Hispanic-run businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy. They make up over 30-percent of the state’s small business sector, with well over 780,000 businesses providing much-needed goods, jobs, and services to their communities.
But while politicians are always happy to talk about supporting them, far fewer back those words up with action. The issue of the “tort tax” –the cost of frivolous lawsuit abuse on citizens and businesses– has increasingly held back our community’s chance at growth, and the time for action is now.
Unlike most states, Florida worked hard during the pandemic to keep businesses open while maintaining common-sense health and safety guidelines. But in the absence of meaningful tort reform, many struggling shops and service centers are still under threat from crushing litigation.
Florida still has a long way to go to right its economy, and the last thing our state needs is more bankruptcies, fewer employers, and more supply chain issues. That’s precisely what will happen should lawmakers in Tallahassee abandon those they promised to represent during the last round of elections.
We won’t forget the next time you come to our businesses for a photo op or ask our community leaders for a ringing endorsement. We especially won’t forget at the ballot box in November.
Lawmakers like State Senator Randolph Bracy and State Representative Joy Goff-Marcil have the power to end this hardship for everyone. Now it’s time to see if they have the willpower to do so.
