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Options to Eliminate or Reduce the Property Tax Burden on Florida Homeowners

Education, Housing Affordability, Local Government, Research, Taxes

Florida’s property tax system is at a critical juncture, with total levies surging by 108% over the last decade, far exceeding the combined rate of population growth and inflation. This rapid increase, generating $55 billion in 2024 for local governments, has intensified the financial strain on homeowners and raised fundamental questions about the nature of property ownership, which currently resembles a form of “perpetual rent” to the government. This report from Florida TaxWatch analyzes the current landscape and explores five distinct options for reform, ranging from the complete elimination of property taxes for homeowners to more immediate statutory changes aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.

Florida Economic Forecast: Q1 2025

Economic Development, Economic Forecast, Research, Workforce Development

Florida’s economy has been growing to new heights these past years — reaching nearly $1.5 trillion. The Q1 2025 economic forecast by Florida TaxWatch examines key trends in population growth, employment, income, GDP, and tourism, offering valuable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and taxpayers.

The Voter Guide for the City of North Port’s May 13, 2025 Referendum

Budget/Approps, Energy & Environment, Local Government, Research, Voter Guides

The City of North Port, Florida’s second fastest growing city in the United States, faces significant challenges from rapid urbanization, population growth, and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian’s devastating impact in 2022. This Florida TaxWatch report examines the implications of the May 13, 2025 special election referendum, which asks voters to decide on several critical municipal issues.

Florida Economic Forecast: Q2 2024

Economic Development, Economic Forecast, Research

Florida’s economy reached $1.58 trillion in 2023, but growth is expected to slow in the coming years. The report covers key projections, including slower population growth, a slight rise in unemployment, and continued tourism growth, with over 170 million visitors expected by 2029. Despite the slower pace, Florida’s economy remains robust, driven by tourism and real estate. Download the full report for a detailed analysis and outlook through 2029.

Florida’s Water Supply: Could Florida Experience a Significant Water Supply Shortage by 2025?

Energy & Environment, Research

This commentary highlights a looming water crisis in the Sunshine State. Despite its reputation for abundant water resources, Florida could face a significant water supply shortage as early as 2025, according to projections from the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research. The report estimates that $1.7 billion in investments for critical water projects is needed by 2040 to avoid a severe shortage. This challenge is exacerbated by Florida’s rapid economic and population growth, with an expected 26.4 million residents by 2040. The commentary criticizes current water project funding processes as disjointed and inconsistent, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive statewide strategy. It also discusses recent legislative efforts and proposes solutions, including the implementation of a Five-Year Water Project Work Program.

Florida TaxWatch Releases an Update on Florida’s Housing Rental Market

Releases

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) is releasing an economic commentary entitled An Update on Florida’s Housing Rental Market. The report builds on previous FTW commentaries, Beyond the Pandemic: Long-term Changes and Challenges for Housing in Florida (October 2021) and Too Expensive to Rent: Florida’s Rental Market and Eviction Moratorium(March 2022), to examine the current strain on Florida’s rental market and the resulting price growth. FTW notes that the circumstances, which are being experienced across the state, are the consequence of Florida’s significant population growth, a decade of slow housing construction, and a post-COVID-19 housing boom.

Looking Back at Census 2020: What Florida’s Business and Community Leaders Need to Know

Census, Economic Development, Research, Taxes

An undercount is nothing new to Florida, but its current persistence inflicts costs more formidable than in previous years.  Throughout the decade, Floridians can expect to lose between $11 billion and $21 billion. The decennial Census count and American Community Survey (ACS) help communities understand local patterns of population growth, specialized workers, income, employment statuses, and transportation needs.

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