9 Actions Florida Should Take to Help Taxpayers Impacted by Hurricane Ian

1.     Postpone tax notices and waive penalties or interest for late tax filings in affected areas

2.     Extend the date for residents to take advantage of the tax discounts they would normally receive for paying property taxes and special assessments in November and postpone or defer the deadline for property tax installment payments

3.     Protect individual and business taxpayers from the risks for notices that they will likely not receive because their home or business addresses is not accessible anymore

4.     Issue no new audits in severely impacted areas, extend the statute of limitations and postpone existing audits that haven’t reached the assessment stage because these can’t be responded to while entire communities are still recovering

5.     Create procedures for fairly estimating taxes which can’t be calculated because records have been destroyed by the storm, moving away from the current method which significantly overestimates activity if no records are available

6.     Initiate procedures to offer payment plan assistance for late taxes, rather than resorting to the standard collection methods, like liens, levies, or bank freezes

7.     Retroactively apply the recently passed law that provides property tax refunds for residential property rendered uninhabitable as a result of a catastrophic event

8.     Provide tangible personal property relief and allow n on-residential properties rendered uninhabitable to receive property tax refunds

9.     Get Congress to pass a Disaster Tax Relief Act that includes provisions from past packages, including elements such as an Employee Retention Credit, an enhanced casualty loss deduction, and other relief provisions

Other Resources

Florida TaxWatch Statement on Hurricane Ian Recovery

Community Involvement

Florida Economic Forecast: Q3 2024

A Florida TaxWatch Economic Commentary

Florida Economic Forecast Report Cover

Florida’s economy is forecast to continue its impressive growth trajectory through 2030, reaching nearly $1.5 trillion. Based on detailed data from the REC Group, this report analyzes key trends such as population growth, net migration, and employment shifts that will shape the state’s economic future.

Covering projections from 2024 to 2030, the analysis delves into changes in GDP and personal income growth, the evolving impact of tourism, and how Florida’s economic indicators compare with the broader U.S. economy. The report offers valuable insights for policymakers and business leaders navigating Florida’s post-pandemic landscape.

With comprehensive data and expert commentary, this forecast outlines both opportunities and challenges as Florida transitions to more normalized economic conditions. It’s an essential resource for understanding the financial and strategic implications for the state’s future.

Meet the Author:

Jui Shah
Jui Shah
Research Enonomist
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