Florida lawmakers considering hike in cigarette taxes

Florida is the latest state set on wringing more money out of the already overburdened smoker population as lawmakers consider a plan to raise excise taxes on cigarettes by $1 putting the cost per pack well over $5. This seems to be an issue where politicians just never learn. Despite the fact that cigarette tax hikes are unfair and historically haven’t brought in the revenue officials want so badly, Florida is about to try anyway.

A lot of legislators tend to look at cigarette tax hikes as quick cash, without looking at all the facts. For starters, cigarette taxes are regressive and burden one small portion of the population. Those with lower incomes will be shouldering much more of the tax load than those with more disposable income.

Just like almost any other tax hike, cigarette taxes harm small local businesses the most. Often, people buy their cigarettes across state lines, on the Internet, or on the black market – further draining the local economy. Convenience stores get approximately 34% of their in-store income from cigarette sales, and those profits will soon plummet.

Cigarette tax hikes aren’t a golden goose, the funds won’t be there and it’s the poorest populations and small business owners that end up bearing the brunt of these schemes.

Real growth comes from rolling back government regulations and cutting taxes, not imposing more costs. During these uncertain economic times, the last thing Florida needs is another tax.

Take Action and tell your leaders Florida needs to live within its means and not reach into smokers’ pockets for a quick fix

Dick Armey
Chairman, Freedom Works