Florida TaxWatch Announces 24 Taxpayer Priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released a list of 24 taxpayer priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session, which begins on Tues., Jan. 9 and is scheduled to adjourn on Fri., March 8. While it is not an exhaustive list of issues the independent, nonpartisan taxpayer research institute will follow, it reflects specific topics FTW has examined and will continue to closely monitor during the upcoming session.
Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said, “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, House Speaker Paul Renner, and their respective chambers’ commitment in addressing our unique opportunities and challenges on behalf of Florida’s nearly 23 million residents, Florida TaxWatch is proud to share its 24 taxpayer priorities that we will be closely monitoring as a trusted, go-to resource for leaders, policymakers, staff, and media throughout the next 60-days and beyond.
“Florida continues to be the most envied of states due to its economic viability, business-friendly incentives, high quality education, and health care priorities, truly making the Sunshine State the best place to live, work, vacation, and raise a family. That’s why, as the ‘eyes and ears’ of taxpayers, Florida TaxWatch has once again proudly identified several taxpayer priorities.”
Florida TaxWatch’s 24 taxpayer priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session are as follows:
Tax Reform
Goal: A fair and equitable system of taxation
Issues: Reduce (and eventually repeal) the business rent tax
Reduce the communications services tax
Increase property tax exemptions
Reform and reduce tangible personal property tax
Reduce corporate income tax
Amend the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (specifically as it relates to interest on refunds)
Government Efficiency
Goal: Rational spending, and the elimination of waste and duplication
Issue: Procurement reform (specifically as it relates to largescale IT projects)
Housing
Goal: An adequate supply of affordable housing units, allowing people to live closer to where they work
Issue: Discontinue sweeping affordable housing trust funds like the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) and Sate Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Water & Infrastructure
Goal: An intermodal transportation system that promotes the safe and efficient movement of people and goods and an adequate supply of clean and affordable water
Issues: Increase use of public private partnerships (PPP)
Establish a five-year statewide water plan
Dedicated funding for a septic-to-sewer program
Health Care Reform
Goal: Improved access to care, reduced costs of care, and improved patient outcomes
Issues: Increased use of telehealth and telemedicine
Reduce costs of prescription drugs
Address shortage of physicians and critical healthcare workers
Education & Workforce Development
Goal: Preparing Florida students to compete in a global economy
Issues: Address teacher shortages
Enhance vouchers/opportunity scholarship opportunities
Extend State Group Insurance Program to Florida College System employees
Criminal & Civil Justice
Goal: Protect the public by deterring and preventing crime, punishing offenders, and reintroducing those who have served their time back into the community
Issue: Address shortage of law enforcement and corrections officers
Economic Development & Recovery
Goal: Continued growth and diversification of Florida’s economy.
Issues: Property insurance reform
Film industry incentives
Short term rental reform
VISIT FLORIDA funding
Children & Families
Goal: Stronger families
Issue: Address workforce instability in the child welfare system
Civic Engagement
Goal: A well-informed and engaged citizenry
Issue: Take steps to eliminate an undercount in the 2030 Census
To access regular updates from Florida TaxWatch and the latest information on issues impacting taxpayers throughout the 2024 Legislative Session, please click here.
About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute for more than forty years and the trusted eyes and ears of Florida taxpayers, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on citizens and businesses. FTW is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants and does not accept government funding. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled FTW to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the citizens it serves since 1979. For more information, please visit www.floridataxwatch.org.