Florida TaxWatch Analyzes 2020 Local Tax and Fiscal Ballot Referenda
Florida taxpayers will consider more than $360 million in proposed tax increases and $200 million in new bond issues.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released the 2020 Voter Guide Special Edition: Local Tax Referenda, analyzing the 33 ballot referenda before voters across Florida which propose more than $360 million in tax increases and $200 million in new bond issues. Voters in 11 localities will also help decide questions regarding property tax exemptions, and there are at least 150 charter amendments being decided on local ballots.
Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said, “This year, in addition to electing the next President of the United States, voters will decide other federal, state, and local races, consider six proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution, and in many places decide on a host of local tax referenda. To ensure voters are educated on the choices before them, Florida TaxWatch is proud today to release our guide to the local tax and fiscal referenda appearing on the 2020 ballot.
“These issues, ranging from new local options sales taxes to bonding and tourist development taxes, are significant and statewide amount to more than $360 million annually in local tax increases. Government accountability begins with an informed and active electorate and we offer this report as a helpful guide for voters to thoughtfully decide how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent.”
According to FTW’s analysis, Florida taxpayers have shown they are willing to pay more taxes if they feel the return will be worth it. Only one of the 27 county-wide tax increase referendums considered in 2018 failed and most passed easily. However, it remains to be seen how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected voters’ appetite for tax increases as we head into the 2020 election.
You can read the full 2020 Voter Guide Special Edition: Local Tax Referenda report here.
Florida TaxWatch’s guide to the six proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution on this year’s ballot is available online in both English and Spanish.
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 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. Florida TaxWatch 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 Florida TaxWatch 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.