2021 Economic Preview: An Uncertain Yet Hopeful Year of Growth

 AS WE CLOSE OUT A TUMULTUOUS YEAR for Florida, defined by COVID-19 and its resulting disruptions to everyday life, we consider what may lie ahead for Florida’s economy in 2021. If there’s one thing assured for next year, it is that much economic uncertainty will persist against the backdrop of a constantly changing pandemic. Yet with several promising vaccines on the horizon and gradually improving labor market conditions, Florida looks poised to undergo the slow but steady process of economic rebuilding over the coming year.

Entering into the new year, Floridians have plenty of reason to be cautiously optimistic as Florida’s economic picture in 2021 appears mixed and uncertain. Although strong job creation will certainly aid Florida’s labor market recovery, personal income will not grow as rapidly for many families. Consumers also seem to be at a crossroads between the grim reality of rising COVID-19 cases across the country and the hopeful news of effective vaccine candidates. Overall, Florida’s economy in 2021 will be uncertain, influenced largely by pandemic changes, but there is reason to believe next year will be a hopeful year of growth for a state on the road to economic recovery. 

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OH, SNAP! Federal Policy Changes Threaten the Stability of Florida's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

OH, SNAP! Federal Policy Changes Threaten the Stability of Florida's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides funds to help low-income households afford low-cost, nutritious meals. In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (the OBBB Act), tightening SNAP policies that determine eligibility, benefits, and program administration. Florida TaxWatch undertakes this independent research project to better understand how the upcoming changes in SNAP requirements will impact Florida’s budget and its ability to provide much needed food assistance to needy Floridians.

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2025 How Florida Counties Compare

2025 How Florida Counties Compare

This report compares the revenue and expenditure profiles of Florida’s 67 counties to give taxpayers an overview of how their local government stacks up with the rest of the state.

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The Fiscal and Economic Impacts of Nova Southeastern University on Florida’s Economy

The Fiscal and Economic Impacts of Nova Southeastern University on Florida’s Economy

NSU generated an estimated $293.1 million in state and local taxes within the Tri-County region in FY 2024-25 and an estimated $305.1 million in state and local taxes in FY 2024-25.

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Transferring Utility Profits to a Municipality's General Fund Increases the Risk of Undercapitalization of Water Assets and Violate Taxpayer Accountability

Transferring Utility Profits to a Municipality's General Fund Increases the Risk of Undercapitalization of Water Assets and Violate Taxpayer Accountability

Setting water utility rates that incorporate the recovery of the costs associated with standard operating expenses and debt obligations is essential to ensuring the short-term and longer-term financial stability of the utility. Once these costs are covered, many publicly owned utilities make transfers to the General Fund (a practice known as “sweeping”) ostensibly to help pay for governmental services that do not generate revenue (e.g., roadway maintenance, public safety, etc.) and to help keep property taxes lower. Keeping property taxes low often means higher municipal utility rates to balance the general budget, a habitual practice that burdens utility customers with cross-subsidies and normalizes underinvestment in infrastructure.

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Florida Sheriffs’ Offices Staffing Analysis

Florida Sheriffs’ Offices Staffing Analysis

In May 2025, Florida TaxWatch and the Florida Sheriff Association conducted a joint survey to local sheriff offices to learn more about law enforcement’s workforce challenges.

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