"February's Economic Commentary focuses on unemployment in Florida as compared to the nation as a whole, and within specific demographic groups and their educational levels inside our state in 2011 vs. 2010. The Commentary also discusses possible solutions to the current situation, and trends to keep an eye on."
"A joint project between TaxWatch and Associated Industries of Florida, the poll shows overwhelming support from more than 600 Republican likely voters for Smart Justice reforms. "
"January's Economic Commentary focuses on job growth in Florida in the last year. Our state created the 3rd-most jobs of any state, following only California and Texas in the number of jobs created."
The final report of the Commission on Review of Taxpayer Funded Hospital Districts, which was chaired by TaxWatch President & CEO Dominic M. Calabro.
"December's Economic commentary compares 2011 to 2010 using data that drives the Florida economy, primarily employment and unemployment figures. The commentary also examines the health of factors expected to play a key role in the state's economy. "
Just one major hurricane could plunge Florida into a financial crisis as the current insurance system lacks the actuarial soundness to withstand the massive number of resultant claims. Several proposed solutions are examined.
"The funding options available for Florida's budding entrepreneurs are analyzed in this Economic Commentary. Angel and Venture Capital is available, but takes many forms, and obtaining it can be a tortuous journey. "
The financing mechanisms of Florida's hurricane property insurance system are a complex as the meteorological factors that cause the devastating storms. This report details the components of the system and describes what must be done for optimal value and protection.
"With the premise it's only a matter of time before the next big hurricane strike, this report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, details the current property insurance situation and takes a wide-ranging look at possible solutions."
Reducing skyrocketing health care costs in Florida while maintaining effectiveness is becoming a top priority. This report considers whether expanding the role of the Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner would make a viable difference.
The Tangible Personal Property Tax raises nearly $2 billion annually for state government but many believe its benefits are offset by the cost to Florida businesses and a lack of uniformity in its application to taxpayers across the state. This report recommends a constitutional amendment to give the Legislature flexibility in administering the tax.
"This Economic Commentary examines the state's wide range of business incubators, which are designed to provide small companies with business support during their formative stages. New incubators are now in the works with the goal of helping Florida create and retain jobs. "
The "Download" link below will take you to an interactive page offering a county by county breakdown showing wide range of data relating to population, income, tax revenues and expenditures.
"This report compares the revenue and expenditure profiles of Florida's 67 counties to provide taxpayers an overview of how their local governments compare with the rest of the state's. While the focus is on county and municipal governments, there is information on all types of local jurisdictions, including special districts and school districts. "
The Task Force provides a compilation of 135 extensively researched recommendations aimed at achieving major cost-savings and cost containment in many areas of state government.
"Specific areas of Palm Beach County government and the management of taxpayer dollars are the focus of this report. Also noted, are significant opportunities for improvement in the management and utilization of specific assets. "
"This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, outlines the critical elements and a strategic roadmap to achieve sustainable government transformation. "
"From Gatorade to the chemotherapy drug Taxol, some of the nation's most recognizable inventions are from Florida's University system. This report shows how the process works and which universities account for the most inventions. "
"Citrus and beaches define Florida's image, but manufacturing must play a major role to ease Florida's move into the global economy. This report examines barriers to manufacturing growth and recommends changes to the state's economic development policy. "
The past is indeed prologue when it comes to forecasting Florida's economic outlook. This report shows how past recessions hint at how the recovery is likely to play out.
This commentary shows how Florida fared relative to the rest of the nation after the Standard & Poors downgrade of the U.S credit rating.
"This report explores the wide-ranging ramifications of regulations: We need the protection they provide, but the costs of such regulations could restrict business development. "
"This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, defines the necessity of improving the state's voluntary pre-K program. Weaknesses in the current programs are scrutinized and solutions are proposed. "
"As this commentary shows us, reverberations from the volatile economies of the Euro Zone could have a chilling effect on some of Florida's most precious commodities. "