FLORIDA 9.9

Invest in Florida’s Future

Frank Russo is a capitalist. He wants Florida to be one of the best places in America to start a company, build a legacy for one’s children, invest, create jobs and become extraordinarily successful. But Frank is also a caring capitalist. He believes “to whom much is given, much is required:” extraordinary success and responsibility coexist – and that Florida can remain pro-business and pro-growth while making a greater investment in the teachers, nurses, skilled workers, young people and families who will determine our state’s future.

What Does 9.9 Mean?

The proposal is straightforward: The first $1 million in spending - $0 in proposed Florida consumption tax. Spending costs above $1 million - proposed 9.9% consumption tax. The tax can replace other taxes that take money Floridians are trying to make or build from investment, like certain business and sales taxes.

Where Would the Money Go?

The Florida Future Fund.
Frank does not want this money disappearing into Tallahassee's general fund.

Revenue would be legally protected and dedicated to investments in Floridians and Florida's economic future.

Teachers - Raise Florida's average teacher salary to at least $75,000 and improve recruitment and retention.
Housing - Expand first-time homeownership opportunities and address housing affordability.
Healthcare - Address nursing shortages and strengthen Florida's healthcare workforce.
Skilled Trades - Expand trade schools, apprenticeships and skilled workforce programs.
AI & the Future of Work - Prepare students and workers for emerging technologies and help Floridians adapt as automation changes industries and jobs.

Not Another Blank Check for Tallahassee

Frank believes one of the first questions Floridians should ask is: Why should we give government more money? His answer isn't that Floridians should trust government more. It's that government should have to prove where the money went. The Florida Future Fund would include: Dedicated use - Money could only be spent on purposes established in law. Independent audits - Recurring financial and performance audits. Public transparency - Floridians could see where the money goes and what results it produces. Conflict-of-interest protections - Guardrails against favoritism involving friends, family, donors or insiders. Competitive procurement - Objective processes for contracts and grants. Anti-diversion protections - Dedicated money couldn't simply be swept into unrelated spending. Enforcement - Misuse could result in repayment, clawbacks or other consequences. The rules should apply to everyone - including Frank.

Protect Small Businesses and Job Creation

Frank does not want the proposal to unintentionally punish legitimate business activity, entrepreneurship or investment. Detailed legislation would include protections for legitimate pass-through business operations, investment and job creation, with additional fiscal modeling, legal review and implementation details developed before the proposal moves forward. Frank's position is clear: Success is welcome in Florida. Wealth is welcome in Florida. Entrepreneurship is welcome in Florida. This proposal isn't about having fewer successful people here. Frank wants more. It's about asking whether Florida can remain one of America's best places to create wealth while also investing in the people and workforce that make that prosperity possible.

View Frank’s Housing Affordability Plan →

Caring Capitalism

Frank doesn't believe capitalism and compassion are opposites. His philosophy is Caring Capitalism - encouraging entrepreneurship, investment, growth and extraordinary success while recognizing that a strong economy also depends on teachers, nurses, tradespeople, first responders, workers and families being able to afford a future here. Humanity Over the Dollar doesn't mean rejecting success. It means making sure success strengthens Florida.

The Test Is Simple

Frank believes Floridians should be able to answer three questions: Does it make Florida more affordable? Does it create opportunity? Can Floridians see exactly where the money goes? If we can't answer yes, the policy isn't finished.

FRANK J. RUSSO

RACHEL RODRIGUEZ