"Despite talk of a looming budget shortfall, the final budget of Charlie Crist's tenure as governor called for a $2.7 billion increase in spending. "
The recession is being felt more acutely in Florida than in the nation as a whole. This briefing traces its causes and shows how structural changes in the state's economy are influencing economic development as well as jobs.
"This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, provides case studies of how selected universities responded innovatively to a recession-induced fiscal crisis. "
New forces that are reshaping the world economy?the presumed decline of the dollar and an emerging Brazil?could have a major influence on Florida's economic future.
This Special Report details how Escambia County is seeking creative solutions to dealing with the recession.
There is no shortage of rankings by which to measure Florida against other states. This economic commentary examines several of them and shows how the Sunshine state measures up to the competition.
"A relatively small number of projects known as 'turkeys' found their way into the state budget, this year, possibly because of a severe shortfall of available funds. "
2009 List (excel)
"This symbolic date (April 19) assumes that every dollar earned since January 1 goes to pay federal, state, and local tax obligations. "
"Florida's 'bricks and mortar' businesses are at a competitive disadvantage with internet marketers due to the fact they, unlike their online competitors, must charge sales tax. This report considers ways of making up that difference with minimal impact to the taxpayer. "
"Given the slumping real estate market, this special report proposes the creation of a retirement visa, which would allow foreign retirees to spend their later years in the U.S., allowing them to invest in real estate, while keeping them out of the labor pool. "
"With the premise that Florida's hospitality industry is in danger of being taxed to unprofitability, this report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, stresses the need for caution before considering further regulation of this vital business. "
"This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, shows that while Florida's communications industry has already invested a great deal of capital in the state, there is much more to be done in the interest of long-term economic growth. "
"Putting the 'sun' in the Sunshine state, this briefing enumerates the benefits of expanding solar energy production in Florida. Delaying solar projects would put Florida at a competitive disadvantage with other states. "
This PowerPoint presentation makes the case for altering Florida's corporate income tax as a means of promoting capital formation and enhancing employment opportunities.
"This Special Report examines the court system's cost efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, accountability, and related issues. Among the findings: cost efficiency standards could result in cost savings of between $34 million and $140 million. "
Fractional owners purchase an interest in an aircraft rather than purchasing or leasing the entire aircraft. This Special Report considers whether revisions are necessary in the tax policy covering such aircraft.
This itemized list covers a wide spectrum ranging from bottled water to Super Bowl football tickets to flags.
"This PowerPoint presentation analyzing sales tax exemptions was presented to the Florida Senate Committee on Finance and Tax on March 12, 2009. "
"An estimated 218,300 jobs would be created in Florida under the economic stimulus package. This Special Report shows the areas most likely to benefit. "
The economic slump may present an opportunity for revitalization through tinkering with the Single Sales Factor (SSF) apportionment formula. This briefing examines what other states are doing this and presents some options for Florida.