Blog

Sales Tax Holiday

May 19, 2020 / Blog / 4 minutes of reading

The 2020 Florida Legislature enacted two more sales tax holidays, a three-day “back-to-school” and a seven-day disaster preparedness tax holiday. Although the pending threat from the COVID-19 virus lead to the Legislature eliminating nearly all the tax cuts they were considering, the popularity of sales tax holidays was affirmed once again. From May 29-June 4, items to help Floridians prepare for hurricane season, such as flashlights, portable two-way or weatherband radios, waterproof sheeting, generators, and tie-down kits will be exempt from sales sax. This will save Floridians an estimated $5.6 million.

VISIT FLORIDA Extended When we Need it Most

April 17, 2020 / Blog / 2 minutes of reading

In the most recent legislative session VISIT FLORIDA’s future was uncertain. SB 362 extended its life for three more years and set its funding at $50 million. The extension that VISIT FLORIDA received is vital to Florida’s tourism industry and comes when we need it most due to the COVID-19 impacts on the state’s economy. Other states that have reduced or eliminated their tourism marketing efforts have experienced immediate and long-term negative economic impacts. Florida TaxWatch research has shown that continuous, targeted investment into Florida’s tourism industry is critical to our state’s success.

Expanding The Practice Authority for Florida’s Nurse Practitioners

March 10, 2020 / Blog / 3 minutes of reading

By 2030, Florida is expected to need an additional 4,671 primary care physicians. This shortage ultimately will result in limited access to care (especially in rural areas), higher healthcare costs, and reducing the quality of life for all. Floridians will start to experience the effects in the foreseeable future if a solution is not implemented. A proven cost-effective solution is to remove overly restrictive statutory barriers and allow nurse practitioners to practice to the full extent of their education and training.

People are Fleeing High-Tax States for Florida and Bringing High Incomes with Them

August 22, 2019 / Blog / 3 minutes of reading

Florida has a history of trying to woo people and businesses to move to the Sunshine State, and it appears to be working. In addition to its many other selling points, Florida has also had the reputation of being a low-tax state. Recent federal tax law changes have made our state even more attractive from a tax standpoint to many Americans.

One Giant Leap: The Economic Rebound of the Space Coast

July 16, 2019 / Blog / 3 minutes of reading

The Space Coast of Florida was once the center of the universe; however, since the historic mission fifty years ago, the region has gone through significant change.

SCOTUS Ruling Opens Door to E-Fairness in FL

June 21, 2018 / Blog / 8 minutes of reading

Reaction and explanation of SCOTUS decision from Robert Weissert, Esq. and Kurt Wenner

SGIP Review Saves Taxpayers Millions

April 26, 2018 / Blog / 2 minutes of reading

With an audit nearing completion, state DMS reported today that 1,825 ineligible dependents have been dropped from the SGIP, saving close to $9.5 million.

FloridaMakes Makes Florida Manufacturing More Competitive

March 6, 2018 / Blog / 3 minutes of reading

FloridaMakes , a statewide partnership designed to improve the productivity and technological performance of manufacturers, is making the Sunshine State more competitive.

Legislature All In On Gambling Discussion

February 19, 2018 / Blog / 2 minutes of reading

Greyhound racing and other pari-mutuels still stirring debate after all of these years.

Miami on Amazon Shortlist

January 18, 2018 / Blog / 4 minutes of reading

Will South Florida have what it takes to lure the tech giant?

Class Size Reduction Back On Tap

November 28, 2017 / Blog / 2 minutes of reading

The CRC is considering an amendment to allow class size to be measured at school level

Florida Telehealth Council Work Almost Done

September 27, 2017 / Blog / 3 minutes of reading

Expect a report in October on this very important issue.

Lake Okeechobee Isn’t The Whole Story

August 22, 2017 / Blog / 4 minutes of reading

The water quality problems in the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River estuaries will not be solved by solely focusing on discharges from Lake Okeechobee.

Borrower Defense Rule Delayed

August 11, 2017 / Blog / 3 minutes of reading

New federal rules to expand federal student loan forgiveness for certain borrowers have been suspended by the U.S. Department of Education, pending further review.

New Charter Schools Report Shows Gains

August 10, 2017 / Blog / 3 minutes of reading

According to a July 2017 report by the Foundation for Excellence in Education, Florida’s charter school sector is one of the largest and fastest-improving in the nation.

All-Stars a Three Run Homer for Miami

July 13, 2017 / Blog / 2 minutes of reading

For the first time in the 88 years of the MLB All-Star game, the event was hosted in Miami, and the local economy cashed in.

Groceries & Telehealth – a new concept for retail clinics

July 5, 2017 / Blog / 3 minutes of reading

As you wander through the Publix Supermarket trying to decide what to make for dinner you may soon notice a new service.

The CRC Appears to be a Secret

June 27, 2017 / Blog / 3 minutes of reading

A new survey from TaxWatch finds that very few Floridians are aware of the Commission

Workers’ Comp Bills Address Rulings, Differ on Fees

May 4, 2017 / Blog / 4 minutes of reading

Reducing premiums has become a top priority for the business community this session, focusing on reducing attorney fees.

Help Along the Road to Independence

April 28, 2017 / Blog / 2 minutes of reading

Legislation aims to make it easier for Florida’s foster children to obtain their first driver’s license