The TaxWatch Research Archives

Expanding the Scope of Practice for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Would Generate Fiscal Savings While Enhancing High Quality Medical Care

Monday, October 31, 2011 / Categories: Research, Health Care

Reducing skyrocketing health care costs in Florida while maintaining effectiveness is becoming a top priority. This report considers whether expanding the role of the Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner would make a viable difference.

Report and Recommendations of the Florida Tangible Personal Property Tax Task Force

Monday, October 31, 2011 / Categories: Research, Taxes

The Tangible Personal Property Tax raises nearly $2 billion annually for state government but many believe its benefits are offset by the cost to Florida businesses and a lack of uniformity in its application to taxpayers across the state. This report recommends a constitutional amendment to give the Legislature flexibility in administering the tax.

2011 Annual Report

Monday, October 31, 2011 / Categories: Research, Annual Reports

Economic Commentary: Florida's Business Incubators

Friday, September 30, 2011 / Categories: Research, Economic Development

"This Economic Commentary examines the state's wide range of business incubators, which are designed to provide small companies with business support during their formative stages. New incubators are now in the works with the goal of helping Florida create and retain jobs. "

County by County Data (an interactive webpage)

Friday, September 30, 2011 / Categories: Research, Local Government

The "Download" link below will take you to an interactive page offering a county by county breakdown showing wide range of data relating to population, income, tax revenues and expenditures.

How Florida Counties Compare

Friday, September 30, 2011 / Categories: Research, Local Government

"This report compares the revenue and expenditure profiles of Florida's 67 counties to provide taxpayers an overview of how their local governments compare with the rest of the state's. While the focus is on county and municipal governments, there is information on all types of local jurisdictions, including special districts and school districts. "

Report and Recommendations of the Florida TaxWatch Government Cost Savings Task Force for Fiscal Year 2012-13

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 / Categories: Research, Cost Savings

The Task Force provides a compilation of 135 extensively researched recommendations aimed at achieving major cost-savings and cost containment in many areas of state government.

Analysis of Unreserved Funds- Debt- and Property Utilization in Palm Beach County

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 / Categories: Research, Local Government

"Specific areas of Palm Beach County government and the management of taxpayer dollars are the focus of this report. Also noted, are significant opportunities for improvement in the management and utilization of specific assets. "

Roadmap to Sustainable Government Transformation: Why Government Transformation Efforts Often Fail and How to Fix It

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 / Categories: Research, Guest Columns

"This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, outlines the critical elements and a strategic roadmap to achieve sustainable government transformation. "

Economic Commentary: Florida's Universities and Technology Transfer

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 / Categories: Research, Economic Development, Education

"From Gatorade to the chemotherapy drug Taxol, some of the nation's most recognizable inventions are from Florida's University system. This report shows how the process works and which universities account for the most inventions. "

Manufacturing: An Economic Driver for Jobs and Florida's Future

Sunday, July 31, 2011 / Categories: Research, Economic Development

"Citrus and beaches define Florida's image, but manufacturing must play a major role to ease Florida's move into the global economy. This report examines barriers to manufacturing growth and recommends changes to the state's economic development policy. "

Estimated Job Growth in Florida Previous recoveries offer clues for next12 months -150-000 jobs estimate