The TaxWatch Research Blog

The TaxWatch Research Blog is a forum where our research staff can address topics and issues in a short format. Keep an eye on this space during Legislative Session for frequent posts making sense of the activity at the Capitol. 

Economic Commentary- Florida's Space Coast: Recovery and the Future

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development
This month's Economic Commentary focuses on the aerospace industry in Florida following the closure of the Space Shuttle program at NASA. According to Enterprise Florida, the state ranks 2nd nationally for aviation, aerospace, and space establishments, employing some 83,200 Floridians, and providing a significant amount of the high tech manufacturing jobs in the state. With private and tourist-centered space travel on the very near horizon, the Commentary looks at what Florida is doing to keep this vital sector active in the Sunshine State.

Economic Commentary - Florida Invests in Competitiveness

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development
This month's Economic Commentary discusses how Florida is investing in seaport and related infrastructure more than at any other time in our history, to diversify Florida's economy and make our state more competitive. This new infrastructure will allow Florida companies to be more efficient handling freight, and will allow additional opportunities for companies to transport their goods to markets in and out of Florida.

Economic Commentary-The Effect of the Midwest Drought on Florida

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development, Energy/Environment, Transportation
With counties in 32 states placed on the USDA's list of primary disaster areas because of drought conditions, this month's Economic Commentary looks at the effects of the drought on food, and potentially fuel, prices. Corn is currently at the highest per-ton cost in history, which will lead to increases in commodities like milk, meat, and eggs for us all.

Economic Commentary- Florida's Business Cycle Revisited

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development
This Economic Commentary is an extension of the June 2011 Economic Commentary, which discussed how Florida's business cycle is different from other states, and the U.S. business cycle. The most recent updated index figures indicate that "Florida has experienced positive growth in the index for each month since January 2010."

Accountability is Essential

/ Categories: Research, Education
Florida must continue to embrace and refine its system of accountability in public education in order to maintain the significant gains that have been made for all students, according to “Accountability is Essential,â€ù a new Briefing from the Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance & Accountability (CEPA).

Economic Commentary- Foreign Buyers of Florida Homes

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development
While we typically think of Florida as a top destination for U.S. citizens looking to buy homes, Florida the top state in the U.S. for attracting foreign homebuyers. This month's Economic Commentary looks at the impact of foreign buyers on Florida's home sales and spotlights our biggest international real estate investors, Canada.

2012 Taxpayer Independence Day

/ Categories: Research, Taxes, Local Government, Taxpayer Guide
Friday, April 20, is Florida Taxpayer Independence Day 2012, as estimated by Florida TaxWatch. On that day, Floridians are finally earning money for themselves –not for the tax collector. This symbolic date assumes that every dollar earned since January 1 goes to pay federal, state, and local tax obligations.

Economic Commentary- The Effect of High Gas Prices on the Florida Economy

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development
April's Economic Commentary focuses on the tangible effect of the price of gasoline on the average Florida consumer, and shows an impact on disposable income, travel, and even incoming tourists. Gas prices are still not as high as their peak in July 2008, but are on the rise again going into the summer driving season. How will this effect Florida's economic recovery?
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