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

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.

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More States Are Using State-Level Tax Credits to Address Workforce and Affordable Housing Deficits More States Are Using State-Level Tax Credits to Address Workforce and Affordable Housing Deficits

More States Are Using State-Level Tax Credits to Address Workforce and Affordable Housing Deficits

Florida Should Consider These Incentives

/ Categories: Research, Housing Affordability

This Florida TaxWatch report highlights a severe affordable housing crisis in Florida, where rising housing costs and a limited supply of affordable units place significant financial and social burdens on low-income families and essential workers. It advocates for the adoption of state-level tax credits to supplement federal programs, thereby incentivizing the construction of affordable housing, stimulating local economies, and reducing public costs.

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Solvency of the State Employees' Health Insurance Trust Fund Solvency of the State Employees' Health Insurance Trust Fund

Solvency of the State Employees' Health Insurance Trust Fund

/ Categories: Research, Cost Savings, Economic Development, Health Care

Florida TaxWatch’s latest report examines the financial solvency of the State Employees' Health Insurance Trust Fund, which faces rising costs and potential deficits in the coming years. Despite a projected $652.7 million cash balance for FY 2024-25, increasing healthcare expenses could lead to a $1.5 billion deficit by FY 2028-29. The report recommends increasing employee contributions to align with those of other large employers, potentially saving the state $446 million annually. Proactive policy changes are urged to ensure the fund’s sustainability amid future budget challenges.

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Florida’s Water Supply: Could Florida Experience a Significant Water Supply Shortage by 2025? Florida’s Water Supply: Could Florida Experience a Significant Water Supply Shortage by 2025?

Florida’s Water Supply: Could Florida Experience a Significant Water Supply Shortage by 2025?

A Florida TaxWatch Commentary

/ Categories: Research, Energy/Environment

This commentary highlights a looming water crisis in the Sunshine State. Despite its reputation for abundant water resources, Florida could face a significant water supply shortage as early as 2025, according to projections from the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research. The report estimates that $1.7 billion in investments for critical water projects is needed by 2040 to avoid a severe shortage. This challenge is exacerbated by Florida's rapid economic and population growth, with an expected 26.4 million residents by 2040. The commentary criticizes current water project funding processes as disjointed and inconsistent, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive statewide strategy. It also discusses recent legislative efforts and proposes solutions, including the implementation of a Five-Year Water Project Work Program.

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6/3/2025
Florida Economic Forecast: Q1 2025

Florida Economic Forecast: Q1 2025

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.

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6/10/2025
The Census Undercount’s Toll on Florida Roads

The Census Undercount’s Toll on Florida Roads

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.

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6/17/2025
2025 Budget Turkey Watch Report

2025 Budget Turkey Watch Report

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.

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