Seaport Governance Models
Economic Development, ResearchFlorida seaports are performing very well under a decentralized governance model, managing and meeting their local needs while implementing a state level strategy to holistically […]
INFOGRAPHIC: 2014 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday
Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideFrom August 1-3, Floridians will save nearly $40 million in taxes while they shop tax-free for back-to-school supplies. Florida families can purchase clothing, school supplies,
Budget Watch – Legislation Affecting Florida Revenues
Budget & Appropriations, Corrections/Judicial, Health Care, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideAll the bills passed by the 2014 Legislature have now been evaluated by the state’s revenue estimators, resulting in a revenue reduction of more than
Florida’s Mid-Year Job Growth
Economic Development, ResearchFlorida’s job growth is steadily improving according to this report, which analyzes job growth data and shows higher job creation numbers for Florida than in
Ready for Takeoff: Florida Can Lead the Nation in Aircraft Manufacturing
Economic Development, ResearchFloridas booming aircraft manufacturing industry is helping to diversify the state, according to a new report. The report, Ready for Takeoff: Florida Can Lead The
Florida’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Production
Economic Development, Energy & Environment, Research, TransportationFlorida’s favorable agricultural climate positions the state as the second largest produce exporter in the nation, according to a new report, which finds that the
Buying in: An analysis of international homebuyers in Florida
Economic Development, Local Government, ResearchInternational home purchasers play an integral role in Florida's housing market, according to this analysis of home sales. This report highlights the nations that have
The Rise of Commuter Rail in Florida
Economic Development, Energy & Environment, Research, TransportationCommuter train projects in Florida have generated some economic activity and job growth in Central and South Florida, though major concerns exist for taxpayers around
2014 Budget Turkey Report
Budget & Appropriations, Budget Turkeys, Research, TaxesThis years Budget Turkey Report finds $120 million in projects slipped into the budget without a full and transparent review.
2014 Legislative Wrapup
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Research, TaxesThe 2014 Session has come to a close, and this Florida TaxWatch report details all of the issues that we followed this year.
2014 Taxpayer Independence Day
Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideFlorida taxpayers have a reason to celebrate on Tuesday, April 22nd. The date marks Taxpayer Independence Day as estimated by Florida TaxWatch. April 22nd, 2014,
Florida’s Home Construction Recovery
Economic Development, Local Government, ResearchIncreased demand for new home construction is evidence that Florida is continuing its strong recovery from the Great Recession, according to this report. Housing starts
Budget Watch – FY2014-15 House and Senate Budget Comparison
Budget & Appropriations, Corrections/Judicial, Economic Development, Energy & Environment, Health Care, Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer Guide, TransportationThis BudgetWatch report compares the FY2014-15 House and Senate budgets in each spending area, and shows the change versus the current fiscal year.
Over-Criminalization in Florida
Budget & Appropriations, Corrections/Judicial, Cost Savings, ResearchFlorida could save significant corrections costs by reducing prison sentences for nonviolent offenders, according to data analysis in this report. The report calls for the
Florida’s Looming Alzheimers Crisis
Health Care, ResearchThe number of Floridians affected with Alzheimers is expected to grow by nearly 50 percent in the next decade, putting a strain on Florida’s health
Comparing the House, Senate and Governor Tax Cut Proposals
Budget & Appropriations, Research, TaxesThe competing House and Senate tax cut proposals have many differences that need to be worked out, but there are beneficial provisions in both plans,
STATEMENT: TaxWatch Commends Governor and Legislature for Reducing Vehicle Registration Fees
Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Research, TaxesFlorida TaxWatch commends the Legislature for passing and Governor Scott for signing the first tax relief bill of the 2014 Legislative Session to reduce vehicle
Commercializing Florida’s Public Research
Economic Development, Education, ResearchFlorida’s universities and research institutes are creating of some of the states most advanced technologies, but one Florida Institute is helping to bring them to
Taking a Fresh Look at Florida’s Class Size Limits
Budget & Appropriations, Cost Savings, Education, Research, TaxesSince voters approved a 2002 Constitutional Amendment to reduce class sizes, taxpayers have spent more than $27 billion (including capital facilties and operating costs) to
Putting the Trust Back in Trust Funds
Budget & Appropriations, Research, TaxesIn the second yearly installment of the TaxWatch look at the issue of Trust Fund sweeps, this report looks at two consecutive years of sweeps
