Daytona International Speedway has joined the list of multimillion-dollar entertainment venues now requesting up to $2 million a year in sales tax rebates from state lawmakers.
Sen. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, on Friday filed Senate Bill 1349 to provide up to $60 million over 30 years in rebates as the raceway plans a $450 million overhaul of the grandstands along the front stretch.
The House companion (HB 1049) was filed Tuesday by Rep. David Santiago, R-Deltona. Legislators have already been asked to consider a similar deal for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ home stadium EverBank Field, and for Orlando and potentially another community to help pay for the construction of stadiums to attract a Major League Soccer franchise.
The money for the rebates is expected to come from sales taxes the teams generate.
The Miami Dolphins have also requested $3 million a year in tax rebates for renovations at Sun Lite Stadium, which along with EverBank Field is one of eight facilities in Florida already receiving $2 million a year in sales tax rebates.
The others are: the BB&T Center, home to the Florida Panthers; Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; American Airlines Arena, Miami Heat; Amway Center, Orlando Magic; Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay Rays; and the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa Bay Lightning. The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee has backed the proposals (SB 306) for the Dolphins and (SB 358) for the MLS.
