Could Florida Experience a Significant Water Shortage?

2025 Update

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 / Categories: Research, Energy & Environment

New EDR projections show a widening state funding gap—more than $50 million in FY 2025-26—with total demand still trending upward through 2045.

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

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 / Categories: Research, Budget/Approps, Energy & Environment, 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.

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

Florida Should Consider These Incentives

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 / 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.

Solvency of the State Employees' Health Insurance Trust Fund

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 / 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.

2024 Florida TaxWatch Annual Report

45 Years of Outstanding Impact & Stewardship

Friday, November 8, 2024 / Categories: Annual Reports

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.

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

A Florida TaxWatch Commentary

Thursday, September 5, 2024 / 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.