/ Categories: Research, Transportation

From Roads to Roots: A Review of Florida’s Highway Landscape Spending

Florida's growing population places increasing demands on its roadways, and with each new transportation project comes a significant investment in highway landscaping. Florida law mandates that at least 1.5% of all transportation construction funding be dedicated to purchasing plant materials for highway beautification. In fiscal year 2023-24 alone, this amounted to more than $200 million. While highway landscaping provides essential benefits such as reducing erosion, enhancing safety, and supporting local ecosystems, questions remain about the lack of an upper limit on landscaping expenditures.

Florida TaxWatch's latest report delves into the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) spending on landscaping, examining how these funds are allocated and whether current policies maximize taxpayer value. The report also explores potential legislative changes, such as implementing a tiered spending approach or setting a maximum threshold, to ensure that public funds are used efficiently.

Download the full report to learn more about how your tax dollars are being spent and Florida TaxWatch's recommendations for improving highway landscaping policies.

Documents to download

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The Potential Impacts of New Tariffs on Florida’s Economy

The Potential Impacts of New Tariffs on Florida’s Economy

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.

 

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How Childcare Costs Impact Florida’s Economy

How Childcare Costs Impact Florida’s Economy

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.

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