The TaxWatch Research Archives

Florida Will Receive Billions From The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, But Is It The State’s Fair Share?

Tuesday, December 14, 2021 / Categories: Research, Taxes, Budget/Approps, Transportation

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA),1 signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021, will make a significant investment in the nation’s transportation system and other infrastructure. Billions of dollars will be distributed to the states for a wide range of projects, including all modes of transportation, broadband, cyber security, water infrastructure, energy, climate change, resiliency, and pollution mitigation. Florida will get a sizable chunk of these funds.

Monitoring and Oversight of General Obligation Bonds to Improve Broward County Schools: SMART Program Quarterly Report Review for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2021

Monday, December 13, 2021 / Categories: Research, Broward BOC, BOC

On November 26, 2021, Florida TaxWatch received the Bond Oversight Committee Quarterly Report for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2021 (“Quarterly Report”). This report provides updated information on the implementation of the District’s SMART Program and the use of general obligation bond funds to purchase and install technology upgrades, purchase music, and art equipment, improve school safety, upgrade athletic facilities, and renovate educational facilities.

2022 Economic Preview - Settling Into the New Normal

Thursday, December 9, 2021 / Categories: Research, Economic Development

IT WAS NOT LONG AGO THAT FLORIDA WAS TURNING THE PAGE FROM A TUMULTUOUS 2020 and preparing for a much-awaited economic rebound throughout 2021.

Beyond the Pandemic: Long-Term Changes and Challenges for Supply Chains and the Customer Experience in Florida

Thursday, November 18, 2021 / Categories: Research, COVID Recovery

For more than a year, Floridians have experienced first-hand the changes, challenges and, in many cases, the frustrations that arise when a pandemic affects global trade.

Budget Watch - FLORIDA GENERAL REVENUE COLLECTIONS HAVE OUTPACED ESTIMATES FOR 14 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS

Friday, November 12, 2021 / Categories: Research, Budget/Approps

The Florida TaxWatch Budget Watch series has been detailing the rapid recovery of the state government’s revenue collections from the initial precipitous drop in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have highlighted how current General Revenue (GR) estimates are back above the last pre-pandemic estimates. Coupled with billions of dollars in federal aid, Florida is in enviable fiscal shape as the Legislature heads into the 2022 Regular Session.

A New Durbin Amendment Would Spell Trouble for U.S. Credit Card Customers

Congress Should Learn Its Lesson and Leave Well Enough Alone

Thursday, November 4, 2021 / Categories: Research, Economic Development

There are times when we are uncertain what will happen if a particular public policy is implemented. A proposal in Congress about cuts in interchange fees on credit cards is not one of them.

2021 How Florida Compares: Taxes

Monday, November 1, 2021 / Categories: Research, Taxes, Taxpayer Guide

Have you ever wondered how Florida’s taxes stack up against the taxes in other states? If so, this report is for you.

Corporate Income Tax Issues for the 2022 Legislature

Repeal the Impending Tax Increase and Fix the “Retail Glitch” and Like-Kind Exchanges

Tuesday, October 26, 2021 / Categories: Research, Taxes, COVID Recovery

Federal corporate income tax reform, which had the general aim of broadening the base and lowering the rate, has reduced the federal tax burden on many corporations. However, since Florida adopted most of the base expansion measures without a concurrent rate reduction, federal tax reform has resulted in increased taxes at the state level, even after subsequent state refunds and rate cuts.

A Rising Tide Sinks All Homes - The Effects of Climate Change on Florida's Economy

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 / Categories: Research, Taxes, Economic Development, Education, Energy/Environment, Health Care, Hurricane Ian, Insurance, Transportation, Tourism, Retirement

With more than 8,400 miles of coastline and a flat, low-lying coastal topography, Florida is especially vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise. Tens of thousands of Florida homes and businesses are at increased risk from sea level rise. Much of Florida’s critical infrastructure is at low elevations, designed and built with little consideration of future sea level rise. The physical effect of changing climate translates into real economic impacts.

Beyond the Pandemic: Long-Term Changes and Challenges for Housing in Florida

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 / Categories: Research, COVID Recovery

As unexpected and unpredictable as COVID-19 has been, few could have predicted the housing boom that the pandemic ignited across the nation. The U.S. housing market—notoriously known for its role in the 2007-2009 Great Recession—defied expectations and experienced record price growth over the past year as demographic trends, government policies, and basic supply and demand all coalesced. In the short term, soaring home prices have been well-documented both analytically and anecdotally.

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