Internet retailer Amazon.com is going to start collecting sales taxes on purchases made by Floridians.

A spokesman for the company confirmed Wednesday that Amazon will begin to collect the state's 6 percent sales taxes on May 1.

The move follows the decision by Amazon to build distribution centers in the Sunshine State.

Currently, Floridians are supposed to pay taxes for online purchases, but there's no way to enforce the law. The state can't force companies like Amazon to collect the tax unless it has a physical presence, such as a warehouse or store.

Amazon approached Gov. Rick Scott about striking a deal to come to Florida but he initially rejected it because of concerns it would result in higher taxes for Floridians.

Scott reversed that decision last June.

Amazon already collects sales tax in 20 other states:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Massachusetts
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin