Florida voters demonstrated strong support for local tax increases and bond issues in the 2023-2024 election cycle, approving 89% of referenda. Voters passed $1.9 billion in annual tax increases and nearly $1 billion in bond issues, primarily targeting schools, infrastructure, and public services. The report highlights Florida's unique reliance on local government funding, with municipalities and special districts providing over 56% of the state's revenue. Despite statewide tax cuts, local taxes are rising with voter approval, reflecting public willingness to invest in community development when they perceive clear value and benefit.

This research examines how social relationships and community dynamics profoundly influence individual health outcomes. The report reveals critical insights into the complex interactions between social support, community engagement, and personal well-being

Florida TaxWatch's latest report looks into how neighborhood and built environment factors significantly affect community health. The analysis highlights the impact of poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and limited access to essential resources like healthcare and healthy food, which elevate the risk of chronic illnesses and mental health challenges. Unsafe neighborhoods and environmental hazards also disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The report underscores the need for strategic community investments to improve health outcomes and economic stability, advocating for healthier and safer environments that can lead to reduced healthcare costs.

The 2024 Florida TaxWatch Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of the organization's achievements and efforts over the past year in promoting sound fiscal policy and government accountability across the state.

This blog post outlines the state's response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and offers tax relief suggestions to ease the economic burden on impacted residents. It emphasizes extending tax deadlines and delaying property tax payments to mitigate financial stress. The recommendations include expanding relief to all affected areas, halting audits, providing refunds for destroyed property, and encouraging local governments to reduce millage rates. Additionally, it advocates for new legislation to refund property taxes for uninhabitable commercial properties and urges Congress to pass a federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.

This report highlights how Florida’s census undercount, especially of young children, reduces federal funding for key programs like Medicaid and childcare. This funding gap forces the state to rely more on taxpayer dollars. To secure resources and better plan for services, Florida TaxWatch urges Floridians to promote full participation in the 2030 Census.

Florida’s childcare system is at a crossroads, impacting families, businesses, and the economy. With demand rising and federal funding returning to pre-pandemic levels, the state faces critical questions: Should childcare focus solely on supervision or also provide education? Can sustainable policies close the gap in access? Explore how Florida’s future workforce and economy depend on quality early learning options.

The 2024 Florida TaxWatch Voter Guide to Florida’s Constitutional Amendments analyzes six proposed amendments on the November 5, 2024, ballot. It provides a summary, fiscal impact, and recommendation for each amendment. These amendments cover topics such as partisan school board elections, a constitutional right to hunt and fish, legalizing recreational marijuana, abortion rights, inflation adjustments to homestead exemptions, and the repeal of public campaign financing. Florida TaxWatch offers recommendations based on thorough analysis, urging voters to use the guide to make informed decisions.

Florida's Budget Watch report highlights a shift from surpluses to potential deficits starting in FY 2026-27. Despite strong revenue collections, rising costs in education and Medicaid could lead to a $6.9 billion deficit by FY 2027-28. The report emphasizes the need for legislative action now to prevent future financial challenges. Download the full report for more details.

Florida's economy reached $1.58 trillion in 2023, but growth is expected to slow in the coming years. The report covers key projections, including slower population growth, a slight rise in unemployment, and continued tourism growth, with over 170 million visitors expected by 2029. Despite the slower pace, Florida’s economy remains robust, driven by tourism and real estate. Download the full report for a detailed analysis and outlook through 2029.

Florida TaxWatch's latest report reviews FDOT's highway landscaping expenditures, which exceed $200 million annually. While the beautification projects provide key benefits like reducing erosion and enhancing safety, the report questions the lack of a spending cap. It explores potential legislative changes to optimize taxpayer investment. Download the full report for insights into these recommendations and the future of Florida’s highway landscaping policies.

This commentary highlights a looming water crisis in the Sunshine State. Despite its reputation for abundant water resources, Florida could face a significant water supply shortage as early as 2025, according to projections from the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research. The report estimates that $1.7 billion in investments for critical water projects is needed by 2040 to avoid a severe shortage. This challenge is exacerbated by Florida's rapid economic and population growth, with an expected 26.4 million residents by 2040. The commentary criticizes current water project funding processes as disjointed and inconsistent, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive statewide strategy. It also discusses recent legislative efforts and proposes solutions, including the implementation of a Five-Year Water Project Work Program.