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

Budget/Approps, Energy & Environment, Local Government, Research, Voter Guides
/ Budget/Approps, Energy & Environment, Local Government, Research, Voter Guides / 2 minutes of reading

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 Voters Continue Their Generosity, Approving $1.9 Billion in Local Tax Increases and Almost $1.0 Billion in Bond Issues

Budget/Approps, Economic Development, Local Government, Research
/ Budget/Approps, Economic Development, Local Government, Research / 1 minute of reading

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.

Florida TaxWatch Analyzes Compensation and Workplace Issues in the Offices of State Attorneys and Public Defenders

Releases
/ Releases / 4 minutes of reading

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released Why Taxpayers Should Care About Workforce Instability with Florida’s Public Defenders and State Attorneys. This report builds on FTW’S previous research, Improving State Attorney and Public Defender Budget Process and Targeting Salary Increases Will Help Achieve Revision 7 Goals- Reduce Trial Lawyer Turnover (February 2004) and When It Costs More To Pay Less(March 2014), to present an updated analysis of how low salaries, heavy caseloads, limited work flexibility, and high turnover rates among assistant state attorneys (ASAs) and assistant public defenders (APDs) impact these critical positions and the Florida taxpayers they serve. Both previous reports successfully led to more competitive salaries and reduced turnover in these offices.

Why Taxpayers Should Care about Workforce Instability with Florida’s Public Defenders and State Attorneys

Corrections/Judicial, Research, Workforce Development
/ Corrections/Judicial, Research, Workforce Development / 2 minutes of reading

One of the fundamental responsibilities of government is to ensure the safety and welfare of those in its care. This includes indigents who are accused of wrongdoing and who would otherwise be unable to afford a private attorney to defend them. It is essential that, in all criminal prosecutions, the accused is afforded all rights under Amendment VI of the U.S. Constitution, including the right to a speedy trial and the right to have the assistance of competent defense counsel, even if they cannot afford it.

Monitoring and Oversight of General Obligation Bonds to Improve Broward County Schools: Q3 2021-22

Broward BOC, Research
/ Broward BOC, Research / 2 minutes of reading

In early June, Florida TaxWatch received the Bond Oversight Committee Quarterly Report for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2022 (“Quarterly Report”). This report provides updated information on the implementation of the District’s SMART Program and the use of general obligation bond funds to purchase and install technology upgrades, purchase music and arts equipment, improve school safety, upgrade athletic facilities, and renovate educational facilities.

Florida TaxWatch Analyzes Public Safety Net Programs and the Economic Impact of Reducing Benefits Cliffs in New Report

Releases
/ Releases / 4 minutes of reading

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) is releasing a new report entitled At The Cliff’s Edge: How Reducing Benefits Cliffs Can Stimulate Workforce Participation and Economic Growth, which analyzes public safety net programs and benefits cliffs, a scenario in which a small increase in wages results in the partial or total loss of public benefits. The report presents implications for hiring and retaining workers in Florida’s tight labor market, as well as the overall impact on the economy. In the report, FTW also offers recommendations to mitigate these problems and thereby expand economic self-sufficiency, advancement, and mobility over time. 

Monitoring and Oversight of General Obligation Bonds to Improve Broward County Schools: SMART Program Quarterly Report Review for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2021

BOC, Broward BOC, Research
/ BOC, Broward BOC, Research / 4 minutes of reading

On November 26, 2021, Florida TaxWatch received the Bond Oversight Committee Quarterly Report for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2021 (“Quarterly Report”). This report provides updated information on the implementation of the District’s SMART Program and the use of general obligation bond funds to purchase and install technology upgrades, purchase music, and art equipment, improve school safety, upgrade athletic facilities, and renovate educational facilities.

Monitoring and Oversight of General Obligation Bonds to Improve Broward County Schools: SMART Program Quarterly Report Review for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2021

BOC, Broward BOC, Research
/ BOC, Broward BOC, Research / 3 minutes of reading

On September 17, 2021, Florida TaxWatch received the Bond Oversight Committee Quarterly Report for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2021 (“Quarterly Report”). This report provides updated information on the implementation of the District’s SMART Program and the use of general obligation bond funds to purchase and install technology upgrades, purchase music and arts equipment, improve school safety, upgrade athletic facilities, and renovate educational facilities.

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