Payment of taxes by importers.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this part, the taxes imposed on the importation of motor fuel and taxable diesel fuel by this chapter on net gallons imported from another state shall be paid by the licensed importer who has imported such nonexempt motor or diesel fuel. The taxes shall be due to the state on the first day of the month following the month in which the taxable importation occurred as provided in s. 206.43. Nothing in this part shall provide an importer with an exemption privilege. Importers must pay taxes when billed by the terminal supplier on purchases of Florida destination fuels. A licensed importer may qualify and be authorized by the department to remit taxes to its supplier pursuant to s. 206.43(5).

(2) The department may license an out-of-state terminal supplier to precollect and remit the taxes imposed by this chapter with respect to taxable motor fuel and diesel fuel imported from a terminal outside this state in the same manner and at the same time as taxes would arise and be paid under this chapter if the taxable motor and diesel fuel had been sold or removed from storage at a terminal in this state. The sales record shall reflect the taxes collected, total number of net gallons, and the destination state. The state of destination shall also be printed on the shipping papers, a copy of which must remain with the carrier during transport. A terminal supplier shall bill the taxes imposed by this chapter on all Florida destination sales.

(3) The taxes imposed by this chapter on use of taxable motor or diesel fuels which are imported into this state other than by a bulk transfer shall be due at the time the product enters into the state and shall be measured by invoiced net gallons received outside this state at a refinery, terminal, or bulk plant for delivery to a destination in this state.

(4) The department may, upon written notification, require any terminal supplier, wholesaler, or importer to make a direct payment of taxes due on purchases from a terminal supplier who has failed to file a proper return and remit the taxes due. The department may require a wholesaler not licensed as an importer to obtain an importer’s license to continue purchasing from the terminal supplier.