Economic Commentary-The Effect of the Midwest Drought on Florida

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development, Energy & Environment, Transportation
With counties in 32 states placed on the USDA's list of primary disaster areas because of drought conditions, this month's Economic Commentary looks at the effects of the drought on food, and potentially fuel, prices. Corn is currently at the highest per-ton cost in history, which will lead to increases in commodities like milk, meat, and eggs for us all.

Economic Commentary- Florida's Business Cycle Revisited

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development
This Economic Commentary is an extension of the June 2011 Economic Commentary, which discussed how Florida's business cycle is different from other states, and the U.S. business cycle. The most recent updated index figures indicate that "Florida has experienced positive growth in the index for each month since January 2010."

Accountability is Essential

/ Categories: Research, Education
Florida must continue to embrace and refine its system of accountability in public education in order to maintain the significant gains that have been made for all students, according to “Accountability is Essential,â€ù a new Briefing from the Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance & Accountability (CEPA).

Economic Commentary- Foreign Buyers of Florida Homes

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development
While we typically think of Florida as a top destination for U.S. citizens looking to buy homes, Florida the top state in the U.S. for attracting foreign homebuyers. This month's Economic Commentary looks at the impact of foreign buyers on Florida's home sales and spotlights our biggest international real estate investors, Canada.

2012 Taxpayer Independence Day

/ Categories: Research, Taxes, Local Government, Taxpayer Guide
Friday, April 20, is Florida Taxpayer Independence Day 2012, as estimated by Florida TaxWatch. On that day, Floridians are finally earning money for themselves –not for the tax collector. This symbolic date assumes that every dollar earned since January 1 goes to pay federal, state, and local tax obligations.

Economic Commentary- The Effect of High Gas Prices on the Florida Economy

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development
April's Economic Commentary focuses on the tangible effect of the price of gasoline on the average Florida consumer, and shows an impact on disposable income, travel, and even incoming tourists. Gas prices are still not as high as their peak in July 2008, but are on the rise again going into the summer driving season. How will this effect Florida's economic recovery?
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Florida’s Space Coast is Well-Positioned to Dominate the Future of the Aerospace Industry

Florida’s Space Coast is Well-Positioned to Dominate the Future of the Aerospace Industry

For more than 60 years, Florida’s Space Coast—anchored by Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS)—has served as a premier gateway to space, driving tourism, high-tech jobs, and statewide economic output. After major federal program shifts in the 2010s led to significant regional job losses, Florida’s modern commercial-space resurgence—supported by Space Florida’s strategy to diversify the supply chain, modernize infrastructure, and attract private capital—has positioned the Space Coast to lead the next era of aerospace growth.

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New General Revenue Forecast Adds $572.5 Million for the Next Budget

New General Revenue Forecast Adds $572.5 Million for the Next Budget

The General Revenue (GR) Estimating Conference met on January 23 to adopt Florida’s latest GR forecast—the estimate that tells lawmakers how much is available for the next state budget. The updated forecast adds $572.5 million to the amount available for the upcoming budget year, but while meaningful, it amounts to only about one percent of total GR collections.

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Clearwater’s Plan to Establish Its Own Municipal Electric Utility Puts Taxpayers at Risk

Clearwater’s Plan to Establish Its Own Municipal Electric Utility Puts Taxpayers at Risk

Florida TaxWatch examines the City of Clearwater’s plan to acquire Duke Energy Florida’s electric distribution assets and establish a municipal electric utility (MEU) in response to concerns over electric rates and service quality. While the City’s feasibility study projects modest short-term rate savings, Florida TaxWatch finds those projections rely on unrealistic assumptions—most notably an “overnight” conversion that ignores the likely decade-long, costly eminent domain process required to acquire Duke’s assets. Drawing on national municipalization case studies, the report highlights high failure rates, underestimated acquisition and severance costs, loss of economies of scale, and substantial financial exposure for taxpayers. Florida TaxWatch concludes that the proposed MEU represents a high-risk endeavor with limited upside and recommends the City pursue a renegotiated franchise agreement with Duke Energy Florida as a more prudent path forward.

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