TaxWatch News

What began 27 years ago with a desire by legislators and business to curb state government spending has evolved today into Florida′s premier government watchdog, with an impressive record in its first two decades alone of saving taxpayers more than $6.2 billion - approximately $1,067 for every Florida family.

And along the way, the Florida TaxWatch Research Institute has helped constructively shape policy in the areas of taxation, spending, health, education, prisons, transportation, tourism, and local government issues. Its research and recommendations are reported on regularly by the statewide news media.

Press Releases

2008

• Florida TaxWatch Commends Legislature for Including Needed State Economic Stimulus Package in 2009 Budget, April 29, 2008
• Florida TaxWatch Releases Analysis Showing that Florida Needs State Economic Stimulus Package, April 25, 2008
• Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Performance and Accountability Releases 2009 Budget Cost Savings Recommendations Report, April 1, 2008
• Statement from Florida TaxWatch on Reduced Revenue Estimates, March 11, 2008
• Florida TaxWatch Releases Preliminary Results of its Analysis of Escambia County's Tax and Spending Practices, February 4, 2008
• Florida TaxWatch Releases Report on Cost Determination for Juvenile Justice Programs, January 31, 2008
• Amendment 1 on Property Taxes is Not True Reform and is Likely to Do More Harm than Good, January 11, 2008
• David Smith is New Chairman of Florida TaxWatch, January 8, 2008

2007

• Two Independent Education Organizations Form Partnership to Recognize Exemplary School Principals, November 20, 2007
• Florida Virtual School Costs Taxpayers Less and Its Students Perform Better, November 5, 2007
• Legislature′s Property Tax Reform Plan Is Seriously Lacking, October 31, 2007
• New Florida TaxWatch Report Urges Comprehensive Property Tax Reform, October 12, 2007
• Local Governments Can Save Taxpayers Tens of Millions with Award-Winning Efficiency Improvements, September 20, 2007
• Budget Cuts Offer Florida Unique Cost-Savings and Effiency Opportunities, September 20, 2007
• Statement by Dominic M. Calabro on Delay of Special Session on Budget Shortfall, September 5, 2007
• Foreign Visitors, Investors Passing Up Florida Immigration and Visa Policy a Turn-Off; Hurting State′s Economy, June 28, 2007
• State Employees Honored for Innovative Ideas Florida TaxWatch Honors Those Who Save Taxpayers Money, June 20, 2007
• State Employees Honored for Innovative Ideas Florida TaxWatch Honors Those Who Save Taxpayers Money, June 18, 2007
• Clearing Freeway Accidents Faster in South Florida an Award Winnning Idea Saves Motorists Time and Taxpayers Money, June 14, 2007
• State Employees Honored for Innovative Ideas Florida TaxWatch Honors Those Who Save Taxpayers Money, June 13, 2007
• State Employees Honored for Innovative Ideas Florida TaxWatch Honors Those Who Save Taxpayers Money, June 12, 2007
• State Employees Honored for Innovative Ideas Florida TaxWatch Honors Those Who Save Taxpayers Money, June 6, 2007
• Statement from Dominic M. Calabro, President & CEO of Florida TaxWatch on Governor Crist′s Budget Vetoes:, May 24, 2007
• Legislature Fond of Budget Turkeys While State Revenues Dwindle and Property Tax Hikes Abound, May 22, 2007
• Property Tax/Sales Tax Swap Will Hurt Florida′s Economy REMI Model Predicts Economy will Suffer from Swap, May , 2007
• Florida Taxpayer Independence Day 2007 – April 29 Floridians′ Income Should Keep Pace with Taxes, April 27, 2007
• Statement from Florida TaxWatch on the Property Tax Reform Proposal by the Florida Senate, April 12, 2007
• Florida is Missing Out on an Estimated $2 Billion Annually, April 6, 2007
• Florida is Missing Out on an Estimated $2 Billion, April 5, 2007
• What Property Tax Crisis? Legislature Wants to Increase School Property Tax By More Than $500 Million, March 30, 2007
• Florida TaxWatch Task Force Provides Florida′s Policymakers with Recommendations for Outsourcing Success, March 28, 2007
• Florida Legislature Should Focus on Providing Property Tax Relief Now, March 22, 2007
• Tourism′s Impact on Florida May Be Greater Than We Know, March 8, 2007
• Florida TaxWatch Immigration Summit Outlines Possible Solutions, February 23, 2007
• Statement from Dominic M. Calabro on the Property Tax Reform Proposal by the Florida House, February 21, 2007
• Florida TaxWatch Makes Recommendations to the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, February 19, 2007
• TaxWatch Members Named to TBRC, February 16, 2007
• Disassembling Florida State Government May be Easier Thanks to Technology, February 6, 2007
• Statement from Florida TaxWatch on Governor Crist′s Property Tax Recommendations, January 30, 2007
• Pride is Back on Track, January 9, 2007