Issues Newsletter

State Tax Filing Deadlines Extended Due to Hurricane Irma

The Florida Department of Revenue has extended the filing deadline for businesses to file state sales tax returns and also for filing corporate tax returns.

State sales tax returns and payments are normally due on the 1st day of the month and are considered late after the 20th day of the month.  However, returns due in the month of September will be on time if they are filed by September 29, 2017.  This applies to all 67 counties in Florida.

The deadline for corporations to file their corporate income tax returns and make tax installment payments has also been extended, but only in certain counties.  Corporations whose original filing due dates or extended due dates fell between September 4, 2017 and January 31, 2018, will now have until February 15, 2018, to file their return and make installment payments.  This extension only applies in the following counties:  Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk,utnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Union, and Volusia.

For more information, please contact the Department of Revenue’s taxpayer services department at 800-352-3671.

Insurance Policies Protected from Cancellation

Due to Hurricane Irma, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued an Emergency Order that protects most types of insurance policies from being cancelled from September 4th to October 15th.

If your workers’ compensation insurance policy is issued through FUBA and your policy was scheduled to cancel during this time period, we have reinstated your policy and mailed you a Notice of Reinstatement.  Please note that premium will be collected on the new policy period.  If you have any questions, please call our Policy Services department at 800-262-4483.

Federal Reemployment Assistance Available for Workers and Employers Affected by Hurricane Irma

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides temporary payments to both workers and employers who have lost their jobs or who have suffered a temporary work stoppage as a result of a natural disaster.  DUA is now available to individuals who were working or who were self-employed prior to Hurricane Irma but who not able to work because the storm damaged their place of employment.

DUA is available to individuals unable to work starting September 10, 2017 until March 17, 2018, as long as the individual’s unemployment is a result of the disaster.

To file a claim, please go to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s website at www.floridajobs.org or call 800-385-3920.  Applications must be filed by October 16, 2017.

The Disaster Contractors Network is an Online Tool to Connect Contractors and Property Owners

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, many property owners in Florida will need to hire construction contractors to repair/rebuild their structures.  The Disaster Contractors Network is an online tool funded by revenue from local building permits that allows contractors and building materials suppliers in Florida to get their name out to property owners needing construction services in the aftermath of storms or other natural disasters.  By registering free of charge on the Disaster Contractors Network, contractors and suppliers can advertise to the general public what type of goods and services they offer and connect with property owners needing those services in rebuilding/repairing their property after the storm.

If the services that a contractor provides require a state license (such as roof repairs, plumbing repairs, or electrical repairs/rewiring), the system will not allow an unlicensed contractor to register.  However, the system will allow contractors performing work that does not require licensure (such as tree trimming, debris removal, drywall, and painting) to register for those services.

To register on the Network, contractors can go to www.dcnonline.org and enter their business name, contact information, and type of services they provide.  Property owners needing services can go to the same website, enter the county they are in and search for the specific construction services or supplies they need.  Both services are free of charge.

Roofing Emergency Order

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation has issued an Emergency Order in response to Hurricane Irma that allows state-licensed Division 1 contractors, including general contractors, building contractors, and residential contractors, to perform roof installation and repairs for wood shakes, asphalt & fiberglass shingles, tiles, metal, and flat roofs within their respective contracting scope.

The Order also allows building departments, if needed, to issue local specialty roofing licenses to roofers who are qualified in other localities within the State.  Applicants for a specialty roofing license must provide an affidavit of competency from their original jurisdiction and proof of required insurance, including workers’ compensation.  These specialty licenses would be subject to local disciplinary oversight like other local specialty licenses.  This Order only applies to the Florida counties in which a disaster has been declared.