2015 Legislative Wrap-up
Research, Taxpayer GuideThe annual TaxWatch Legislative Update recaps legislative action on TaxWatch priority issues.
2015 How Florida Compares: Taxes
Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideFlorida has always had the reputation of being a low tax state. While this common perception is borne out by the newest available data contained in this report, the full picture is more complicated. This report provides detailed tax ranking information for Florida as compared to the rest of the nation.
Taxpayer Independence Day 2015
Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideMonday, April 20 Florida TaxWatch celebrates Florida Taxpayer Independence Day 2015: the day Floridians are finally earning money for themselves and 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. In 2015, for the average Florida household, paying its taxes takes 110 out of 365 days, or more than three and a half months.
Budget Watch – Agencies Request Small Increase in Funding for FY2015-16
Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxpayer GuideFlorida’s state agencies are requesting $75.602 billion from the Legislature in 2015, a modest increase of $660.8 million. Eighteen of the state’s agencies are asking for more money in the upcoming budget year, while twelve agencies have proposed reducing their funding levels.
2015 Economic Preview
Economic Development, Research, Taxpayer GuideThis report projects another year of economic growth and recovery in 2015, reporting that Florida’s economy will grow faster than the nation and Florida employment is expected to outpace the nation again in 2015.
Annual Government Efficiency Recommendations – 2015
Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Local Government, Research, Retirement, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideThe Center for Government Efficiency defines government efficiency as the intersection of cost avoidance, targeted investments and effective governance, three characteristics that define the recommendations
Instructional Expenses: Prek-12 Education Spending
Blog, Education, ResearchWhere and how well our school districts spend our education dollars can have a profound impact on student academic achievement and success. Historically, education makes up about one-fourth of Florida’s total budget. Florida TaxWatch believes that shifting education spending away from administrative and other expenses and toward classroom/instructional expenses is beneficial.
Comments to the Honorable Colleen Burton, Chair, and Members of the House Health and Human Services Committee Regarding HB 17: Telehealth Practice Standards
Press ReleasesThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the opportunity- and the need- to make telehealth as accessible as practicable. Telehealth helps reach audiences that may otherwise be unable to access care and provides the opportunity to improve patient care, treatment, education, and services, and ultimately bend the cost curve.
Fiscal Year 2021: Florida Reduces Debt Ratio
Blog, Cost Savings, Local Government, Research, Taxpayer GuideFiscally, Florida is in good condition. This is also true of the state’s debt position. FY 2020-21 marks the eighth consecutive year with a debt ratio below the 6 percent target.
Comments to the Honorable Ray Rodrigues, Chair, and Members of the Senate Committee on Governmental Oversight & Accountability Regarding SB 1152 – Fleet Management
Press ReleasesFlorida TaxWatch supports the concept of a centralized management system for the fleet of state[1]owned motor vehicles, maintenance facilities, and fuel depots.
