A Closer Look At The Deferred Retirement Option Program
Research, RetirementDear 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 […]
Florida Manufacturing: A Highly Productive and Integral Economic Driver
Economic Development, Manufacturing, Research, Workforce DevelopmentIntroduction According to Newton’s first law of motion, an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. Florida’s manufacturing sector
Building The Force: An Analysis of Florida’s Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program (LEAP)
Cost Savings, Public Safety, Research, Workforce DevelopmentFlorida’s Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) is helping address persistent officer shortages, particularly in rural and fiscally constrained communities where recruiting and retaining qualified personnel remains a challenge. Traditional pathways into law enforcement often require candidates to pay for training upfront while forgoing income, creating barriers that limit access to the profession.
2025 Principal Leadership Awards Roundtable Summary
Education, Research, Workforce DevelopmentPrincipals are second only to teachers in their impact on student learning—and in Florida’s highest-need schools, effective leadership is the catalyst for outsize gains. Florida TaxWatch convened a roundtable on May 14, 2025 with the latest Principal Leadership Awards (PLA) winners to surface the strategies behind sustained improvement. Drawing on data-driven selection (FL-VAM) and firsthand practice, this summary distills what works and why it matters for schools serving predominantly at-risk students.
Unleashing Digital Transformation: 2023 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit Summary Report
Manufacturing, ResearchThe 2023 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit Report delves into the significance of digital transformation in Florida’s manufacturing sector. It provides a comprehensive overview of current challenges, opportunities, and advancements within the industry, with a particular focus on the adoption of new technologies for enhanced value and profitability. Tailored for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and interested parties, the report highlights the summit’s collaborative efforts to drive economic growth and job creation in Florida. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding the future direction of manufacturing in the state and underscores the importance of innovation and technology in maintaining competitive edge and fostering a robust manufacturing ecosystem.
Florida’s Housing Market: Trends of Supply and Demand
Housing Affordability, ResearchAs Florida continues to grow, the development of infrastructure (e.g., roads, water and wastewater systems, parks, etc.) must keep pace. In January 2023, Florida TaxWatch released “Economic Commentary: An Update on Florida’s Housing Rental Market,” which evaluated the troubles Florida has experienced with the ever-rising cost of rent. In Florida, the cost of rent has jumped by 36 percent since 2020, with much of the increase occurring in 2021 alone.
Florida TaxWatch Announces Taxpayer Priorities for 2023 Legislative Session
Press ReleasesTallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released a list of taxpayer priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session, which begins on Tues., March 7 and is scheduled to adjourn on Fri., May 5. The list reflects a range of issues that the independent, nonpartisan taxpayer research institute has examined and will continue to closely monitor during the upcoming session.
Florida TaxWatch Presents Summary of 2022 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit and Focus Group Discussions to the Florida Legislature Manufacturing and Supply Chain Caucus
Press ReleasesTallahassee, Fla. – Today, in partnership with Associated Industries of Florida, CareerSource Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Florida, and FloridaMakes, Florida TaxWatch is releasing a report entitled Producing More Talent: MakeMore Manufacturing Summit 2022 Summary Report. The report summarizes presentations made at the fourth annual MakeMore Manufacturing Summit in October 2022, themed “Producing More Talent,” as well as focus group discussions held prior to the Summit among representatives from a variety of companies across the state that depend on a strong manufacturing workforce.
Producing More Talent
Economic Development, Manufacturing, Research, Workforce DevelopmentFloridaMakes is the manufacturing extension partnership for the state of Florida. FloridaMakes is managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and delivers business growth, talent development, and technology adoption services to manufacturers through regional manufacturers’ associations.
Florida TaxWatch Analyzes Florida’s Teacher Shortage, Outlines Potential Causes, Ramifications for Schools and Students
Press ReleasesTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released Are Floridians Ready to Go Back to School? Not Without More Teachers… The report presents an analysis of Florida’s pervasive teacher shortage, outlining potential causes, from compensation to mental health, and the significant ramifications for schools and students. It also summarizes action taken at both the state and local level to combat this crisis and bolster the teacher workforce.
