Florida TaxWatch’s 2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up report provides a concise but comprehensive overview of the extraordinary budget impasse that extended this year’s session to June 6, 2025, the narrow scope of allowed legislation (including the General Appropriations Act, budget conforming bills, the House and Senate tax packages, and the Rural Renaissance bill), and the high-stakes negotiations that will resume on May 12 in conference committee.

Florida’s Behavioral Health Managing Entities (BHMEs) are at the heart of an innovative, community-based network delivering critical mental health and substance use services across the state. This report’s summary reveals how BHMEs efficiently coordinate a vast network of providers with minimal overhead—ensuring accessible, continuous care for vulnerable populations—while highlighting the risk that stagnant operational funding poses to their long-term sustainability. It ultimately recommends boosting operational funding from 3% to 5% to maintain the system’s effectiveness and guide future policy decisions.

Florida’s 2020 Census undercount has put billions of federal healthcare dollars at risk. With 750,000 residents uncounted, the state is projected to lose up to $21 billion in funding for Medicaid, CHIP, and other essential programs. This miscount impacts hospital planning, healthcare access, and federal funding formulas, costing Florida taxpayers $2.3 billion annually in lost Medicaid funds alone.

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.

Florida’s childcare system is at a crossroads, impacting families, businesses, and the economy. With demand rising and federal funding returning to pre-pandemic levels, the state faces critical questions: Should childcare focus solely on supervision or also provide education? Can sustainable policies close the gap in access? Explore how Florida’s future workforce and economy depend on quality early learning options.