the annual legislative appropriations becoming law.

(4) For purposes of this section, the term “first sale” does not include exchanges or loans, gallon-for-gallon, of petroleum products between licensed terminal suppliers before the petroleum products have been sold or removed through the loading rack or transfers between terminal facilities owned by the same taxpayer. The tax on petroleum products first imported into this state by a licensed terminal supplier storing such petroleum products in a terminal facility shall be imposed when the product is first removed through the loading rack. The tax shall be remitted by the licensed terminal supplier who owned the petroleum products immediately prior to removal of such petroleum products from storage.

(5) The sum of $8 million or 2.5 percent, whichever is greater, of the amount credited to the Inland Protection Trust Fund pursuant to subsection (3) shall be transferred to the Florida Coastal Protection Trust Fund and used for the purposes authorized in s. 376.11.

History.—s. 11, ch. 74-336; ss. 82, 84, ch. 83-310; s. 10, ch. 84-338; s. 3, ch. 86-159; s. 66, ch. 87-99; s. 1, ch. 87-374; s. 2, ch. 88-393; s. 2, ch. 89-171; s. 2, ch. 89-175; s. 1, ch. 90-54; s. 11, ch. 90-98; s. 2, ch. 91-194; s. 3, ch. 91-305; s. 14, ch. 92-30; s. 48, ch. 94-356; s. 58, ch. 95-280; s. 94, ch. 95-417; s. 2, ch. 96-352; s. 6, ch. 2000-210; s. 1, ch. 2000-317; s. 1, ch. 2007-81; s. 1, ch. 2007-336; ss. 86, 87, ch. 2016-62.

Note.—Subsection (1) former s. 376.11(4)(a), (b); subsection (2) former s. 376.307(5)(a), (b).

206.9941 Exemptions.—

(1) The following items shall be exempt from the tax imposed under s. 206.9935(3): American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) grades No. 5 and No. 6 residual oils; intermediate fuel oils (IFO) used by the taxpayer for marine bunkering with a viscosity of 30 and higher; asphalt oil; petrochemical feedstocks; and pesticides, ammonia, chlorine, and derivatives thereof.

(2) Petroleum products exported from the first storage facility at which they are held in this state by a licensed terminal supplier, importer, exporter, wholesaler, or producer are exempt from the taxes imposed under s. 206.9935(2) and (3).

(3) Pollutants exported from the manufacturing plant, first storage tank system, or first warehouse at which they are held in this state by a licensed importer or producer are exempt from the tax imposed under s. 206.9935(2).

(4) Solvents consumed in the manufacture or production of a material that is not itself a pollutant, as defined in s. 206.9925, are exempt from the tax imposed by s. 206.9935(2).

(5) Solvents, motor oil, and lubricants are exempt from the taxes imposed by s. 206.9935(1) and (3).

(6) Crude oil produced at a well site subject to regulation under s. 377.22 and exported from that site by the producer exclusively by pipeline, truck, or rail to beyond the jurisdiction of this state without intermediate storage or stoppage shall be exempt from the tax imposed under s. 206.9935(1).

(7) Petroleum products bunkered into marine vessels engaged in interstate or foreign commerce from the first storage facility at which they are held in this state by a licensed terminal supplier, importer, exporter, wholesaler, or producer are exempt from the taxes imposed under s. 206.9935(2) and (3).

History.—s. 3, ch. 86-159; s. 67, ch. 87-99; s. 3, ch. 88-393; s. 3, ch. 89-171; s. 15, ch. 92-30; s. 95, ch. 95-417; s. 3, ch. 96-352.

206.9942 Refunds and credits.—

(1) Any licensed terminal supplier, importer, exporter, producer, wholesaler, or dealer who has purchased petroleum products, who has paid the tax pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) or (3) to his or her supplier, and who subsequently exports said products from the state or bunkers petroleum products into marine vessels engaged in interstate or foreign commerce may deduct the amount of tax paid thereon pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) or (3) from the amount owed to the state and remitted pursuant to s. 206.9931(2) or may apply for a refund of the amount of tax paid thereon pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) or (3).

(2) Any person licensed pursuant to this chapter who has produced, imported, or purchased pollutants on which the tax has been paid pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) to the state or to his or her supplier and who subsequently exports from the state said pollutants or products containing said pollutants may deduct the amount of tax paid thereon pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) from the amount owed to the state and remitted pursuant to s. 206.9931(2) or may apply for a refund of the amount of tax paid thereon pursuant to s. 206.9935(2).

(3) Any person licensed pursuant to this chapter who has produced, imported, or purchased solvents on which the tax has been paid pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) to the state or to his or her supplier and which solvents are subsequently consumed in the manufacture or production of a product which is not itself a pollutant as defined in s. 206.9925(5) may deduct the amount of tax paid thereon pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) from the amount owed to the state and remitted pursuant to s. 206.9931(2) or may apply for a refund of the amount of tax paid thereon pursuant to s. 206.9935(2).

(4) Any person licensed pursuant to this chapter who has produced, imported, or purchased solvents on which the tax has been paid pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) to the state or to his or her supplier and which solvents were subsequently consumed, blended, or mixed to produce a pollutant that is subject to tax pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) may deduct the amount of tax paid on the solvent pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) from the amount owed to the state for the pollutant and remitted pursuant to s. 206.9931(2) or may apply for a refund of the amount of tax paid on the solvent pursuant to s. 206.9935(2). In no event shall any deduction or credit under this subsection exceed the tax owed to the state for the pollutant.

(5) Any person licensed pursuant to this chapter who has produced, imported, or purchased lead-acid batteries on which the tax has been paid pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) to the state or to his or her supplier and who subsequently exports from the state said lead-acid batteries may deduct the amount of tax paid thereon pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) from the amount owed to the state and remitted pursuant to s. 206.9931(2) or may apply for a refund of the amount of tax paid thereon pursuant to s. 206.9935(2).

(6) Administrative procedures governing refunds under this section shall be those specified in s. 206.41, except for the provisions requiring refund permits.

(7) It is the responsibility of the applicant to affirmatively demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that he or she is eligible for any deduction or refund claimed hereunder. Without such demonstration, no refund or deduction shall be allowed.

History.—s. 3, ch. 86-159; s. 68, ch. 87-99; s. 4, ch. 89-171; s. 1090, ch. 95-147; s. 96, ch. 95-417; s. 4, ch. 96-352.

206.9943 Pollutant tax license.—

(1) Any person who is not otherwise licensed pursuant to this chapter and who produces, imports, or causes to be imported pollutants, or who is entitled to a refund under s. 206.9942, must apply for and receive from the department a pollutant tax license. Any person who produces, imports, or causes to be imported lead-acid batteries but no other pollutants is not required to be licensed pursuant to this section after October 1, 1989, unless such person seeks a refund pursuant to this part.

(2) To procure a pollutant tax license the person must file an application in such form and furnish such information as the department may require.

(3) The license must be renewed annually.

(4) A temporary pollutant tax license may be issued to a holder of a valid Florida temporary importer, temporary wholesaler, or temporary exporter license issued under s. 206.02. A temporary pollutant tax license is subject to the provisions set forth in s. 206.02(8).

History.—s. 5, ch. 89-171; s. 17, ch. 2007-106; s. 17, ch. 2017-36.

206.9945 Funds collected; disposition; department authority.—

(1) The department shall deposit all funds received and collected by it under this part into the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund to be transferred, less the costs of administration and less the service charges to be deducted pursuant to s. 215.20, as follows:

(a) Moneys collected pursuant to s. 206.9935(1) and tax revenues collected pursuant to s. 207.003 at the rates specified in s. 206.9935(3) shall be transferred to the Florida Coastal Protection Trust Fund as provided in s. 376.11;

(b) Moneys collected pursuant to s. 206.9935(2) shall be transferred to the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund as provided in s. 376.307; and

(c) Moneys collected pursuant to s. 206.9935(3), less any refunds granted under s. 206.9942, shall be transferred to the Inland Protection Trust Fund as provided in s. 376.3071. This paragraph does not apply to moneys collected pursuant to s. 207.003 and transferred pursuant to paragraph (a).

(2) The department is authorized to employ all necessary assistants to administer this part properly and is also authorized to purchase all necessary supplies and equipment and incur such other expense as may be necessary for this purpose.

History.—s. 3, ch. 86-159; s. 69, ch. 87-99; s. 79, ch. 90-132; s. 112, ch. 91-112; s. 97, ch. 95-417; s. 1, ch. 2006-16.

PART V

NATURAL GAS FUEL

206.9951 Definitions.

206.9952 Application for license as a natural gas fuel retailer.

206.9955 Levy of natural gas fuel tax.

206.996 Monthly reports by natural gas fuel retailers; deductions.

206.9965 Exemptions and refunds; natural gas fuel retailers.

206.997 State and local alternative fuel user fee clearing trust funds; distribution.

206.998 Applicability of specified sections of parts I and II.

206.9951 Definitions.—As used in this part, the term:

(1) “Motor fuel equivalent gallon” means the volume of natural gas fuel it takes to equal the energy content of 1 gallon of motor fuel.

(2) “Natural gas fuel” means any liquefied petroleum gas product, compressed natural gas product, or combination thereof used in a motor vehicle as defined in s. 206.01(23). This term includes, but is not limited to, all forms of fuel commonly or commercially known or sold as natural gasoline, butane gas, propane gas, or any other form of liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, or liquefied natural gas. This term does not include natural gas or liquefied petroleum placed in a separate tank of a motor vehicle for cooking, heating, water heating, or electric generation.

(3) “Natural gas fuel retailer” means any person who sells, produces, or refines natural gas fuel for use in a motor vehicle as defined in s. 206.01(23). This term does not include individuals specified in s. 206.9965(5).

(4) “Natural gasoline” is a liquid hydrocarbon that is produced by natural gas and must be blended with other liquid petroleum products to produce motor fuel.

(5) “Person” means a natural person, corporation, copartnership, firm, company, agency, or association; a state agency; a federal agency; or a political subdivision of the state.

History.—s. 7, ch. 2013-198.

206.9952 Application for license as a natural gas fuel retailer.—

(1) It is unlawful for any person to engage in business as a natural gas fuel retailer within this state unless the person is the holder of a valid license issued by the department to engage in such business.

(2) A person who has facilities for placing natural gas fuel into the supply system of an internal combustion engine fueled by individual portable containers of 10 gallons or less is not required to be licensed as a natural gas fuel retailer, provided that the fuel is only used for exempt purposes.

(3)(a) Any person who acts as a natural gas retailer and does not hold a valid natural gas fuel retailer license shall pay a penalty of $200 for each month of operation without a license. This paragraph expires December 31, 2023.

(b) Effective January 1, 2024, any person who acts as a natural gas fuel retailer and does not hold a valid natural gas fuel retailer license shall pay a penalty of 25 percent of the tax assessed on the total purchases made during the unlicensed period.

(4) To procure a natural gas fuel retailer license, a person shall file an application and a bond with the department on a form prescribed by the department. The department may not issue a license upon the receipt of any application unless it is accompanied by a bond.

(5) When a natural gas fuel retailer license application is filed by a person whose previous license was canceled for cause by the department or the department believes that such application was not filed in good faith or is filed by another person as a subterfuge for the actual person in interest whose previous license has been canceled, the department may, if evidence warrants, refuse to issue a license for such an application.

(6) Upon the department’s issuance of a natural gas fuel retailer license, such license remains in effect so long as the natural gas fuel retailer is in compliance with the requirements of this part.

(7) Such license may not be assigned and is valid only for the natural gas fuel retailer in whose name the license is issued. The license shall be displayed conspicuously by the natural gas fuel retailer in the principal place of business for which the license was issued.

(8) With the exception of a state or federal agency or a political subdivision licensed under this chapter, each person, as defined in this part, who operates as a natural gas fuel retailer shall report monthly to the department and pay a tax on all natural gas fuel purchases beginning January 1, 2024.

(9) Each license shall be renewed annually by submitting a reapplication to the department.

History.—s. 8, ch. 2013-198; s. 18, ch. 2017-36; s. 29, ch. 2018-118.

206.9955 Levy of natural gas fuel tax.—

(1) The motor fuel equivalent gallon means the following for:

(a) Compressed natural gas gallon: 5.66 pounds, or per each 126.67 cubic feet.

(b) Liquefied natural gas gallon: 6.06 pounds.

(2) Effective January 1, 2024, the following taxes shall be imposed:

(a) An excise tax of 4 cents upon each motor fuel equivalent gallon of natural gas fuel.

(b) An additional tax of 1 cent upon each motor fuel equivalent gallon of natural gas fuel, which is designated as the “ninth-cent fuel tax.”

(c) An additional tax of 1 cent on each motor fuel equivalent gallon of natural gas fuel by each county, which is designated as the “local option fuel tax.”

(d) An additional tax on each motor fuel equivalent gallon of natural gas fuel, which is designated as the “State Comprehensive Enhanced Transportation System Tax,” at a rate determined pursuant to this paragraph. Before January 1, 2024, and each year thereafter, the department shall determine the tax rate applicable to the sale of natural gas fuel for the following 12-month period beginning January 1, rounded to the nearest tenth of a cent, by adjusting the tax rate of 5.8 cents per gallon by the percentage change in the average of the Consumer Price Index issued by the United States Department of Labor for the most recent 12-month period ending September 30, compared to the base year average, which is the average for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2013.

(e)1. An additional tax is imposed on each motor fuel equivalent gallon of natural gas fuel for the privilege of selling natural gas fuel. Before January 1, 2024, and each year thereafter, the department shall determine the tax rate applicable to the sale of natural gas fuel, rounded to the nearest tenth of a cent, for the following 12-month period beginning January 1, by adjusting the tax rate of 9.2 cents per gallon by the percentage change in the average of the Consumer Price Index issued by the United States Department of Labor for the most recent 12-month period ending September 30, compared to the base year average, which is the average for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2013.

2. The department is authorized to adopt rules and publish forms to administer this paragraph.

(3) Unless otherwise provided by this chapter, the taxes specified in subsection (2) are imposed on natural gas fuel when it is placed into the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle as defined in s. 206.01(23). The person liable for payment of the taxes imposed by this section is the person selling or supplying the natural gas fuel to the end user, for use in the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle as defined in s. 206.01(23).

History.—s. 9, ch. 2013-198; s. 30, ch. 2018-118.

206.996 Monthly reports by natural gas fuel retailers; deductions.—

(1) For the purpose of determining the amount of taxes imposed by s. 206.9955, each natural gas fuel retailer shall file beginning with February 2024, and each month thereafter, no later than the 20th day of each month, monthly reports electronically with the department showing information on inventory, purchases, nontaxable disposals, taxable uses, and taxable sales in gallons of natural gas fuel for the preceding month. However, if the 20th day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal or state legal holiday, a return must be accepted if it is electronically filed on the next succeeding business day. The reports must include, or be verified by, a written declaration stating that such report is made under the penalties of perjury. The natural gas fuel retailer shall deduct from the amount of taxes shown by the report to be payable an amount equivalent to 0.67 percent of the taxes on natural gas fuel imposed by s. 206.9955(2)(a) and (e), which deduction is allowed to the natural gas fuel retailer to compensate it for services rendered and expenses incurred in complying with the requirements of this part. This allowance is not deductible unless payment of applicable taxes is made on or before the 20th day of the month. This subsection may not be construed as authorizing a deduction from the constitutional fuel tax or the fuel sales tax.

(2) Upon the electronic filing of the monthly report, each natural gas fuel retailer shall pay the department the full amount of natural gas fuel taxes for the preceding month at the rate provided in s. 206.9955, less the amount allowed the natural gas fuel retailer for services and expenses as provided in subsection (1).

(3) The department may authorize a quarterly return and payment of taxes when the taxes remitted by the natural gas fuel retailer for the preceding quarter did not exceed $100, and the department may authorize a semiannual return and payment of taxes when the taxes remitted by the natural gas fuel retailer for the preceding 6 months did not exceed $200.

(4) In addition to the allowance authorized by subsection (1), every natural gas fuel retailer is entitled to a deduction of 1.1 percent of the taxes imposed under s. 206.9955(2)(b) and (c), on account of services and expenses incurred due to compliance with the requirements of this part. This allowance may not be deductible unless payment of the tax is made on or before the 20th day of the month.

History.—s. 10, ch. 2013-198; s. 31, ch. 2018-118.

206.9965 Exemptions and refunds; natural gas fuel retailers.—Natural gas fuel may be purchased from natural gas fuel retailers exempt from the tax imposed by this part when used or purchased for the following:

(1) Exclusive use by the United States or its departments or agencies. Exclusive use by the United States or its departments and agencies means the consumption by the United States or its departments or agencies of the natural gas fuel in a motor vehicle as defined in s. 206.01(23).

(2) Use for agricultural purposes as defined in s. 206.41(4)(c).

(3) Uses as provided in s. 206.874(3).

(4) Use by vehicles operated by state and local government agencies.

(5) Individual use resulting from residential refueling devices located at a person’s primary residence.

(6) Purchases of natural gas fuel between licensed natural gas fuel retailers. A natural gas fuel retailer that sells tax-paid natural gas fuel to another natural gas fuel retailer may take a credit on its monthly return or may file a claim for refund with the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to s. 215.26. All sales of natural gas fuel between natural gas fuel retailers must be documented on invoices or other evidence of the sale of such fuel, and the seller shall retain a copy of the purchaser’s natural gas fuel retailer license.

(7) Natural gas fuel consumed by a power take off or engine exhaust for the purpose of unloading bulk cargo by pumping or turning a concrete mixer drum used in the manufacturing process, or for the purpose of compacting solid waste, which is mounted on a motor vehicle and which has no separate fuel tank or power unit, is allowed a refund of 35 percent of the tax paid on the fuel purchased.

History.—s. 11, ch. 2013-198.

206.997 State and local alternative fuel user fee clearing trust funds; distribution.—

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 206.875, the revenues from the state natural gas fuel tax imposed by s. 206.9955(2)(a), (d), and (e) shall be deposited into the State Alternative Fuel User Fee Clearing Trust Fund. After deducting the service charges provided in s. 215.20, the proceeds in this trust fund shall be distributed as follows: the taxes imposed under s. 206.9955(2)(d) and (e) shall be transferred to the State Transportation Trust Fund and the tax imposed under s. 206.9955(2)(a) shall be distributed as follows: 50 percent shall be transferred to the State Board of Administration for distribution according to the provisions of s. 16, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended; 25 percent shall be transferred to the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for Municipalities; and the remaining 25 percent shall be distributed using the formula contained in s. 206.60(1).

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 206.875, the revenues from the local natural gas fuel tax imposed by s. 206.9955(2)(b) and (c) shall be deposited into The Local Alternative Fuel User Fee Clearing Trust Fund. After deducting the service charges provided in s. 215.20, the proceeds in this trust fund shall be returned monthly to the appropriate county.

History.—s. 3, ch. 84-369; s. 112, ch. 90-136; s. 110, ch. 91-112; s. 81, ch. 95-417; s. 12, ch. 2013-198.

Note.—Former s. 206.879.

206.998 Applicability of specified sections of parts I and II.—The provisions of ss. 206.01, 206.02, 206.025, 206.026, 206.027, 206.028, 206.03, 206.05, 206.055, 206.06, 206.07, 206.075, 206.09, 206.10, 206.11, 206.12, 206.13, 206.14, 206.15, 206.16, 206.17, 206.175, 206.18, 206.199, 206.20, 206.204, 206.205, 206.21, 206.215, 206.22, 206.23, 206.24, 206.25, 206.27, 206.28, 206.41, 206.413, 206.43, 206.44, 206.48, 206.485, 206.49, 206.56, 206.59, 206.606, 206.608, and 206.61 of part I of this chapter and ss. 206.86, 206.872, 206.874, 206.8745, 206.88, 206.90, and 206.93 of part II of this chapter shall, as far as lawful or practicable, be applicable to the tax levied and imposed and to the collection thereof as if fully set out in this part. However, any provision of any such section does not apply if it conflicts with any provision of this part.

History.—s. 13, ch. 2013-198; s. 19, ch. 2017-36.