The Census Undercount Limits Florida’s Political Influence

The Census Undercount Hurts Florida’s Political Influence, demonstrates that the 2020 Census missed about 750,000 Floridians — 3.48 % of the population. Correcting that error with U.S. Census Bureau methodology shows the undercount shifted three U.S. House seats nationally: Colorado, Minnesota, and Rhode Island would each lose a seat, while Florida, Tennessee, and Texas would each gain one — raising Florida’s delegation to 29 seats instead of 28.

How Childcare Costs Impact Florida’s Economy

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development

The impact of childcare, as the data suggest, is prominent on Florida’s economy. Losses incurred from turnover and absenteeism of working parents can be avoided with friendlier workplace policies and higher investment in affordable childcare. As an important part of the industry, treating childcare workers better financially can help maintain the workforce in childcare and add to the economy of Florida. Impactful measures that can alleviate the pressing childcare issues mentioned can further grow Florida’s economy.

The Potential Impacts of New Tariffs on Florida’s Economy

/ Categories: Research, Economic Development, Energy/Environment

On April 2nd, 2025, a universal 10 percent tariff on all countries was announced by the federal government, with a few countries facing additional reciprocal tariffs of up to 50 percent. A week after the announcement, due to intense volatility in the bond market, a 90-day suspension on the tariffs was announced, with the exception of a 145 percent tariff on certain Chinese goods.

 

2025 Budget Turkey Watch Report

An analysis of the transparency and accountability of the budget process

/ Categories: Research, Budget/Approps, Budget Turkeys

Florida TaxWatch’s 2025 Budget Turkey Watch Report delivers an independent, line-by-line review of Florida’s conference budget worth $115.1 billion. It identifies 238 appropriations totaling $413.5 million that bypassed established vetting procedures or public scrutiny—designating them as “Budget Turkeys”—and flags an additional $799.5 million in member projects that merit heightened executive review.

The Census Undercount’s Toll on Florida Roads

/ Categories: Research, Census, Transportation, Census Institute

In 2020, Florida was one of six states with a statistically significant census undercount. Florida failed to count 3.48 percent of its total population (750,000 residents). The census count is used to apportion legislative seats and allocate federal funding. Florida’s census undercount cost the state at least one—potentially two—congressional seats and up to $21 billion in federal funding through the end of the decade.

Florida Economic Forecast: Q1 2025

2024-2030

Florida's economy has been growing to new heights these past years -- reaching nearly $1.5 trillion. The Q1 2025 economic forecast by Florida TaxWatch examines key trends in population growth, employment, income, GDP, and tourism, offering valuable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and taxpayers.

Florida TaxWatch 2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Pre-Budget Edition

Florida TaxWatch’s 2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up report provides a concise but comprehensive overview of the extraordinary budget impasse that extended this year’s session to June 6, 2025, the narrow scope of allowed legislation (including the General Appropriations Act, budget conforming bills, the House and Senate tax packages, and the Rural Renaissance bill), and the high-stakes negotiations that will resume on May 12 in conference committee.

Taxpayer Independence Day 2025

/ Categories: Research, Local Government

Florida TaxWatch’s Florida Taxpayer Independence Day 2025 report commemorates the symbolic April 21 date when the average Floridian has earned enough to satisfy all federal, state, and local tax obligations. In 2025, Floridians spend 110 days—until 11:24 a.m.—paying taxes each year before they begin earning for themselves.

Extending the Local Communication Services Tax Increase Moratorium and a Sales Tax Exemption for Broadband Equipment Should be Part of Any Tax Relief Package this Session

/ Categories: Research, Budget/Approps

Florida TaxWatch's CST and Broadband Equipment report examines the impact of the high Communications Services Tax (CST) on broadband infrastructure investment and consumer expenses. The report details how Florida’s current CST ranks among the highest in the nation and explores its effects on both businesses and low-income households, who are particularly vulnerable to the disproportionate burden of such taxes on essential wireless services.

Fair Share Taxes Driven Away by Electric Vehicles

/ Categories: Research, Transportation

Proposed solutions include redistributing a portion of the sales tax collected at EV charging stations to the STTF and adopting a hybrid approach that combines higher registration fees with targeted EV taxes. These proposals aim to ensure that all drivers contribute their “fair share” toward maintaining Florida’s transportation infrastructure in the face of rapid technological change.

The Voter Guide for the City of North Port’s May 13, 2025 Referendum

/ Categories: Research, Local Government, Voter Guides

The City of North Port, Florida's second fastest growing city in the United States, faces significant challenges from rapid urbanization, population growth, and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian's devastating impact in 2022. This Florida TaxWatch report examines the implications of the May 13, 2025 special election referendum, which asks voters to decide on several critical municipal issues.

Using Microelectronic Sensors to Continuously Monitor Vertical Infrastructure

/ Categories: Research

This Florida TaxWatch report explores how microelectronic smart sensor networks can proactively monitor vertical infrastructure to detect issues such as structural fatigue, corrosion, or damage before they lead to catastrophic failures, as seen in the 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse (98 deaths) and the 2018 Florida International University pedestrian bridge collapse (6 deaths).

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Actions Florida Should Take to Help Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Actions Florida Should Take to Help Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

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.

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2024 Florida TaxWatch Annual Report

2024 Florida TaxWatch Annual Report

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.

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Florida Voters Continue Their Generosity, Approving $1.9 Billion in Local Tax Increases and Almost $1.0 Billion in Bond Issues

Florida Voters Continue Their Generosity, Approving $1.9 Billion in Local Tax Increases and Almost $1.0 Billion in Bond Issues

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.

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