Citizenship Institute

APPLIED LEARNING PROGRAM

The Gov. Bob and Mary Jane Martinez Citizenship Institute

at Florida TaxWatch

Sponsorship by a Florida TaxWatch Board of Trustees member required. Institute Cost is Invoiced upon acceptance.

Apply Now

TRAINING FLORIDA'S NEXT GENERATION OF BUSINESS & COMMUNITY LEADERS

Under Governor Bob Martinez’s leadership, participants in the Governor Bob and Mary Jane Martinez Citizenship Institute will learn firsthand from Florida’s most influential policy leaders and business executives about how state and local policies impact their communities and how to ensure their voices are heard.

The Citizenship Institute is an applied learning program that prepares participants to understand how government actions affect their businesses.

Participants receive 3–4 days of intensive instruction from agency heads, legislators, distinguished professors, and Governor Bob Martinez himself.

With class sizes capped at 15–20 up-and-coming leaders, this program is far more hands-on than traditional “leadership” experiences.

Participants gain the skills to:

Engage government officials and have their voices heard

Understand how tax dollars are appropriated and used

Navigate licensing, permitting, and regulatory hurdles

Topics & Activities

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Session 1 focuses on the structure of state and local governments, and how business and government interact. Participants will learn and practice how to make the most of their limited time with government officials.
Discussion topics include:
  • Local Government Perspectives on Business
  • How Floridians Vote
  • Key Players to Know
  • Key Legislative Issues Facing Florida Businesses
  • How to Have Your Voice Heard and Respected by Government Officials

BUDGET & TAXATION

Session 2 focuses on how state and local governments collect taxes and develop annual budgets, and how the personal and business taxes paid by participants are appropriated and spent.
Discussion topics include:
  • Florida’s Long-range Economic Outlook
  • Overview of State Budgeting and Taxation
  • Local Government Funding Sources & Budget Development
  • Public Schools Funding Sources & Budget Development
  • Revenue Collection & Distribution

REGULATION & PERMITTING

Session 3 focuses on the myriad local, state, and federal permitting requirements and regulations, and how participants will navigate through this maze when starting or expanding their business.
Discussion topics include:
  • Regulating Businesses and Professions
  • Expanding Your Business’ Footprint – Local Planning & Permitting
  • Expanding Your Business’ Footprint – Regional, State & Federal Considerations
  • Business Development and Incentives for Business Growth

PRACTICAL EXERCISES

Participants are given an opportunity to apply what they learn through a series of practical exercises. Session 1 participants will have an opportunity to research a public issue and role play with a government official. In Session 2, participants will learn the difficulties of balancing the state budget in an interactive group exercise. In Session 3, participants will have an opportunity to participate in an economic development role-playing exercise and a land development exercise.

What Graduates Say

Testimonial Slider
Through highly respected speakers, community leaders, former legislators, and elected officials, the Institute provided great insight and value into the interworkings of government at both a county and state level, taught the importance of making your voice heard, explained the budgeting and taxation process, and provided great insight on how to be an effective and respected leader. Being able to interact one-on-one with these leaders, ask questions, and learn from their experience was the greatest benefit of all.

Lisa Roddy, Gulf Power

Understanding how to engage with your local and state government on issues that impact your professional career will carry with me. There is such value in properly and professionally being involved from local governments to the state level on all matters. This opportunity has given me a greater understanding of what obstacles and detours my clients may face and how to help them work through the process.

Brandon Wienke, SunTrust Bank

It’s an honor to be a part of the Florida TaxWatch Citizenship Institute. Definitely, meeting with Governor Martinez and Senator Alexander was the highlight. Being a part of the group allowed me to better understand our state government and to realize that we ALL must be/get involved.

Beth Bailey, Verizon Wireless

The Florida TaxWatch Citizenship Institute offers an invaluable opportunity to closely inspect the interplay between the public and private sectors while fully exploring what it means to be an engaged citizen. Our frank conversations and hands-on practice with former lawmakers and top leaders amounted to the kind of behind-the-scenes look at governance and policymaking that you don’t get from school or news media.

Maggie Lawrence, SalterMitchellPR

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Apply for the Institute Today!

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Participants must be sponsored by a member of the Florida TaxWatch Board of Trustees.
Upon acceptance of your application, you will be invoiced the cost of the Institute ($2,500).

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