Research Library

Communications FL TaxWatch

Florida TaxWatch Releases Quarterly Report for Broward SMART Program

Press Releases
/ Press Releases / 2 minutes of reading

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch, the state’s nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog of forty years, has released its review of the Broward County School District’s SMART Program report for the quarter ending December 31, 2018. The report includes 9 recommendations, which will be presented and discussed by Florida TaxWatch’s Vice President of Research Bob Nave at the Bond Oversight Committee’s March 4, 2019 meeting

Analyzing the Fiscal Impact of the Energy Deregulation Constitutional Amendment

Energy & Environment, Local Government, Research, Taxes, Voter Guides
/ Energy & Environment, Local Government, Research, Taxes, Voter Guides / 2 minutes of reading

A proposed constitutional amendment initiative that would destructure Florida’s energy market may appear on the November 2020 general election ballot that would (if approved) radically change Florida’s energy market. This independent analysis estimates the financial impacts of deregulation on tax revenues and to help Florida taxpayers better understand the effects of the proposed deregulation.

Florida TaxWatch Report Shows That Constitutional Amendment On Energy Deregulation Will Have A Significant Negative Impact On State & Local Revenue

Press Releases
/ Press Releases / 2 minutes of reading

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s premier, independent government watchdog of forty years, Florida TaxWatch has released an independent analysis examining the financial impacts of a proposed constitutional amendment initiative that may appear on the November 2020 general election ballot that would (if approved) radically alter Florida’s electricity market.

It Is Time To Make Florida A Technological Leader

Op-Eds
/ Op-Eds / 4 minutes of reading

Technology has changed every aspect of our lives in many direct and tangible ways. All of us now routinely access information ranging from how to change a tire to how far Mercury is from Saturn in just a matter of seconds. Technology has changed how we communicate with each other, how we watch TV and listen to music, how we buy things and pay our bills, how we learn about things and how we find our way from point A to point B.

Budget Watch – General Revenue Estimates Inject $842 Million Into The Next Budget Process

Budget & Appropriations, Research
/ Budget & Appropriations, Research / 2 minutes of reading

Less than a week after the Senate Appropriations Committee heard a gloomy presentation on the outlook for the upcoming budget, the General Revenue Estimating Conference met on December 18 and increased the revenue projections by $461.5 million in FY2018-19 and another $380.5 million in FY2019-20. This means the 2019 Legislature will have an estimated $842 million more in General Revenue (GR) collections for the next state budget than was previously expected.

Florida TaxWatch Research Shows Florida Voters Approved $1.5 Billion In Annual Local Tax Increases Last November

Press Releases
/ Press Releases / 3 minutes of reading

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida’s premier independent watchdog, Florida TaxWatch, released the follow-up to the 2018 Florida TaxWatch Voter Guide. The update details local tax measures and new bond issues that voters approved last month and provides an update on what’s next for the 11 amendments that are now part of Florida’s Constitution.

2018 Voter Guide Wrap-Up: $1.5 Billion in Local Tax Referenda

Research, Taxes, Voter Guides
/ Research, Taxes, Voter Guides / 3 minutes of reading

On November 6, 2018, Floridians voted on 12 proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution. Eleven of the 12 passed with at least a 60 percent majority, all but Amendment 1, which would have provided an additional $25,000 homestead property tax exemption. But the amendments were not the only thing that voters had to agree on. In addition to the amendments, voters across Florida chose to put in place a number of local tax measures and new bond issues.

Opportunity Zones Could Help the Panhandle Recover from Hurricane Michael

Op-Eds
/ Op-Eds / 4 minutes of reading

On October 10, Hurricane Michael slammed ashore on Mexico Beach with devastating impact. The impact was not limited to the coast, as inland counties also felt the high-end Category 4 storm’s wrath. Before leaving Florida for Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia, the hurricane killed at least 35 Floridians, knocked out power to 380,000 homes and businesses, and caused insured damages of $2.6 billion (and climbing). Florida’s agriculture industry, including cotton, peanut, and corn farms, suffered more than $150 million in damages and timber losses are estimated at $1.3 billion.

Keeping Workers’ Compensation Premiums Low Through Independent Medical Review

Cost Savings, Economic Development, Health Care, Insurance, Research
/ Cost Savings, Economic Development, Health Care, Insurance, Research / 4 minutes of reading

In this research report, TaxWatch looks at the success of the IMR program in California in an attempt to answer the question “what if IMR was in use in Florida?” TaxWatch is pleased to present policymakers and stakeholders with an independent analysis of a program we think may be helpful in keeping the costs of workers’ compensation insurance down while helping to ensure that injured workers receive appropriate treatment.

Florida TaxWatch Welcomes New Chairman And Executive Committee Members For 2019

Press Releases
/ Press Releases / 3 minutes of reading

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The 2018 election made its mark on Florida’s elected leadership, ushering in a new Governor, Attorney General, and Agriculture Commissioner, electing a previously appointed Chief Financial Officer, as well as new legislators and members of the Congressional delegation. However, the Florida legislative and executive branches are not the only ones welcoming in a new slate of leaders. Earlier this month, Florida TaxWatch welcomed the organization’s new chairman, Senator Pat Neal, at its 39 th Annual Meeting in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Governor’s Transition Decision Handbook 2018-19

Research
/ Research / 2 minutes of reading

The Handbook is, at its core, a compilation and translation of knowledge and experience from some of the people who have been through the extraordinary and unique endeavor which the new Governor is about to undertake, and a guide to the policy choices that will have to be made as the Governor of Florida.

Budget Watch – Outlook Assumes Legislature Will Sweep Trust Funds

Budget & Appropriations, Research
/ Budget & Appropriations, Research / 2 minutes of reading

Florida’s state forecasters estimate that the 2019 Legislature will have a $223.4 million budget surplus when it puts together the state’s new spending plan for FY 2019-20. However, this assumes the Legislature will transfer nearly $400 million from trust funds—money earmarked by law for specific uses—into the General Revenue (GR) Fund.

Become a Member

Support Responsible
Taxation & Government Spending

For over 45 years, donor support has made Florida TaxWatch the state’s leading independent voice for taxpayer accountability. There are many ways to support our mission.

Explore Membership

Donate →
Donate →
Scroll to Top