Taxing Thanksgiving
Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideFloridians have another reason to be thankful this holiday season: Florida is not one of the 14 states in the nation that tax groceries. While […]
Time for Telehealth
Cost Savings, Health Care, ResearchFlorida lawmakers need to act quickly to connect patients with higher quality, timely care by using telehealth to bring the state’s health policies into the
Budget Watch – Florida’s Business Tax Climate Judged to be the Nation’s 5th Best
Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxpayer GuideA new national report ranking Florida’s business climate as 5th best in the nation highlights the state’s strengths but may overstate the attractiveness of Florida’s tax system, according to this report. The ranking is from the Tax Foundation’s 2015 Business Tax Climate Index, an annual publication that analyzes how tax structures compare across states.
Florida the Most Veteran-Friendly State
Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideFlorida, home to more than 1.6 million veterans, has provided a number of tax and related benefits to veterans and their families, in an effort to become the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. To celebrate Veterans Day, Florida TaxWatch compiled a list of Florida’s veteran-friendly policies.
Medical Tourism in Florida
Economic Development, Health Care, Research, TourismAlready a capital of global tourism, Florida has an opportunity to bring even more tourists and more revenue to the state by investing in medical
Halloween in Florida: Are Taxes on Candy a Trick, or a Treat?
Local Government, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideThis quick look at taxes on candy and other treats in Florida includes a look at how Florida compares to the rest of the US.
Florida’s Transportation System is Adding More Intermodal Components
Economic Development, Research, TransportationFlorida is taking steps to handle more of the world’s trade industry by expanding its intermodal centers, specialized facilities where goods are moved from one
Budget Watch – Small Surplus Projected for Next Florida State Budget
Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideFlorida lawmakers are expected to have a small budget surplus when they come to Tallahassee in 2015. State economists have predicted that funding a continuation budget next year will leave $336.2 million in available General Revenue funds. This is the fourth surplus in four years, despite being less than half of the surplus in fiscal year 2013-14.
Florida’s Aging Prisoner Problem
Corrections/Judicial, Cost Savings, Health Care, ResearchFlorida’s prison population is rapidly increasing despite declining crime rates, and this report recommends options to prevent increasing costs from overwhelming taxpayers. The report warns
Northwest Florida’s Opportunities for Growth
Economic Development, Local Government, ResearchState and local economic development professionals, with help from the Florida Legislature, are working to diversify the Panhandle’s economy using the area’s transportation assets, skilled
2014 Voter Guide
Research, Taxpayer Guide, Voter GuidesThe Taxwatch Voter Guide for 2014 explains the three amendments facing voters this November.
Budget Watch – Budget Outlook Becoming Clearer
Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideFlorida’s latest cycle of revenue and expenditure estimating conferences show that Florida is still in a healthy post-recession recovery; however, the conferences have resulted in forecasts with slightly tempered expectations. Generally, projections of revenues were reduced from the previous estimates, even though the funds are expected to continue to grow year over year.
INFOGRAPHIC – Labor Day 2014
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideThis infographic shows job growth in Florida over the past year.
College Football: A Driver for Florida’s Local Economies
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Education, Research, TaxesOn the precipice of college football kickoff, this report highlights the economic benefits of Florida’s seven Division I NCAA football teams, and explains how football
Unpacking the Benefits of Florida Tourism
Budget & Appropriations, Economic Development, Local Government, Research, TourismInvestment in Floridas tourism industry resulted in nearly 76,000 jobs created in 2013, according to this report. The independent analysis shows that the state should
Budget Watch – General Revenue Estimating Conference
Budget & Appropriations, Research, TaxesWhen the 2015 Legislature convenes in Tallahassee, it is expected to have nearly $30 billion in General Revenue to create the state budget for FY
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
