TaxWatch Center for Competitive Florida
Executive Director


Jerry D. Parrish, Ph.D.

The Center for Competitive Florida analyzes policies and programs that affect Florida's economic growth and competitiveness. Through research into fiscal, economic, and demographic data, the Center makes policy recommendations that enhance Florida’s ability to successfully compete in the global economy. The Center’s work is supported by the Florida Council of Economic Advisors at Florida TaxWatch, a group of eight prominent public and private economists from around the state. 

History of the Center for Competitive Florida

The Center for Competitive Florida analyzes policies and programs that affect Florida's economic growth and competitiveness. Through research into fiscal, economic, and demographic data the Center makes policy recommendations that enhance Florida’s ability to successfully compete in the global economy. The Center’s work is supported by the Florida Council of Economic Advisors at Florida TaxWatch, a group of eight prominent public and private economists from around the state.

Center Research


Expanding Floridas Global Economic Footprint
6/2013 This report illustrates the positive impact of business development and trade missions on Floridas economy, highlighting the opportunities the missions create for Florida businesses, and providing details on the countries that recent delegations have visited.


Economic Commentary: Foreign Direct Investment in Florida
5/2013 Florida has ample opportunities for economic expansion by increasing Foreign Direct Investment according to this month’s Economic Commentary from the Florida TaxWatch Center for Competitive Florida. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a physical investment that a foreign company makes when they buy or open businesses in Florida.


Economic Commentary: Floridas Gulf Research Cooperation
4/2013 For the past three years, 10 Florida universities and research institutions have been focused on researching the long-term effects of the BP oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico’s marine life, environment, and public health. This month’s Economic Commentary focuses on three Florida university-led entities’ recent research findings and developments, and how these findings make our state stand out in the scientific arena.


Making Florida a Major Manufacturing State
4/2013 Encouraging an increase in manufacturing would allow Florida to further diversify its economy and produce more high-wage jobs for Floridians. The Florida Legislature can help diversify Florida’s economy and create more high-wage jobs by eliminating the sales and use tax on machinery and equipment for manufacturing.


Economic Commentary: Tampa Bay: Becoming an Export-Oriented Economy
3/2013 This Economic Commentary looks at the opportunities for increasing Tampa Bays export industry, and the new cooperative work the area is doing with The Brookings Institution as part of a nationwide initiative.


Economic Commentary: The Disproportionate Effect of Sequestration on Florida
2/2013 If the "Sequester" kicks in on March 1, the immediate cuts to the budget authority are $85 billion, and the Congressional Budget Office has indicated that spending will be reduced by $44 billion by the end of September 2013. It is incredibly important that everyone understands how detrimental these cuts will be to U.S.’s fourth largest economy and to its recovery from the Great Recession. This Economic Commentary details some of the effects of these automatic federal spending cuts on Florida.


Legislature Should Reduce Floridas Communications Services Tax
2/2013 This Briefing looks at the history of the CST in Florida, compares Floridas rates to other states, finding that Florida is the fourth-highest state in the U.S. for this tax, and recommends that the Legislature look to reduce CST rates to "benefit a wide range of Floridians, affecting virtually all individuals and businesses."


Aligning Postsecondary Education with Modern Employment Needs in Florida
2/2013 To address the steps that Florida has taken and should continue to take to match our graduates to the industries that need a workforce with skill-specific education, this Briefing looks at two aspects of the issue: how the right degree can make a difference in lifetime earning potential, and how Florida’s Supply and Demand Portal can help students and employers achieve their goals.


Economic Commentary - Florida's 2012 Job Growth
1/2013 This month's Economic Commentary focuses on job growth in Florida during 2012. The analysis shows that Florida has continued its recovery from its most recent recession, showing strong job creation in a significant number of sectors.


Investing in Tourism: the Economic Impact of Expanding Florida Tourism
1/2013 The economic modeling done in this Report, looking at the impact of investing more in Florida's tourism industry, indicates that the Florida tourism industry reaching the milestone of 100 million annual visitors would create 121,298 jobs, and increase overall personal income for Floridians by $5.3 billion.


Government Cost Savings Task Force Report for FY2013-14
1/2013 Continuing a legacy that has resulted in the savings of at least $3.5 billion in Floridians' hard-earned tax dollars over the last four years alone, Florida TaxWatch added more than $1 billion in cost-saving options for lawmakers this year, with the release of this Report. This year's Report is the fifth in as many years from Florida TaxWatch, the independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog headquartered in Tallahassee.


Florida is Growing with Biosciences
12/2012 This month's Economic Commentary focuses on the growing bioscience industry in Florida, which is bringing high-wage job opportunites to Florida faster than almost any other state.


Economic Commentary- Florida's Space Coast: Recovery and the Future
11/2012 This month’s Economic Commentary focuses on the aerospace industry in Florida following the closure of the Space Shuttle program at NASA. According to Enterprise Florida, the state ranks 2nd nationally for aviation, aerospace, and space establishments, employing some 83,200 Floridians, and providing a significant amount of the high tech manufacturing jobs in the state. With private and tourist-centered space travel on the very near horizon, the Commentary looks at what Florida is doing to keep this vital sector active in the Sunshine State.


Economic Commentary - Peeling Back the Florida Orange Industry
10/2012 This month's Economic Commentary looks at the economic impact of Florida's orange industry. Florida produces more oranges than any other U.S. state, totaling more than 71 percent of the U.S. supply during the 2010-11 season. Overall citrus production has an impact of $9 billion per year on the Florida economy.


Budget Outlook (Long-Range Financial Outlook)
9/2012 The September 2012 Florida TaxWatch Budget Outlook provides details on the revenue projections, how much spending is expected to increase, and a look at Critical and High Priority Needs items within that expected increase.


Economic Commentary - Florida Invests in Competitiveness
9/2012 This month’s Economic Commentary discusses how Florida is investing in seaport and related infrastructure more than at any other time in our history, to diversify Florida’s economy and make our state more competitive. This new infrastructure will allow Florida companies to be more efficient handling freight, and will allow additional opportunities for companies to transport their goods to markets in and out of Florida.


Economic Commentary-The Effect of the Midwest Drought on Florida
8/2012 With counties in 32 states placed on the USDA's list of primary disaster areas because of drought conditions, this month's Economic Commentary looks at the effects of the drought on food, and potentially fuel, prices. Corn is currently at the highest per-ton cost in history, which will lead to increases in commodities like milk, meat, and eggs for us all.


Economic Commentary- Florida's Business Cycle Revisited
7/2012 This Economic Commentary is an extension of the June 2011 Economic Commentary, which discussed how Florida’s business cycle is different from other states, and the U.S. business cycle. The most recent updated index figures indicate that "Florida has experienced positive growth in the index for each month since January 2010."


Economic Commentary- Foreign Buyers of Florida Homes
6/2012 While we typically think of Florida as a top destination for U.S. citizens looking to buy homes, Florida the top state in the U.S. for attracting foreign homebuyers. This month's Economic Commentary looks at the impact of foreign buyers on Florida's home sales and spotlights our biggest international real estate investors, Canada.


Fiscal and Economic Impact of Amendment 4
6/2012 A proposed Constitutional Amendment on the November 2012 ballot would create Florida jobs, grow Florida’s Gross Domestic Product, and increase the personal income of Floridians, according to this new analysis from the TaxWatch Center for Competitive Florida


Economic Commentary- Greece, the Euro Zone, and Florida
5/2012 Recent financial volatility in Europe, combined with a potential European banking crisis, may cause more than one country to leave the Euro. May's Economic Commentary examines the factors that may destabilize the Euro, and the resulting effect on Florida.


Florida's Top Ten Largest Public Employers by County
5/2012 The Briefing surveys the significance of public-sector employment in Florida counties by examining the ten largest employers per county, and finds that public employers are the top employer (by number of employees) in 51 of the 67 counties in Florida, and one of the top five employers in every single county in the state.


Economic Commentary- The Effect of High Gas Prices on the Florida Economy
4/2012 April's Economic Commentary focuses on the tangible effect of the price of gasoline on the average Florida consumer, and shows an impact on disposable income, travel, and even incoming tourists. Gas prices are still not as high as their peak in July 2008, but are on the rise again going into the summer driving season. How will this effect Florida's economic recovery?


Economic Commentary- When Will Economic Growth Accelerate?
3/2012 This Economic Commentary focuses on the importance of capital investment for economic recovery, the impact of volatility on that investment, and the effect of investment on productivity. The piece concludes that the decrease in volatility in the US markets should lead to increases in investment, and faster growth.


Economic Commentary: Unemployment & the Florida Workforce
2/2012 "February's Economic Commentary focuses on unemployment in Florida as compared to the nation as a whole, and within specific demographic groups and their educational levels inside our state in 2011 vs. 2010. The Commentary also discusses possible solutions to the current situation, and trends to keep an eye on."


Proper Collection of Remote/Internet Sales Tax
2/2012 "Continuing ten years of research on this issue, this short piece was produced to call attention to the ""remote sales tax"" or ""e-fairness"" issue which will likely come before the Legislature again in 2013."


Economic Commentary: Florida's 2011 Job Growth
1/2012 "January's Economic Commentary focuses on job growth in Florida in the last year. Our state created the 3rd-most jobs of any state, following only California and Texas in the number of jobs created."


Economic Commentary: Florida's Economic Year in Review
12/2011 "December's Economic commentary compares 2011 to 2010 using data that drives the Florida economy, primarily employment and unemployment figures. The commentary also examines the health of factors expected to play a key role in the state's economy. "


Economic Commentary: Angel and Venture Capital in Florida
11/2011 "The funding options available for Florida's budding entrepreneurs are analyzed in this Economic Commentary. Angel and Venture Capital is available, but takes many forms, and obtaining it can be a tortuous journey. "


Economic Commentary: Florida's Business Incubators
10/2011 "This Economic Commentary examines the state's wide range of business incubators, which are designed to provide small companies with business support during their formative stages. New incubators are now in the works with the goal of helping Florida create and retain jobs. "


Economic Commentary: Florida's Universities and Technology Transfer
9/2011 "From Gatorade to the chemotherapy drug Taxol, some of the nation's most recognizable inventions are from Florida's University system. This report shows how the process works and which universities account for the most inventions. "


Economic Commentary: Florida Retains 'AAA' Rating while Outlook Improves to 'Stable'- Despite U.S. Downgrade
8/2011 This commentary shows how Florida fared relative to the rest of the nation after the Standard & Poors downgrade of the U.S credit rating.


Continuous Process Improvement:' Reducing the Costs of Doing Business in Florida by Creating 'World Class' Regulatory Processes
8/2011 "This report explores the wide-ranging ramifications of regulations: We need the protection they provide, but the costs of such regulations could restrict business development. "


Estimated Job Growth in Florida Previous recoveries offer clues for next12 months -150-000 jobs estimate
8/2011 The past is indeed prologue when it comes to forecasting Florida's economic outlook. This report shows how past recessions hint at how the recovery is likely to play out.


Manufacturing: An Economic Driver for Jobs and Florida's Future
8/2011 "Citrus and beaches define Florida's image, but manufacturing must play a major role to ease Florida's move into the global economy. This report examines barriers to manufacturing growth and recommends changes to the state's economic development policy. "


Economic Commentary: Florida and the Financial Situation in Europe
7/2011 "As this commentary shows us, reverberations from the volatile economies of the Euro Zone could have a chilling effect on some of Florida's most precious commodities. "


Economic Commentary: Florida's Business Cycle
6/2011 "For more than a decade, Florida's economy has marched to a different tune than the U.S. economy. This commentary explains why that's the case and what it means for the future. "


Economic Commentary: U.S. Dollar Index at 3-Year Low
5/2011 This commentary compares the value of the U.S. dollar with the currencies of our primary trading partners. Recent years have shown considerable fluctuation.


State Competitiveness Indices & Rankings: What National Rankings Tell Us about Florida's Competitiveness
3/2011 "From corporate tax to personal income tax to property tax, this report shows how Florida compares to southeastern states as well as the nation. "


Mitigating Unemployment Comp Tax Increases Facing Employers Using Cost Saving Recommendations to Help Pay Federal Loan Obligations and Enacting Reforms Can Help
3/2011 The high cost of unemployment hit the state coffers hard. This report shows what happens when the state paid out more in unemployment benefits than it collected in the trust fund used to provide benefits to jobless Floridians.


Analysis of the Impact on Retail Sales in NW Florida from the Gulf Oil Spill
12/2010 The timing of the oil spill could not have been worse for NW Florida retailers and this analysis shows how those retail losses cascaded through other economic sectors in the region.


Borrowing Short-Term Federal Money to Pay Unemployment Benefits Will Help Boost Florida's Economy and Generate Jobs
3/2010 "Due to the record level of unemployment, the state Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund has been paying out more for unemployment benefits than what it has been collecting from employers. This Special Report shows how funding the unemployment benefits with additional federal loans could alleviate the situation. "


Five or Even Six Good Things About Florida's Economy (Presentation)
2/2010 "From higher manufacturing profits to improving business inventories, this PowerPoint presentation shows some areas doing well in an otherwise down economy. "


"Recap of ???Five Good Things About Florida's Economy"" Forum"
2/2010 A rebounding housing market and renewed entrepreneurial spirit are some of the positive aspects in an otherwise bleak Florida economy.


Recommendations for Boosting Investment- Economic Growth- and Job Creation in Florida
1/2010 The recession is being felt more acutely in Florida than in the nation as a whole. This briefing traces its causes and shows how structural changes in the state's economy are influencing economic development as well as jobs.


International Trade: A New Pillar of Florida's Economy?
11/2009 New forces that are reshaping the world economy?the presumed decline of the dollar and an emerging Brazil?could have a major influence on Florida's economic future.


The Current Recession in Florida: Comparative Information and Data on the Worst Economic Downturn since the1930s
8/2009


State Competitiveness Indexes and Rankings: What They Tell Us about Florida's Competitiveness and Future
7/2009 There is no shortage of rankings by which to measure Florida against other states. This economic commentary examines several of them and shows how the Sunshine state measures up to the competition.


Single Sales Factor Presentation before the Senate Select Committee on Florida's Economy
4/2009 This PowerPoint presentation makes the case for altering Florida's corporate income tax as a means of promoting capital formation and enhancing employment opportunities.


Proposed Economic Stimulus Projects Bring $15.2 Billion to Florida Over Three Years
3/2009 "From transportation to education to housing, this research report examines some of the key sectors of the Florida economy that stand to benefit from federal stimulus funds. "


Money for Unemployment Compensation from the Federal Economic Stimulus Take it or Leave it?
3/2009 "This report, written independently of Florida TaxWatch, presents side-by-side Pro and Con opinion pieces on whether Florida should accept federal stimulus funds for unemployment compensation. "


The One-Two Punch that Could Roll Back Workers' Compensation Reforms
3/2009 "The Workers' Compensation Reform Act of 2003 is under siege. This report, written independently of Florida Taxwatch, explains how court rulings on the Act could have far-reaching effects. "


How Much Revenue Will the Seminole Gaming Compact Provide For Florida?
3/2009 Casino revenues have far reaching impacts on other business and government revenues. This Research report details the economic side of the compact as currently written.


Economic Impact Analysis of Florida's Manufacturing Sector
3/2009 "Manufacturing output in Florida has grown exponentially since 1977, while employment in the state's manufacturing sector has grown much less. This Special Report looks at the various factors, including foreign competition, that impact the manufacturing sector. "


Special Session is Needed to Clarify Corporate Income Tax Law
11/2008


The Global Financial Crisis and the Florida Economy: One Year Later
9/2008


Mid-Year Economic Update for the Florida Economy
7/2008


Testing the Great Moderation
6/2008


Business Taxation in Florida: Still a Threat to Florida's Competitiveness
5/2008


Searching for a Bottom
4/2008


Economic Challenges Facing Florida s Economy and the Benefits of Economic Stimulus
4/2008


Florida's Labor Market Flexibility: A Good Sign in Difficult Times
2/2008


Fiscal Stimulus: A Recession Antidote?
1/2008


The 2008 Florida Economic Outlook
12/2007


A Free Cuba and the Florida Economy
11/2007


Metropolitan GDP : A New Measure of Local Economic Activity
10/2007


Global Financial Fragility and the Florida Economy
9/2007


Mid-Year Update on the Florida Economy
7/2007


On Indian Casino Compacts
7/2007


Florida s Tipping Point: Balancing Physical & Economic Security Post 9-11
6/2007


Model Predicts Florida Economy Will Gain By Property Tax Cut Without Changing Sales Tax
5/2007


Business Taxation in Florida: A Growing Threat to Our Competitiveness
5/2007


Legislature Should Provide a Meaningful Reduction in the State Communications Services Tax
4/2007


Florida Needs a Better Method to Estimate Tourism s Economic Impact
3/2007


Economic Commentary- North and South
3/2007


Economic Commentary- The Florida Economy in 2007
1/2007


Affordable Housing in Florida
11/2006


Unintended Consequences
9/2006


The Florida Economy at Mid-Year 2006
8/2006


Rising Labor Productivity Bodes Well for Florida's Economy
6/2006


The Initial Price Impact of Closing the Production of Crushed Rock in the Lake Belt Region of Miami-Dade County
6/2006


Immigration and Florida s Economy
5/2006


Florida s Booming International Trade
3/2006


The Impact of Tourism on Florida s Economy: Telling a More Complete Story
3/2006


The Cost of Living in Florida: What the Consumer Price Index Is and Isnt Telling Us
2/2006


2006 Outlook for the Florida Economy
1/2006


Termites in Florida s Basement: The Economic Impact of National Policy on Florida s Economy
12/2005


Behind the Florida Jobs Machine
11/2005


Is There a Bubble in Your House?
8/2005


The Less Risky Florida Economy
7/2005


Florida Advancing in the Knowledge Economy
6/2005


Sales Tax Exemptions for Manufacturing and Research Development Would Provide Florida With Needed Economic Development Tools
4/2005


Funding New Biomedical Research Center is an Ideal Use of Florida's Federal Economic Development Funds
10/2003


$20 Million Needed Now to Bring Back Florida Tourism!?_Another $10 Million to Keep Florida's Powder Dry
4/2003


A Significant Reduction in Workers' Compensation Costs Would Be a Boon to the Economy- Creating13-000 New Jobs
4/2003


Challenges and Constructive Suggestions to Successfully Guide Florida's Fiscal Ship of State
11/2002


Sales Tax Holiday Provides Real Benefits to Consumers and Florida's Economy
5/2002


Florida is Not Alone in 9/11 Revenue Shortfalls
3/2002


Florida Must Continue to be Open For Business
10/2001


Bold Actions are required to Get Air Tourists Back to Florida!
10/2001


Florida's Economic Outlook: Just A Bad Case of the Hiccups?
5/2001


Florida's High Tech Corridor: Opening the Door to Florida's Future
9/2000


The Benefits and Costs of Tourism to Florida
8/2000


Problems Facing Florida's Workers' Compensation Program
4/2000


Anticipating the Effects of an Economic Recession on Florida's Budget
7/1999


Sales Tax Exemption for Repair of Equipment is a Positive Step in the State's Effort to Promote Florida's Lagging Manufacturing Sector
4/1999


Can Limited Government Intervention Improve Market Competition?
3/1999


Florida's Investment in High Technology Can Produce Significant Benefits
4/1998


Special Report: Assessment of Florida Government Cost Savings Reported by Florida TaxWatch (1980 -1997) by the Office for Needs Assessment and Planning- Florida State University
11/1997


State Incentives for Employment of Floridians With Disabilities Should Promote Competition
8/1997


"Florida's Tourism Promotion Effort Could ""Eat the State's Seedcorn"""
4/1996


Florida Lottery On-Line Games Contract Up for Bid
9/1995


Florida's Job Training Programs: What is the Return on Taxpayers' Investment?
8/1995


Florida - The Bankruptcy Friendly State
3/1994


Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce by Dr. Lanny Larson- Director- Division of Vocational- Adult and Community Education- Florida Department of Education
12/1993


To Cure an Ailing Economy- Fix Government's Predilection for Welfare and Elitism by Dr. Neil S. Crispo- Sr. V.P. Research and Operations- Florida TaxWatch
10/1993


Recessions in Florida: An Analysis of Job Sector Growth During Recessions and Implications for State Tax Policy
5/1992


Promoting Economic Considerations in the State's Rule Making Process: Public Benefits Should Outweigh the Costs
3/1992


THE COST OF NOT ACTING: The Economic Impact of Implementing Concurrency Without Funding Transportation
4/1990


Florida Economy: Sluggish- Then Bright
1/1981


Inflation: Up 90% Florida Spending: Up 202%
8/1980

Advisory Board

Chairman
Sen. George LeMieux
Gunster		  
Mr. Marshall Criser, III
Immediate Past Chair, Florida TaxWatch 
AT&T, Florida		 Mr. David McIntosh 
Bluefield Ranch Mitigation Bank Trust
Mr. Robert Coker
United States Sugar Corporation
 Mr. James M. Repp 
AvMed Health Plans

 
Mr. Doug Davidson
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
 Ms. Michelle Robinson 
Verizon
Mr. J Charles Gray
GrayRobinson, P.A.
 Mr. David Smith 
PSS World Medical
Mr. Clayton Hollis 
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
 Mr. Michael Sole
Florida Power & Light
Gov. Bob Martinez
Holland and Knight
 Mr. John Zumwalt, III
The Zumwalt Company
Chair, Florida TaxWatch
1
Jerry D. Parrish, Ph.D.

Dr. Jerry D. Parrish is the Chief Economist and the Director of the Center for Competitive Florida at Florida TaxWatch. He is also a member of the Florida TaxWatch Council of Economic Advisors. Dr. Parrish earned an M.B.A. from Bellarmine University, an M.S. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Auburn University. He regularly publishes articles on Florida's competitiveness, Florida's property and casualty insurance system, and other economic topics of interest to Floridians.
 
Dr. Parrish previously served as the Associate Director of the Center for Economic Forecasting & Analysis (CEFA) at Florida State University. Prior to spending time at Florida State, he spent several years in the European motorcycle industry, working for leading manufacturers including Ducati, Triumph and KTM Motorsports - the Austrian company second in size only to BMW Motorrad. During his private-sector career, Dr. Parrish was responsible for litigation evaluation and dealer development for as many as 450 dealers in North America - all facets of their business from dealer requirements, retail environment, dealer management and sales training, as well as the company's online University. Dr. Parrish has been an active motorcycle rider including endurance rallies, track days, and currently rides off-road with a group of ex-racers of a certain age, certain speed, and uncertain sanity.

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