Watching Over Florida's Taxpayers: A Legacy of Accountability Continues

By Jeff Kottkamp, Florida's 17th Lieutenant Governor

On January 1, 2026, I will step into a role I consider one of the greatest honors of my career: President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. But this milestone isn't really about me. It's about the remarkable legacy of the man I'm succeeding, and the vital mission we share for Florida taxpayers.

For 45 years, Dominic M. Calabro has been Florida's taxpayer champion. Anyone who has worked with Dominic knows this isn't just a title. It's the truth. He built Florida TaxWatch from the ground up into the state's most trusted, nonpartisan fiscal watchdog. Under his leadership, this organization has saved Florida taxpayers billions of dollars, ended unfair taxes, and held government accountable, regardless of which party was in power.

That last part is crucial. In an era when everything seems filtered through a partisan lens, Florida TaxWatch has remained resolutely independent. We don't care about political party. We care about one thing: making sure your tax dollars are spent wisely and government serves the people, not special interests.

Dominic understood this from day one. He built an organization that governors, legislators, and business leaders across the political spectrum respect because our research is rigorous, our analysis is fair, and our only agenda is fiscal responsibility. As Dominic transitions to launch the Florida TaxWatch Foundation and remain on our Executive Board, that standard of excellence will continue to guide everything we do.

I've had the privilege of working alongside Dominic as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and I've seen firsthand what makes Florida TaxWatch so effective. It's not just the world-class research or the policy expertise, though we have both. It's the unwavering commitment to standing up for working families and small businesses when budgets are debated behind closed doors and special interests line up for their share of tax dollars.

My own commitment to this cause goes back decades. I grew up during a time of high taxes, government overreach, and economic stagnation. When Ronald Reagan spoke about American exceptionalism, free enterprise, and individual responsibility, it resonated deeply. I volunteered for his 1980 campaign and dedicated my life to public service with those principles as my guide.

As a state legislator, I worked to repeal the intangibles tax that unfairly penalized savers and investors. I authored what later became Amendment One, the largest property tax cut in Florida history. As Lieutenant Governor, I focused relentlessly on making government more efficient and accountable. And throughout all those years, there was one constant: Florida TaxWatch was always there, providing the data, asking the tough questions, and giving taxpayers a voice.

Now, as I prepare to lead this organization, I'm more convinced than ever that Florida needs what we do.

Consider the facts: Florida's state budget has grown more than 60 percent in the last decade. While some of that growth reflects our booming population and economy, economic forecasts show a revenue slowdown ahead in 2026. When budgets tighten, every dollar becomes more precious. Who's ensuring those dollars are spent wisely? Who's identifying waste and protecting priorities that matter most to families and businesses?

That's where Florida TaxWatch comes in. In our 2025 Budget Turkey Watch Report alone, we identified over $1.2 billion in questionable spending, including 238 appropriations totaling $413 million that bypassed proper legislative vetting. Every dollar wasted on projects that skip proper debate is a dollar unavailable for education, infrastructure, public safety, and the priorities that truly impact your life.

Our work has delivered tangible results. We helped end Florida's business rent tax, saving businesses hundreds of millions annually and making our state more competitive. Our research guides legislative leaders toward fiscally responsible decisions. As George Will, America's foremost political columnist, said: "Florida is the laboratory of liberty," crediting Florida TaxWatch for having "a lot to do with that."

But here's what many people don't realize: Florida TaxWatch doesn't receive government funding. We're an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that depends entirely on support from Floridians who believe in what we do. Every research report, every policy analysis, every "Turkey Watch" investigation is funded by voluntary contributions from citizens, businesses, and foundations that value fiscal accountability.

If this message resonates with you, I hope you will consider supporting our cause.

As we close out 2025 and I prepare to take the helm in the new year, I'm asking you to join us in this critical work. Your tax-deductible contribution, whether $100, $1,000, or $10,000+, allows us to publish timely, nonpartisan research that shapes real policy, recognize innovation in public service, and hold elected leaders accountable with data, not rhetoric.

This isn't about politics. It's about good government. It's about making sure Florida remains a place where hard work is rewarded, families flourish, and businesses thrive.

The challenges ahead are real. State leaders will face tough budget decisions in 2026. Special interests will push for their priorities. Without an independent watchdog asking hard questions and providing objective analysis, taxpayers lose their seat at the table.

Dominic Calabro spent 45 years making sure that never happened. As I step into this role, I'm committed to honoring that legacy and building on it: expanding our reach with new regional chapters, deepening our engagement in local government, and continuing to serve as the trusted voice for fiscal responsibility in every corner of Florida.

If you would like to help Florida TaxWatch fight for good government, please visit www.floridataxwatch.org/donate or mail your check to Florida TaxWatch, 106 N. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301.

For questions about giving options including qualified charitable distributions, donor-advised funds, or appreciated stock donations, contact Tanya Breza at tbreza@floridataxwatch.org.

Florida has become the envy of the nation for its fiscal responsibility and economic vitality. Help us ensure it stays that way. Your support matters now more than ever.

Thank you for believing in good government, fiscal accountability, and a Florida that leads the way for the rest of America.