This month's Economic Commentary focuses on the growing bioscience industry in Florida, which is bringing high-wage job opportunites to Florida faster than almost any other state.
This month's Economic Commentary focuses on the aerospace industry in Florida following the closure of the Space Shuttle program at NASA. According to Enterprise Florida, the state ranks 2nd nationally for aviation, aerospace, and space establishments, employing some 83,200 Floridians, and providing a significant amount of the high tech manufacturing jobs in the state. With private and tourist-centered space travel on the very near horizon, the Commentary looks at what Florida is doing to keep this vital sector active in the Sunshine State.
This month's Economic Commentary looks at the economic impact of Florida's orange industry. Florida produces more oranges than any other U.S. state, totaling more than 71 percent of the U.S. supply during the 2010-11 season. Overall citrus production has an impact of $9 billion per year on the Florida economy.
Consistent with the research and educational mission of Florida TaxWatch, the 2012 Voter Guide is the third consecutive Guide released during a statewide election cycle. TaxWatch released similar Guides in 2010 and 2008, and has written extensively on individual Constitutional Amendments going back nearly 30 years.
This month's Economic Commentary discusses how Florida is investing in seaport and related infrastructure more than at any other time in our history, to diversify Florida's economy and make our state more competitive. This new infrastructure will allow Florida companies to be more efficient handling freight, and will allow additional opportunities for companies to transport their goods to markets in and out of Florida.
The September 2012 Florida TaxWatch Budget Outlook provides details on the revenue projections, how much spending is expected to increase, and a look at Critical and High Priority Needs items within that expected increase.
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.
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."
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).
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.
A proposed Constitutional Amendment on the November 2012 ballot would create Florida jobs, grow Florida's Gross Domestic Product, and increase the personal income of Floridians, according to this new analysis from the TaxWatch Center for Competitive Florida
Recent financial volatility in Europe, combined with a potential European banking crisis, may cause more than one country to leave the Euro. May's Economic Commentary examines the factors that may destabilize the Euro, and the resulting effect on Florida.
The Briefing surveys the significance of public-sector employment in Florida counties by examining the ten largest employers per county, and finds that public employers are the top employer (by number of employees) in 51 of the 67 counties in Florida, and one of the top five employers in every single county in the state.
According to this report, Florida has the potential to collect millions of dollars for energy efficiency enhancement projects already completed, or planned.
Updated to include Governor Scott's vetos, this piece details the progress made this legislative session on the GCSTF Recommendations for FY 2012-13
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.
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?
"The 2012 Turkey List organized by county. NOTE: Designed for 11x17 paper, will print at 50% on 8.5x11."
"The 2012 Turkey List organized by budget line item. NOTE: Designed for 11x17 paper, will print at 50% on 8.5x11."
"The final report of the 2012 Turkey List, including criteria"
This Economic Commentary focuses on the importance of capital investment for economic recovery, the impact of volatility on that investment, and the effect of investment on productivity. The piece concludes that the decrease in volatility in the US markets should lead to increases in investment, and faster growth.
"This Research Report looks at the disparities in funding levels between charter and traditional public schools, and offers suggestions on how to let the money follow the student."
"Continuing ten years of research on this issue, this short piece was produced to call attention to the ""remote sales tax"" or ""e-fairness"" issue which will likely come before the Legislature again in 2013."
"February's Economic Commentary focuses on unemployment in Florida as compared to the nation as a whole, and within specific demographic groups and their educational levels inside our state in 2011 vs. 2010. The Commentary also discusses possible solutions to the current situation, and trends to keep an eye on."