St. Thomas University (STU) plays a large role in Florida’s economy, fostering workforce development and economic mobility, particularly for underrepresented communities. This Florida TaxWatch ROI report evaluates STU’s impact, highlighting its contributions to job creation, income growth, and return on investment. With record-breaking enrollment, a diverse student body, and strong financial stability, STU generates over $1.5 billion in economic output and supports more than 8,500 jobs. Every $1 spent on STU results in $21.50 of economic output.

This Florida TaxWatch report highlights drowning as a leading cause of death for children in the U.S., particularly in Florida. It stresses the importance of teaching children water safety, noting that swimming lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88%. Despite recent legislative efforts, more actions are needed, such as offering drowning prevention videos to new parents in hospitals and increasing safety measures for at-risk children, including those with autism. The report calls for continued policy efforts to prevent drowning-related tragedies and save lives.

This report highlights how Florida’s census undercount, especially of young children, reduces federal funding for key programs like Medicaid and childcare. This funding gap forces the state to rely more on taxpayer dollars. To secure resources and better plan for services, Florida TaxWatch urges Floridians to promote full participation in the 2030 Census.

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 Florida TaxWatch report reveals the substantial economic and educational contributions of Indian River State College (IRSC) to Florida's Treasure Coast and the broader state economy. IRSC, recognized for its affordability and high-quality programs, plays a pivotal role in workforce development through its extensive certificate and degree offerings. The report emphasizes the college's efforts in minimizing student debt and enhancing job readiness through strategic partnerships with businesses and local schools. Economically, IRSC creates over 15,000 jobs annually and generates a significant economic output, with every dollar spent translating into a substantial return for the Florida economy. This analysis serves as a crucial resource for understanding the intersection of education and economic growth, and the strategic role of community colleges like IRSC in fostering regional economic development.