With an addition of 257,000 jobs in 2016, Florida continues to rise from the Great Recession. Over the past year, nearly all of Florida’s major industries have seen employment gains, and the unemployment rate has fallen to 4.8.
Dear Fellow Taxpayer Many of Florida’s longest-serving public employees take part in a program that lets them formally retire “on paper” while continuing to work
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 2, 2026 CONTACT: Christina Johnson Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released its report, Cost of Living in Florida: A Mid-Decade Check-In. These metrics clearly
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tues., June 17, 2025 CONTACT: Christina Johnson, christina@on3pr.com, 850.339.5773 Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released its , an annual independent review of the state budget to promote
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, May 5, 2025 CONTACT: Christina Johnson, christina@on3pr.com, 850.391.5040 Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch (FTW) today announced two new professionals joining the ranks of its independent,
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released 2024 Florida Tax & Bond Referenda: Florida Voters Continue Their Generosity, Approving $1.9B in Local Tax Increases
Florida voters demonstrated strong support for local tax increases and bond issues in the 2023-2024 election cycle, approving 89% of referenda. Voters passed $1.9 billion in annual tax increases and nearly $1 billion in bond issues, primarily targeting schools, infrastructure, and public services. The report highlights Florida’s unique reliance on local government funding, with municipalities and special districts providing over 56% of the state’s revenue. Despite statewide tax cuts, local taxes are rising with voter approval, reflecting public willingness to invest in community development when they perceive clear value and benefit.
At the state level, taxpayers in Florida have enjoyed tax cuts passed by the Legislature every year since 2009. However, at the local level, Florida voters continue to vote to significantly increase the taxes they pay. A 2021 Florida TaxWatch report discovered that since 2010, Floridians voted to increase their own taxes 142 times. This includes voting to extend existing expiring tax levies.
Patt Maney is a retired brigadier general and former county court judge who has represented District 4 (Part of Okaloosa) in the Florida House of Representatives since 2020. Reforming Florida’s civil commitment laws was one of his primary motivators for seeking legislative office because as a judge, he presided over Baker Act hearings and witnessed the law’s various shortcomings.
Schools are not immune to the workforce shortages plaguing all sectors of our economy. In preparation for the start of the school year, hiring enough teachers and staff members to satisfy vacancies has been a challenge for school districts.
For over 45 years, donor support has made Florida TaxWatch the state’s leading independent voice for taxpayer accountability. There are many ways to support our mission.
