Research Library

Public Infrastructure & Utilities

Clearwater Plan to enter its own municipal

Clearwater’s Plan to Establish Its Own Municipal Electric Utility Puts Taxpayers at Risk

Energy & Environment, Local Government, Public Infrastructure & Utilities, Research
/ Energy & Environment, Local Government, Public Infrastructure & Utilities, Research / 2 minutes of reading

The City of Clearwater is considering acquiring Duke Energy Florida’s electric distribution assets to establish a municipal electric utility (MEU), citing potential rate reductions and increased local control. Florida TaxWatch’s independent analysis finds that the feasibility study supporting this proposal relies on optimistic assumptions that significantly understate legal, financial, and operational risks.

Trends in the Cost of Construction Materials

Manufacturing, Public Infrastructure & Utilities, Research
/ Manufacturing, Public Infrastructure & Utilities, Research / 2 minutes of reading

Construction is a cornerstone of Florida’s economy, contributing $97 billion (5.7 percent) to the state’s GDP in 2024. However, rising material costs are presenting significant challenges to the industry, impacting everything from large-scale infrastructure projects to residential home building and affordability for Florida taxpayers. This report from Florida TaxWatch examines the national and statewide trends driving these price increases and their potential consequences.

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