FL S1702

Clarifies that both public and private lessees can qualify for ad valorem tax exemptions when performing governmental, municipal, or public purposes on property owned by government units, airports, spaceports, or deepwater ports.

Expands tax exemption eligibility to include private lessees conducting aviation operations, airport activities, aerospace operations, maritime operations, and port operations on government-owned property.

Adds explicit ad valorem tax exemption language for aircraft full-service fixed-base operations and activities related to aviation conducted on airport property approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Clarifies that buildings and real property improvements reverting to a governmental unit upon lease expiration are deemed owned by the government entity, not the lessee, for exemption determination purposes.

Takes effect July 1, 2021, and is intended to clarify existing law rather than create new requirements.