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

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 / Categories: Research, Blog

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.

The Florida Taxpayer's Voter Guide for the 2024 Constitutional Amendments

Thursday, October 17, 2024 / Categories: Research, Voter Guides

The 2024 Florida TaxWatch Voter Guide to Florida’s Constitutional Amendments analyzes six proposed amendments on the November 5, 2024, ballot. It provides a summary, fiscal impact, and recommendation for each amendment. These amendments cover topics such as partisan school board elections, a constitutional right to hunt and fish, legalizing recreational marijuana, abortion rights, inflation adjustments to homestead exemptions, and the repeal of public campaign financing. Florida TaxWatch offers recommendations based on thorough analysis, urging voters to use the guide to make informed decisions.

Florida’s Budget Outlook: Is the Party Over? Long-Range Financial Outlook Forecasts Coming Budget Deficits

Budget Watch | October 2024

Thursday, October 3, 2024 / Categories: Research, Budget/Approps

Florida's Budget Watch report highlights a shift from surpluses to potential deficits starting in FY 2026-27. Despite strong revenue collections, rising costs in education and Medicaid could lead to a $6.9 billion deficit by FY 2027-28. The report emphasizes the need for legislative action now to prevent future financial challenges. Download the full report for more details.

Social Determinants of Health: Education Access and Quality

Thursday, August 29, 2024 / Categories: Research, Education

The Florida TaxWatch Institute on Quality Health and Aging presents its latest report on the connection between education and health outcomes. This study, part of a series on Social Determinants of Health, reveals how higher education levels correlate with better health, longer lifespans, and reduced healthcare costs. The report explores the economic impact of education on public health and state budgets, emphasizing the importance of early childhood education. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and educators, aiming to guide policies that improve health outcomes and economic prosperity for all Floridians. Download the full report to learn how investing in education can significantly impact Florida's public health and economic future.

The Taxpayer's Guide to Florida's FY2024-25 State Budget

Thursday, July 25, 2024 / Categories: Research, Budget/Approps, Taxpayer Guide

Florida TaxWatch is pleased to present taxpayers with a guide to the FY2024-25 state budget, which went into effect July 1, 2024. The 2024 Legislature appropriated a total of $118.6 billion for FY2024-25. This Budget Guide includes all appropriations for the new fiscal year— the General Appropriations Act (GAA), “back-of-the-bill” spending, and appropriations made in general bills—net of the Governor’s vetoes.

Monitoring and Oversight of General Obligation Bonds to Improve Broward County Schools

Q3 (2023-2024)

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 / Categories: Research, Broward BOC

The Q3 2024 Broward Bond Oversight report highlights significant progress in the SMART Program, with major advancements in technology, safety, and athletics in Broward County schools. All planned technology upgrades and safety projects are complete, improving the student-to-computer ratio and securing campuses. Despite these successes, challenges in renovations persist, with 29 projects likely to miss the October 2025 completion deadline. Leadership transitions and budget adjustments add further complexity. Florida TaxWatch plays a vital role in ensuring transparency and the efficient use of funds, continuing to oversee the program and provide recommendations to address ongoing challenges.