FORT MYERS, Fla. - A tax break for the wealthiest Floridians? That's what's being considered by Florida state lawmakers. The move would cap the sales tax on boats and planes.

It may seem like odd timing for the proposal, coming as state lawmakers are slashing the state budget and increasing other fees and taxes. But proponents of the tax break bill say it will help spur our local economy.

The bill, moving through the state Legislature, would offer huge relief to buyers of boats and planes capping the sales tax at $25,000. It's called the Aviation and Maritime Full Employment Act.

"The aviation and maritime industries employ, or once upon a time employed more than $300,000 people and generated over $11 billion in sales," said Rep. Tom Grady, R-Naples. "It's important to regain and sustain that. This bill will help to do that."

Nor-Tech, a high performance boat builder in North Fort Myers, laid off several workers because of slowing sales. They hope a tax break for their customers may turn the tide.

"It helps keep the employees working and the community going and helps us keep this factory strong here in Southwest Florida," said Terry Sobo, Director of marketing for Nor-Tech. "So yeah, maybe you're giving a break to someone who has a little more money than the next guy, but you know, it's good."

If the bill passes, anyone who buys a boat or plane with a price tag of $417,000 or more would save.

"Once the boat goes out the door, they're going to put gas in it at a local marina, they're going to pay dockage at a local marina, they have to have a local mechanic service it, they are going to spend their money everywhere," said Sobo.

But not everyone agrees.

"If someone is buying a brand-new vehicle then they can afford to buy that vehicle. They should have to pay whatever taxed are associated with it," said Brian Dodson, an Assistant Dock Master in Downtown Fort Myers. "I really don't think it's going to hinder or help anyone. I think the people who are going to buy their boats are going to buy them whether they have to pay the full amount or not."

"I would like to see Florida be the favorite destination for folks who buy boats and airplanes, a place where people will come to on purpose because we are friendly toward that kind of business and industry," explains Grady.

Rep. Grady says right now many owners avoid state sales taxes by buying or registering their planes and boats elsewhere.

The bill has another committee stop before going to the full House. Trust WINK News to let you know if it passes.