Cost of Living in Florida: A Mid-Decade Check-In
Housing Affordability, Insurance, ResearchFor millions of Floridians, the defining economic question of the mid-2020s isn’t about growth or GDP — it’s about whether they can still afford to stay.
Government Efficiency Should Not Be Something We Do Every Four Years
Budget/Approps, Cost Savings, Local Government, ResearchFlorida has proven ideas, demonstrated wins, and active tools; now it needs permanence. By embedding efficiency into the annual budget cycle—backed by transparent tracking and regular reporting—the state can convert sporadic initiatives into sustained savings and better service delivery for taxpayers.
Florida TaxWatch Releases Report on Value of Florida’s Behavioral Health Managing Entities and Questions Sustainability in Meeting State’s Needs
Press ReleasesFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tues., Feb. 25, 2025 CONTACT: Christina Johnson, christina@on3pr.com, 850.391.5040 Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released Enhancing Lives, Ensuring Accountability: The Value of Florida’s Behavioral Health Managing Entities report,
Florida TaxWatch Analyzes the Continuing Decline of Florida’s Citrus Industry
Press ReleasesTallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released The Continuing Decline of Florida’s Citrus Industry. As of 2021, Florida’s citrus industry had an impact of $7
Florida TaxWatch Examines Trend of Florida Voters Continuing to Approve Proposed Tax Increases
ReleasesTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released Florida Voters Continue to Say Yes to Proposed Tax Increases, a briefing examining the trend of Florida voters approving tax increases at the local level. This report builds on FTW’s February 2021 analysis, A Decade of Self-Taxing, which found that Floridians increased their own taxes 142 times since 2010. The new report focuses on voting patterns in the 2021 and 2022 elections, including voters’ propensity for authorizing county-wide sales and property tax increases, and more.
Fiscal Year 2022: Florida Reduces Debt Ratio
Blog, Budget/Approps, Cost Savings, Economic Development, Research, TaxesFlorida has remained in good financial standing this past fiscal year. This is also true of the state’s debt position. FY 2021-22 marks the ninth consecutive year with a debt ratio below the six percent target established by the Legislature. In addition:
Florida TaxWatch Underscores Financial and Economic Benefits of Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grants
ReleasesTallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released The Importance of Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grants. In the report, FTW underscores the financial and economic benefits of the EASE Grant Program, which was established by the Florida Legislature in 1979 to offset declining student enrollment at private colleges and universities.
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.
APD’s iConnect Contract Warrants Closer Scrutiny
Procurement, ResearchUpon reviewing the procurement and contract of iConnect, as well as relevant materials within the APD’s long-range program plans and legislative budget requests, Florida TaxWatch found several aspects of iConnect in need of greater scrutiny.
Florida TaxWatch Evaluates Economic Impact of Florida’s Manufacturing Sector, Outlines Opportunities for Growth
ReleasesTallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) is releasing an economic commentary entitled Built for Success: Manufacturing’s Role in Florida’s Economy. The report evaluates the significant impact of manufacturing on Florida’s economy and outlines opportunities for growth, which the taxpayer research institute notes will require a collaborative approach, involving both the public and private sectors, as well as strategic investment in human capital.
