provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Former Florida lieutenant governor Jeff Kottkamp will report on the impact of recent legislative actions on Florida taxes at the May 12 SanCap Chamber business luncheon, in collaboration with Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce (GFMCC), at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, starting at 11:30 p.m.
As president and chief executive officer of Florida TaxWatch, the state’s premier, independent nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, Kottkamp takes advantage of his deep legal and political science background to monitor legislative tax trends.
He has served on the TaxWatch board of trustees for the last 10 years and as Florida’s 17th lieutenant governor from 2007 until 2011. During that time Kottkamp was chairman of the board for Space Florida, Florida’s Children and Youth Cabinet, and the Florida Sports Foundation. He oversaw the Governor’s Office of Drug Control, the Office of Adoption and Child Protection, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and the Governor’s Film and Entertainment Office.
Prior to that, Kottkamp served in the Florida House from 2000 to 2006, during which time he chaired the Judiciary Appropriations Committee (2006), Government Operations Committee (2005), and Judiciary Committee (2002-2004).
Kottkamp also served as Deputy Majority Whip. As a member of the Florida Legislature, he established a reputation for championing lower taxes. He sponsored legislation to repeal the Intangibles Tax and helped form the Freedom Caucus in the House. Caucus members opposed any efforts to raise taxes.
Kottkamp served as co-chair of the TaxPayer Protection Caucus and currently serves as chairman of The Board for The Florida Historic Capitol Foundation. He is a member of The Florida State University Alumni Association National Board of Directors and the Economic Club of Florida.
“Jeff has the inside scoop on what will be happening to Florida taxpayers,” said John Lai, president and chief executive officer of the SanCap Chamber and GFMCC. “He is the ultimate advocate for taxing accountability, and what he has to tell us matters importantly.”
Sponsors of the May 12 meeting include HBKS Wealth Advisors, FGCU, and McKinnis Roofing & Sheet Metal.
Advanced registration is required to attend the luncheon meeting; walk-ins are not accepted. Early-bird pricing through May 8 is $40 for SanCap and GFMCC members; $50 for nonmembers. After that, the cost is $50 for members, $60 for nonmembers. Payment is due upon registration. Click here to register.