Florida TaxWatch Analyzes County Participation in 2020 Census, Encourages Florida to Prepare for 2030
Press Releases
Florida TaxWatch Releases 2023 How Counties Compare
ReleasesTallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released the 2023 How Florida Counties Compare report, which examines Florida’s 67 counties and the myriad of local governments within the state, comparing the revenue and expenditure profiles of counties to give taxpayers an overview of how their local government stacks up against the other counties.
2023 How Florida Counties Compare
ResearchFlorida relies heavily on local governments to provide services to its residents. The state’s counties, cities, school districts, and special districts raise and spend more money combined than Florida’s state government. The levels of taxing and spending in different jurisdictions across the state vary considerably. This report will help you see how your county stacks up against the other 66 counties. To complement our How Florida Compares series, which compares our state to the rest of the nation, this report looks at the myriad local governments within the state. While property taxes get most of the public attention, they only provide about one-fifth of city and county revenue. The tables, charts, and graphs in this report provide comprehensive information on local tax rates, tax collections, other revenue sources, and government expenditures. Florida TaxWatch provides this report as a reference tool for Florida’s taxpayers, policymakers, and elected officials.
Florida TaxWatch Announces Taxpayer Priorities for 2023 Legislative Session
ReleasesTallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released a list of taxpayer priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session, which begins on Tues., March 7 and is scheduled to adjourn on Fri., May 5. The list reflects a range of issues that the independent, nonpartisan taxpayer research institute has examined and will continue to closely monitor during the upcoming session.
American Community Survey Blog – January 2023
Blog, Census, ResearchIn December 2022, data for the American Community Survey 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates was released. On January 26th, the 5-Year Microdata and 1-Year Data Profiles will be available. An accurate decennial census count is important for community and business decision-making. The census count creates data estimates touching nearly every facet of a taxpayer’s life, ranging from average work commutes to how many people have access to broadband. While the census is the basis for such statistics, it is obvious that counting people cannot provide such in-depth knowledge alone. The census has a partner: the American Community Survey (ACS).
Florida TaxWatch Highlights Value of Census Data Throughout Disasters
ReleasesTallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released A Key to Overcoming Disasters: Complete Census Data Reinforces Resiliency, a timely commentary highlighting the value of census data throughout the planning, response, and recovery stages of a disaster. The report also points to the estimated 750,000 Florida residents who were not counted in the 2020 Census, leaving up to $2.1 billion per year on the table for the next 10 years – federal funding that could have supported Hurricane Ian recovery efforts.
A Key to Overcoming Disasters: Complete Census Data Reinforces Resiliency
Census, Economic Development, Hurricane Ian, ResearchFlorida beaches are a treasure to the state, and as such, many residents strive to remain in close proximity to the shoreline. Statewide, 64.2 percent of employment and 79.2 percent of businesses are found within Florida’s 35 coastal counties.1 Unfortunately, the luring lifestyle of beaches comes at a cost; the homes and livelihoods of most Floridians are tied to areas susceptible to hurricane havoc.
Demographic Data for Businesses and the Census
Blog, Census, ResearchOn Wednesday, August 31, Florida TaxWatch hosted a webinar “Demographic Data for Businesses & the Census” to discuss Florida’s population undercount in the 2020 Census, the impact this has on the business community, and efforts to secure more accurate data. During our webinar, we were joined by Mary Jo Hoeksema, Co-director of the Census Project; Dr. Karthick Ramakrishnan, Founder and Director of Census Legacies; Susan Racher, Vice President and CFO of Wallace H. Coulter Foundation; and Ashley Dietz, President and CEO of Florida Philanthropic Network.
2026 Florida Legislative Session Wrap-Up – Special Session Edition
Budget & Appropriations, Budget/Approps, Research, Tax Policy, Taxation, TaxesIntroduction The 2026 Legislative Session, and its attendant special sessions, are finally over. For the second year in row, the Legislature could not complete its
Florida TaxWatch Provides Analysis of the Governor’s Property Tax Amendment and Legislation, Recommends Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission Lead Debate
Press ReleasesFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 1, 2026 CONTACT: Christina Johnson (Tallahassee, Fla.) — The Florida Legislature is meeting in special session to consider Governor DeSantis’ proposed constitutional amendment and
