The Taxpayer’s Guide to Florida’s FY2026-27 State Budget
Budget & Appropriations, ResearchDear Fellow Taxpayer, Florida TaxWatch is pleased to present taxpayers with a guide to the FY2026-27 state budget, which went into effect July 1, 2026. […]
Florida TaxWatch Releases Briefing on Florida’s Property Insurance Market
Press ReleasesTallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released its Briefing: Florida’s Property Insurance Market, informing Florida taxpayers of the current status and stability of the property
2023 Budget Turkey Watch Report
Budget & Appropriations, Budget Turkeys, Research, Taxpayer GuideThis is the Florida TaxWatch annual independent review of Florida’s FY2023-24 budget process. The report was started in 1983 and promotes oversight and integrity in the state’s budgeting process based on the principle that: because money appropriated by the Legislature belongs to the taxpayers of Florida, the process must be thorough, thoughtful, transparent, and accountable. Every appropriation should receive proper deliberation and public scrutiny. This includes member-requested projects.
Blog: Florida’s Property Insurance Market
Blog, Insurance, ResearchFlorida has always endured a complex property insurance market due its unpredictable weather and proneness to hurricane catastrophes. Recent issues, however, have nearly pushed the market to the brink of collapse. With the combination of insurance company insolvencies, excessive litigation from fraud, and the recent devastation from Hurricane Ian, Florida’s crisis continues to worsen.
Sales Tax Holiday
BlogThe 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.
2018 House Proposed Tax Package
Research, TaxesOn February 14, 2018, the House Ways & Means Committee unveiled and passed its proposed tax cut package. The bill contains numerous tax relief provisions, covering sales taxes, property taxes, corporate income taxes, documentary stamp taxes and traffic fines. Several temporary exemptions to provide tax relief for agriculture and homeowners impacted by hurricanes are included.
Budget Watch – Governor’s FY2018-19 Recommended Budget
Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxpayer GuideGovernor Rick Scott recently released his eighth and final budget recommendation. This report details the proposal by budget area.
Latest Florida TaxWatch Budget Watch Highlights Increased Revenue Estimates, Shortfall Still Looms
Press ReleasesTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The latest General Revenue forecast paints a slightly less gloomy picture than previous projections, as highlighted by the December edition of the
FEMA’s Disaster Deductible
BlogThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has undertaken rulemaking to consider the establishment of a deductible for its Public Assistance Program. Has Florida taken the right steps to make this new rule a favorable one?
Sales Tax Holidays Have Become Florida Tradition and Boon To Taxpayers, Businesses
Op-EdsFew legislative decisions have been as wildly popular as Florida’s “sales tax holidays.” They have become more than just a tax break. They are a traditional back-to-school event that families plan for, neighbors talk about and businesses promote. This year’s back-to-school sales tax holiday – from August 5 through 7 – is shorter than last year and does not exempt from taxes some items previously included such as computers. But there are few tax breaks that generate such excitement among taxpayers while stimulating business activity with increased advertising and competition.
