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 As most may know, the Florida Jobs Bill in the State's Legislature could give yacht buyers a tax break on the purchase of yachts bought in Florida. At first glance it may seem like a nice tax break for the wealthy. And in a way, it is. 

But most importantly, at a time when the state's unemployment rate is at 12.2 percent, the proposal in the Legislature to cap the sales tax on yachts at $18,000 could be a huge boost to marine jobs in Florida at this critical juncture. The proposal (HB 711, SB 2454) which passed in the House and could be debated in a Senate committee this week, deserves full legislative support. 

 Florida's $18.4 billion marine industry supports well over 200,000 jobs, a vast majority of them in South Florida. And the people who have those jobs are not all wealthy, not by a long shot.

The reason these jobs are in peril is because competing yachting industries in states such as North Carolina, and even other countries, are targeting the yacht buying market by assessing no sales taxes on yacht purchases or imposing a sales tax cap. 

Reports estimate Florida's marine workforce has been reduced by 4.9 percent because of the tax disparity. Put simply, boaters are making their purchases elsewhere to avoid paying the uncapped sales tax. If you take a look at North Carolina, you'll notice their marine workforce has increased exponentially.

As far as the monetary gain to Florida, the numbers are more than a bit staggering, and they are estimates from various economists. But while the tax cap could have a negative impact of just $1.5 million on the General Revenue Fund in the first year, there are also estimates Florida could see an $18.7 million overall benefit in sales tax proceeds if the yacht tax cap is put into place.

Tax break for the rich? Perhaps, but the numbers indicate a good chance at saving or creating jobs in a critical Florida industry. At a time when Florida can hardly sacrifice any more jobs, this is a proposal worthy of support.

 BOTTOM LINE: Proposal could save jobs, and money. 

You will also find an editorial in today's Sun Sentinel with more information.