Research Library

Local Government

The Economic and Fiscal Significance of the U.S. Census and American Community Survey

Census, Economic Development, Local Government, Research
/ Census, Economic Development, Local Government, Research / 2 minutes of reading

The once-in-a-lifetime pandemic disrupted the 2020 Census— the 24th in U.S. history—delaying field operations and hampering the public’s ability to respond. This report underscores the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on 2020 Census data collection efforts, including disruptions to the ACS, and highlights how this impacts federal funding and critical decision-making among policymakers and business leaders alike.

2022 Taxpayer Independence Day

Local Government, Research, Taxes
/ Local Government, Research, Taxes / 2 minutes of reading

On Thursday, April 14, Florida TaxWatch joins the taxpayers in our state in celebrating Florida Taxpayer Independence Day 2022. On that day, Floridians are finally earning money for themselves–not for the tax collector. This symbolic date assumes that every dollar earned since January 1 goes to pay federal, state, and local tax obligations. This measure of tax burden is based on the relative size of all taxes paid in Florida to our state’s total personal income. In 2022, for the average Florida household, paying its taxes takes 103 out of 365 days, nearly three and a half months.

The Impacts of Lawsuits Against Local Governments for Business Damages

Corrections/Judicial, Local Government, Research
/ Corrections/Judicial, Local Government, Research / 2 minutes of reading

The 2022 Florida Legislature is debating two pieces of legislation that add to the process of passing local ordinances and provides additional rights to businesses and residents who wish to challenge those ordinances. This Session Spotlight takes a detailed look at SB620/CS/HB569 & CS/SB280/HB403.

A Decade of Self-Taxing

Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer Guide
/ Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer Guide / 3 minutes of reading

Florida has long relied on its local governments to fund a major portion of its government services. In fact, that reliance is heavier than in all but one other state. Florida’s counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts provide more than half (52.6 percent) of all state and local revenue collected in the state, trailing only New York (54.7 percent).1 Our state has consistently ranked first or second in this metric for many years.

Post Election Wrap-Up: Local Tax Referenda

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

On November 3, 2020, Floridians went to the polls (or voted by mail) to elect the next President of the United States, voted on numerous state and local races, and decided the fate of six proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution. As if that were not enough, voters across the state had to consider more than 200 local referenda, including some significant tax increases This wrap-up looks at how these measures fared. 

An Independent Assessment of the Impact of Broward College

Education, Local Government, Research
/ Education, Local Government, Research / 2 minutes of reading

On January 30th, 2019, Governor DeSantis signed an Executive Order establishing the goal to make Florida number 1 in the U.S. for workforce education by 2030 and to ensure that Florida students are ready for high-demand, high-wage jobs. Building a workforce in health services, transportation, education, computing, trade, utilities, and jobs that require an industry certification or license will require a sizable investment of public and private funds. In this report, TaxWatch takes a fresh look at Broward College, how it compares to other institutions of higher learning in the Tri-County South Florida region, and its return on investment. 

Diverting Tourist Development Tax Revenue

Local Government, Research, Taxes
/ Local Government, Research, Taxes / 2 minutes of reading

Tourist Development Taxes (TDTs) play a vital role in Florida counties’ promotion of tourism in their areas. Over the years, the Legislature has added more and more authorized uses of this revenue, diluting the funding available for tourism promotion and advertising. During the 2020 session, efforts to further expanded the authorized uses are continuing. The “slippery slope” warning raised by the tourism industry and Florida TaxWatch in the past has become a reality. 

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.

TaxWatch Analysis of Amendment 2

Economic Development, Local Government, Research, Taxpayer Guide, Voter Guides
/ Economic Development, Local Government, Research, Taxpayer Guide, Voter Guides / 1 minute of reading

In November 2018, Florida voters have a chance avoid a major property tax increase on owners of commercial or rental property, vacation or second homes, unimproved real estate, or any other non- homestead property. This tax increase will happen if the current 10 percent cap on non-homestead property assessments—scheduled to be repealed—is not reauthorized by the voters.

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