I was told that some folks in Florida DO have to file a state tax return. In the past, I too was one of those unsuspecting consumers who gave up $29.95 of my hard earned money for TurboTax State when I didn't need it. I do have a freelance distribution route that I perform for a publications company (glorified delivery boy for a real estate magazine) in which that company pays me via 1099-misc. I've been directed to file the deductions for this work as one who operates their own business would. (ie: travel, computer, home office use, etc). I also have to pay taxes on this income since it was not withheld and was not filed on a W-2. The question is... do I have to file the state tax return or not?

Florida does not have State income tax so no state return is needed.