Florida Remains a Low Tax State But Local Tax Burdens Remain High According To Taxwatch Report
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Florida TaxWatch released the 2018 edition of the How Florida Compares: Taxes report. For several years, TaxWatch has published this easy-to-use guide to help Floridians better understand their state through comparing our state's taxes to those that are levied across the nation. The How Florida Compares: Taxes report provides nonpartisan information on where Florida ranks and contains nearly 40 tables, graphs, and charts that provide a comprehensive look at tax collections and other government revenues for all 50 states.
One of the key takeaways from this year's report is that Florida continues to be a relatively low tax state. Floridians’ per capita state and local revenue collections total $5,679, the 42nd highest amount among the 50 states. While Florida’s state tax and revenue burdens are very low compared to the other states, local tax burdens are much higher. Florida’s “Per Capita Local Own Source Revenue” and “Per Capita Local Tax Collections” rank 15thand 27th, respectively.
"How Florida Compares: Taxes helps policymakers and taxpayers alike know if we are winning or losing the race to attract more wealth and opportunities for economic growth," said Florida TaxWatch President & CEO Dominic M. Calabro. "It also shows us where we need to be more competitive."
Another key takeaway shows that Florida's high reliance on local governments to provide public services results in higher local taxes.
"While overall property taxes in Florida are "middle-of-the-road", the current system puts an inequitable property tax burden on non-homestead property," said Vice President of Research Kurt Wenner. "Along with taxes such as Florida's unique Business Rent Taxes, this results in businesses paying more than half of all taxes in Florida, the 12th highest portion in the nation."
To access an online copy of the 2018 How Florida Compares: Taxes guide is available here. To reserve a hard copy, contact Florida TaxWatch Headquarters.
About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog & taxpayer research institute for nearly forty years, 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 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 http://www.floridataxwatch.org.