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Economic and Fiscal Impacts of Florida Goodwill Association

Economic Development, Research, ROI Study, Workforce Development
/ Economic Development, Research, ROI Study, Workforce Development / 2 minutes of reading

Goodwill’s Economic and Workforce Impact in Florida: FY 2024 quantifies how the Florida Goodwill Association and its nine territories convert donated goods and mission-driven operations into jobs, higher earnings, and stronger local economies across the state. Using FY 2024 operational, employment, and capital spending data and the IMPLAN input-output model, Florida TaxWatch estimates that Goodwill generated $1.52 billion in total economic output, added $893.9 million to Florida’s GDP, and supported 21,471 jobs statewide.

The Taxpayer’s Guide to Florida’s FY2025-26 State Budget

Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxpayer Guide
/ Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxpayer Guide / 2 minutes of reading

Florida TaxWatch’s The Taxpayers’ Guide to Florida’s FY2025-26 State Budget explains the Legislature’s $114.8 billion spending plan (after $376 million in line-item vetoes)—a 3.2% decrease from FY2024-25—while maintaining $12.6 billion in reserves. General Revenue (GR) spending rises by $556 million, and the recurring GR base increases by $1.9 billion, even as total positions fall to 111,886 (-1,871).

Government Efficiency Should Not Be Something We Do Every Four Years

Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Local Government, Research
/ Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Local Government, Research / 3 minutes of reading

Florida 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.

How Childcare Costs Impact Florida’s Economy

Economic Development, Research
/ Economic Development, Research / 2 minutes of reading

The impact of childcare, as the data suggest, is prominent on Florida’s economy. Losses incurred from turnover and absenteeism of working parents can be avoided with friendlier workplace policies and higher investment in affordable childcare. As an important part of the industry, treating childcare workers better financially can help maintain the workforce in childcare and add to the economy of Florida. Impactful measures that can alleviate the pressing childcare issues mentioned can further grow Florida’s economy.

Florida Economic Forecast: Q1 2025

Economic Development, Economic Forecast, Research, Workforce Development
/ Economic Development, Economic Forecast, Research, Workforce Development / 2 minutes of reading

Florida’s economy has been growing to new heights these past years — reaching nearly $1.5 trillion. The Q1 2025 economic forecast by Florida TaxWatch examines key trends in population growth, employment, income, GDP, and tourism, offering valuable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and taxpayers.

Solvency of the State Employees’ Health Insurance Trust Fund

Cost Savings, Economic Development, Health Care, Research
/ Cost Savings, Economic Development, Health Care, Research / 2 minutes of reading

Florida TaxWatch’s latest report examines the financial solvency of the State Employees’ Health Insurance Trust Fund, which faces rising costs and potential deficits in the coming years. Despite a projected $652.7 million cash balance for FY 2024-25, increasing healthcare expenses could lead to a $1.5 billion deficit by FY 2028-29. The report recommends increasing employee contributions to align with those of other large employers, potentially saving the state $446 million annually. Proactive policy changes are urged to ensure the fund’s sustainability amid future budget challenges.

Florida Voters Continue Their Generosity, Approving $1.9 Billion in Local Tax Increases and Almost $1.0 Billion in Bond Issues

Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Local Government, Research
/ Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Local Government, Research / 1 minute of reading

Florida voters demonstrated strong support for local tax increases and bond issues in the 2023-2024 election cycle, approving 89% of referenda. Voters passed $1.9 billion in annual tax increases and nearly $1 billion in bond issues, primarily targeting schools, infrastructure, and public services. The report highlights Florida’s unique reliance on local government funding, with municipalities and special districts providing over 56% of the state’s revenue. Despite statewide tax cuts, local taxes are rising with voter approval, reflecting public willingness to invest in community development when they perceive clear value and benefit.

Budget Watch: Florida Revenue Estimators Increase Forecast for the Ninth Consecutive Time, Adding $2 Billion to State Coffers

Budget & Appropriations, Research
/ Budget & Appropriations, Research / 1 minute of reading

Florida’s revenue forecast has been updated, adding $2 billion more to the state’s budget for the next two years. This is the ninth consecutive increase, driven by strong investment earnings, sales taxes, and corporate income taxes. Despite earlier predictions of slowed growth, revenues continue to exceed expectations, but there are potential risks on the horizon.  

Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Access and Quality

Economic Development, Health Care, Institute of Quality Health and Aging, Research, Social Determinants of Health
/ Economic Development, Health Care, Institute of Quality Health and Aging, Research, Social Determinants of Health / 2 minutes of reading

This report examines the social determinants of health (SDOH), underscoring that environmental and social factors are the primary determinants of health outcomes. Significant barriers to healthcare access include high insurance costs and a large uninsured population, contributing to Florida’s low national ranking in healthcare access. Challenges are particularly acute in rural and low-income areas, with a notable dependence on emergency services by uninsured individuals, imposing considerable economic strains. To address these issues, the report suggests expanding Medicaid eligibility to enhance access and reduce costs, promoting telehealth to connect urban and rural communities, increasing autonomy for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to alleviate physician shortages, and implementing the “Live Healthy Agenda” to elevate healthcare quality and access throughout Florida. These recommendations aim to catalyze systemic changes for a healthier, economically stable state.

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