What Can We Learn From Leonardo DiCaprio? His Eco Real Estate Investments and Florida’s Commercial Tax Repeal Explained

Leonardo DiCaprio is an acclaimed American actor and producer known for roles in Titanic, Inception, The Revenant, and The Wolf of Wall Street. He won an Academy Award and is celebrated for his intense performances. DiCaprio is also a dedicated environmental activist, founding the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to support global conservation efforts.

Commercial Real Estate Ventures: Leonardo DiCaprio’s Green Investments

Leonardo DiCaprio’s commercial real estate investments include eco-conscious ventures, such as sustainable resorts and green properties. Notably, he co-developed Blackadore Caye, a private island eco-resort in Belize.

His portfolio reflects his environmental activism, with a focus on sustainable luxury. Though primarily invested in residential properties, his commercial deals align with his brand and conservation values.

The Blackadore Caye is a sustainable Eco-Resort off the coast of Belize. This 104-acre island was purchased by DiCaprio in 2005, along with his business partner, Jeff Gram, to create an eco-conscious luxury resort.

Features of the Blackadore Caye Resort:

• Overwater villas and on-land suites powered by renewable energy
  
• Zero-footprint design that restores local ecosystems
  
• Fossil fuel use is banned
  
• Guest volume is limited to preserve biodiversity
  

Some of his more recent investments include:

• His home in LA’s elite Bird Street community
  
• His Beverly Hills Estate
  
• An A-list Spanish Colonial in Los Feliz
  

Florida Repeals Sales Tax on Commercial Rent Starting October 1, 2025

After years of debate, Florida is officially eliminating its controversial tax on commercial real estate rentals. Beginning October 1, 2025, the state will no longer impose sales tax or discretionary surtax on rent for office space, retail stores, warehouses, or other commercial properties.

The change, announced in TIP 25A01-04, marks a significant shift in Florida’s business tax environment.

What’s Changing?

• Effective Date: October 1, 2025
  
• What’s Repealed: State and local sales tax on commercial property rent
  
• Types of Property: Offices, retail stores, warehouses, and self-storage units
  
• Tax No Longer Applies: To rent for periods beginning on or after October 1
  

What’s Still Taxable?

Sales tax will continue to apply to:

• Transient accommodations (e.g., hotel rooms, rentals under six months)
  
• Parking or storage of motor vehicles, boats, or aircraft
  
• Rentals in public lodging establishments like hotels or motels
  

Transitional Rules

• Rent attributable to periods before October 1 is still taxable, even if it’s paid later.
  
  • Example: If a tenant pays September rent in October, that payment is still subject to tax.
    

Compliance for Landlords

• Final Returns: If you only collect sales tax on commercial rent, you must file your final return through September 2025.
  
• No Action Needed to Close Your Account: The Department of Revenue will automatically update your registration after your final filing.
  
• Refunds: If sales tax is mistakenly collected for rent due in October or later, landlords must:
  
  • First refund the tenant
    
  • Then request a refund from the DOR using Form DR-26S
    

Why It Matters

Florida’s sales tax on commercial rent has long been considered:

• An outlier nationally
  
• A barrier to business growth
  

This repeal improves Florida’s competitiveness, especially for small and growing businesses that lease space. It also simplifies compliance and reduces administrative burdens for landlords and tenants alike.

What You Should Do Now

• Review your lease agreements and payment schedules
  
• Update billing systems and accounting practices
  
• Coordinate with your tax advisor to ensure accurate proration and refund procedures
  
• Notify tenants about the change and update rent invoices accordingly
  

Final Thoughts

The repeal of Florida’s sales tax on commercial property rentals marks a turning point in the state’s tax structure. But the transition requires attention to:

• Timing
  
• Billing
  
• Compliance details
  

Businesses and property managers should act now to prepare for the October 1 deadline – and to avoid any issues with overcollection or underreporting.