The TaxWatch Research Archives

Derailing Brightline – The Cost of Taxpayer-Funded Lawsuits

Tuesday, January 16, 2018[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

When completed, the new Brightline train will pass through the Treasure Coast region of the state without any planned stops. This has prompted local governments in the Treasure Coast region to pursue legislative and legal remedies in an attempt to derail Brightline. This report looks at these actions, and whether they are in the taxpayers best interest.

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2017 Annual Report

Sunday, December 31, 2017[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

See the 2017 Florida TaxWatch Annual Report

A Second Look at Second-Stage Companies in FL

Saturday, December 9, 2017[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

Launched in 2009 to help second-stage companies grow and create new jobs, GrowFL uses principles of Economic Gardening® to help growing companies throughout Florida overcome obstacles to mature and prosper.

Budget Watch - Governor's FY2018-19 Recommended Budget

Thursday, November 30, 2017[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

Governor Rick Scott recently released his eighth and final budget recommendation. This report details the proposal by budget area.

Q1 2018 Broward Schools SMART Program Report Review

Thursday, November 16, 2017[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

Presented to the Bond Oversight Committee on November 17, 2017, this report examines the SMART program quarterly report for Q1 of FY2018.

Tax Changes Over Time - Web Tool

Tuesday, October 31, 2017[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

Florida TaxWatch has compiled a comprehensive list of state and local tax and fees changes—increases and decreases--enacted by the Florida Legislature since 2010. It includes every new or eliminated tax or fee, changes to tax rates or fee levels, exemptions, credits, expanded bases and more.

Requiring a Supermajority to Raise Taxes or Fees Can Protect Taxpayers

Friday, October 27, 2017[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

Having led in the enactment of Florida’s current consitutional state revenue limitation, Florida TaxWatch has been recommending a simpler and higher standard to pass tax increases since 1995.

Budget Watch - Budget Surplus Threatened by Irma Impacts

Wednesday, September 20, 2017[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

The new Outlook forecasts that after funding a continuation budget, there will be $52.0 million in General Revenue (GR) left over, until the financial impacts of Hurricane Irma are considered.

Q4 2017 Broward Schools SMART Program Report Review

Sunday, August 27, 2017[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

Presented to the Bond Oversight Committee on August 28, 2017, this report examines the SMART program quarterly report for Q4 of FY2017.

Budget Watch - More GR Available for Next Budget Thanks to Seminole Gaming Settlement

Thursday, August 17, 2017[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

Estimating Conference says that revenue from the gaming agreement that was reached in July between the state and the Seminole Tribe will more than offset a projected revenue loss for the state.

2017-18 Taxpayers Budget Pocket Guide

Monday, July 31, 2017[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

Florida TaxWatch is pleased to present taxpayers with a guide to the FY2017-18 state budget, which went into effect July 1, 2017. After deducting the Governor’s vetoes, the net result is FY2017-18 appropriations totaling $85.158 billion, a $2.9 billion (3.5%) increase over FY2016-17.

Budget Watch - FY2017-18 GAA Only Tells Part of Florida's Budget Story

Tuesday, July 11, 2017[EasyDNNnews:EndIf:Event] / [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Categories]: [EasyDNNnews:Categories]

The 2017 Florida Legislature passed a $82.418 billion General Appropriations Act (GAA), already the largest in the state’s history. But this is not all the money appropriated this year.