Manufacturing is one of Florida’s leading industries and a key driver of job growth and economic strength, contributing more than $80 billion to Florida’s annual GDP.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 20, 2026 CONTACT: Christina Johnson Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released its 2025 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit: Summary Report and was honored to participate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 8, 2026 CONTACT: Christina Johnson Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released a list of 10 Taxpayer Priorities for the 2026 Legislative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, August 7, 2025 CONTACT: Christina Johnson Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released Hospice and Palliative Care: Florida is a National Leader Among the States
Florida TaxWatch’s 2025 Legislative Session Wrap-up Report provides a comprehensive analysis of Florida’s extended legislative session that concluded June 16 with a $115.1 billion budget and $2.0 billion tax package. The Governor signed the budget on June 30 and issued $376 million in line-item vetoes, resulting in a net budget of $114.8 billion while maintaining strong fiscal reserves of $12.6 billion.
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’s childcare system is at a crossroads, impacting families, businesses, and the economy. With demand rising and federal funding returning to pre-pandemic levels, the state faces critical questions: Should childcare focus solely on supervision or also provide education? Can sustainable policies close the gap in access? Explore how Florida’s future workforce and economy depend on quality early learning options.
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, in partnership with FloridaMakes, Florida TaxWatch presented Unleashing Digital Transformation: 2023 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit Summary Report. The fifth annual MakeMore Manufacturing
This Florida TaxWatch commentary highlights the imbalance between the demand and supply of rental units in the state, leading to rising rental costs. The document notes significant increases in rental prices since the pandemic, with specific emphasis on metropolitan areas like Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville. It also addresses the impact of these rising costs on Florida’s workforce and economy, including the implications for cost-burdened households. The paper further examines state-to-state migration trends, particularly focusing on Florida residents moving to Georgia for more affordable housing options. The overall narrative suggests a complex interplay between economic factors, housing market dynamics, and demographic shifts in Florida’s rental market.
This paper addresses the growing issue of physician shortages in Florida. This shortage is primarily driven by an increasing and aging population, coupled with a high rate of physician retirements. The report evaluates the gap between healthcare demand and the supply of physicians, emphasizing the need for more medical students and improved healthcare policies. It discusses strategies like expanding Graduate Medical Education, utilizing telehealth, and leveraging Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to mitigate this shortage. The paper also considers legal and business aspects of practicing medicine in Florida, suggesting improvements to attract and retain healthcare professionals.
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