Extending the Local Communication Services Tax Increase Moratorium and a Sales Tax Exemption for Broadband Equipment Should be Part of Any Tax Relief Package this Session

/ Categories: Research, Budget/Approps

Florida TaxWatch's CST and Broadband Equipment report examines the impact of the high Communications Services Tax (CST) on broadband infrastructure investment and consumer expenses. The report details how Florida’s current CST ranks among the highest in the nation and explores its effects on both businesses and low-income households, who are particularly vulnerable to the disproportionate burden of such taxes on essential wireless services.

Fair Share Taxes Driven Away by Electric Vehicles

/ Categories: Research, Transportation

Proposed solutions include redistributing a portion of the sales tax collected at EV charging stations to the STTF and adopting a hybrid approach that combines higher registration fees with targeted EV taxes. These proposals aim to ensure that all drivers contribute their “fair share” toward maintaining Florida’s transportation infrastructure in the face of rapid technological change.

Florida Voters Continue Their Generosity, Approving $1.9 Billion in Local Tax Increases and Almost $1.0 Billion in Bond Issues

2024 Florida Tax & Bond Referenda

/ Categories: Research, Budget/Approps, Economic Development, Local Government

Florida voters demonstrated strong support for local tax increases and bond issues in the 2023-2024 election cycle, approving 89% of referenda. Voters passed $1.9 billion in annual tax increases and nearly $1 billion in bond issues, primarily targeting schools, infrastructure, and public services. The report highlights Florida's unique reliance on local government funding, with municipalities and special districts providing over 56% of the state's revenue. Despite statewide tax cuts, local taxes are rising with voter approval, reflecting public willingness to invest in community development when they perceive clear value and benefit.

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Building The Force: An Analysis of Florida’s Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program (LEAP)

Building The Force: An Analysis of Florida’s Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program (LEAP)

Florida’s Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) is an innovative workforce solution addressing persistent staffing shortages in law enforcement, particularly in rural and fiscally constrained communities. Backed by $3.25 million in state funding, the program currently supports 117 apprentices across 25 Sheriff’s Offices, allowing participants to earn a salary while completing required training. By removing financial barriers to entry, LEAP is expanding access to law enforcement careers, strengthening local recruitment pipelines, and helping agencies improve staffing levels while building a more diverse and sustainable workforce.

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Florida Economic Forecast 2025 - 2035

Florida Economic Forecast 2025 - 2035

Florida's economy reached $1.85 trillion in Q3 2025, ranking first among all 50 states and the District of Columbia in economic growth. This fourth installment of Florida TaxWatch's quarterly economic forecast series — produced in partnership with the Regional Economic Consulting Group — examines whether that momentum is sustainable through 2035.

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2026 Florida Legislative Session Wrap-Up

2026 Florida Legislative Session Wrap-Up

For the second year in a row, the Florida Legislature ended its 60-day session without completing its only constitutionally required task — passing a state budget. House Speaker Daniel Perez cited a "fundamental disagreement on what the state budget should look like," with the House seeking to spend less and the Senate more. The House and Senate budget proposals total $113.6 billion and $115.0 billion, respectively.

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