Budget Watch – Florida’s Finances Strong
Budget & Appropriations, Research, TaxesThe fiscal condition of Florida’s state government is in good shape as evidenced by a new study that ranks the state sixth overall in the […]
Florida’s University Research Parks
Economic Development, Education, ResearchFlorida’s nine university research parks help create high-wage jobs, diversify the state economy and ensure Florida retains top graduates, according to this month’s Economic Commentary.
Reforming Florida’s IT Governance Structure
Budget & Appropriations, Research, TaxesFlorida must have an integrated Information Technology (IT) Governance model to improve IT services and reduce costs, according to this Report. The Report analyzes Florida’s
Florida’s 2013 Job Growth
Economic Development, ResearchFlorida’s growing economy created an estimated 192,900 private sector jobs in 2013, according to this annual jobs report. The 2013 growth rates show Florida leading
Diversifying Florida’s Economy Through Local Economic Development
Economic Development, Local Government, ResearchThis report shows that all economic development strategies are not created equal, and details the spillover effects of several popular economic development projects. Although each
Sentencing for Oxycodone and Hydrocodone Offenses
Corrections/Judicial, Cost Savings, ResearchThis Briefing recommends that the state decriminalize the possession of minor amounts of oxycodone and hydrocodone, and lower mandatory minimums to save significant tax dollars,
An Adult Civil Citation Program Can Save Taxpayer Dollars
Corrections/Judicial, Cost Savings, ResearchThis Briefing recommends that the state put in place the guidelines for an Adult Civil Citation program, patterned on the existing Juvenile Civil Citation program,
Revising Driving While License Suspended Laws in Florida
Corrections/Judicial, ResearchBased on the fact that license revocation is very common in Florida, this report recommends that the state remove the felony sanctions for driving while
Budget Watch – Governor’s Proposed Budget – FY2014-15
Budget & Appropriations, Corrections/Judicial, Cost Savings, Economic Development, Education, Energy & Environment, Health Care, Insurance, Local Government, Research, Retirement, Taxes, TransportationHighlights from Governor Rick Scott’s proposed budget plan for FY 2014-15 are featured in this Budget Watch Report. The $74.20 billion spending plan is slightly
Inmate Reentry in Florida
Budget & Appropriations, Corrections/Judicial, Research, TaxesAccording to this Report, expanding reentry programs in Florida could prevent inmates from returning to state correctional facilities and reduce costs for taxpayers.
Economic Commentary – Growing Florida Startup Companies
Economic Development, ResearchThis Economic Commentary highlights the opportunities angel investment provides to Florida startups and small businesses. Angel investor networks help entrepreneurs connect with the resources and
2013 Florida Juvenile Justice Inventory
Corrections/Judicial, ResearchIn order to meet the growing demand for juvenile justice programs throughout Florida, many new programs have been developed. But in order for Florida to
The Effect of Changes in the National Flood Insurance Program on Florida
Insurance, ResearchThis Economic Commentary recommends that the required analysis be completed to determine the impact of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act. Removal of the subsidies
2013 Annual Report
Annual Reports, ResearchThe 2013 Florida TaxWatch Annual Report: Positioning Florida for 2014: Building on a Solid Foundation
Modern Management & Sensible Savings
Budget & Appropriations, Corrections/Judicial, Cost Savings, Economic Development, Energy & Environment, Insurance, Local Government, Research, Retirement, Taxes, TransportationThis Report, from the TaxWatch Center for Government Efficiency, highlights more than $1 billion in savings for Florida taxpayers, without reducing state-provided services. The six
Florida’s Revenue Opportunities Under Sec 179D
Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Energy & Environment, Research, Taxes, TransportationFlorida is neglecting millions of dollars in federal tax incentives, according to this Briefing. Federal legislation allows for tax deductions to offset the cost of
A Checklist for Useful and Practical Higher Education Strategic Plans
Guest Columns, ResearchThis Ideas in Action is written by Roger Kaufman, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Florida State University, and Distinguished Research Professor at the Sonora Institute of Technology
Ideas in Action: On Common Core
Education, Guest Columns, ResearchThis Ideas in Action piece features opinion-editorials published by the Tallahassee Democrat in October 2013. They are republished here with permission from the authors.
Selecting the Assessments for Florida’s New Education Standards
Education, ResearchFlorida’s new education assessment should measure students content mastery and compare their achievement to students outside of the state, according to this Briefing. An effective
What the Government Shutdown & Debt Ceiling Crisis Mean to Florida
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Research, TaxesThe federal government shutdown is negatively affecting tax revenues and capital investment in Florida, according to this report, which outlines the potential impacts an extended
