Government Productivity Awards

Recognizing, Rewarding, Replicating.

The Government Productivity Awards are made possible through the generosity of Kyra Solutions, Inc., as Presenting Sponsor, and the vision of the late J.E. Davis and A.D. Davis, co-founders of Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. and co-founders of Florida TaxWatch. Since 1989, the Awards program has publicly recognized and rewarded state employees and work units whose work significantly and measurably increase productivity and promote innovation to improve the delivery of state services and save money for Florida taxpayers and businesses.

Over the 30-year program, more than 16,000 nominations have been received, and awards have been given to state employees for saving or maximizing state dollars to the tune of approximately $11 billion.

The program is a major government improvement initiative created by Florida TaxWatch. In addition to Kyra’s generous support, numerous corporate, individual, and philanthropic contributors, supplement the awards program.

The awards program also recognizes achievements that are particularly beneficial to citizens and the private sector.

We welcome and encourage all state government employees and private citizens to submit nominations, and look forward to even greater taxpayer improvements in next year’s program.

Submit a Nomination

Celebrating Innovation & Excellence in Florida State Government

2025 Government Productivity Awards

Total Taxpayer Savings

$ 20 + Million

FL Dept. of Corrections

Lone Worker Application for Probation Officers

$14.7M Annual Savings

Following a tragic incident in 2024, the department developed a digital Lone Worker application that replaced a proposed $15M+ radio system. The mobile platform integrates with existing vehicle tracking, offering automation, real-time communication, and emergency response features—all while dramatically reducing costs.

Avoided Equipment Costs
No Dispatch Requirements
Reduced Liability Exposure

FL Dept. of Transportation

Enhanced Law Enforcement Engagement Program

$3.4M Direct Savings

A first-of-its-kind program partnering with law enforcement to conduct targeted enforcement in high-crash locations. Agencies earn points for enforcement hours and high school driver education, receiving traffic safety equipment in exchange. Since 2022: 30 agencies, 63,000+ enforcement hours, and a 23% reduction in serious injuries and fatalities in Tampa Bay.

63,000+ Donated Enforcement Hours
Reduced Cost from $80 to $27.64/hour
Teen Driver Education Savings

FL Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation

Administrative Case Program – Increased Efficiencies

$245K Collected Fees

The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco created standardized templates for violation cases, enabling swift administrative complaints with appropriate penalties. A four-year backlog was eliminated, and cases now settle in approximately 3 months—down from years. 707 cases successfully disposed.

4-Year Backlog Eliminated
3-Month Average Resolution
Reduced Legal Costs for Licensees

FL Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs

Peer Mentorship Program to Retain Nursing Staff

$9.3M Annual Savings

To combat high turnover among direct care employees, FDVA implemented a structured mentorship program matching new CNAs, LPNs, and RNs with experienced staff during their first 90 days. Mentors receive $500 bonuses upon successful completion, building relationships and reducing early attrition.

Reduced Recruitment Costs
Lower Agency Staffing Needs
Improved Veteran Care Quality

FL Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Technology Transformation Initiative

$5M Over 10 Years

A comprehensive modernization initiative consolidating technology platforms, eliminating paper applications, and implementing unified customer views. From July 2023 through April 2025: 14+ legacy applications modernized and 18 new applications created.

Reduced Maintenance Costs
Cloud Solutions (No Hardware)
Eliminated Paper Processes

Florida State University

Institutional Research Training Program

$10M Annual Savings

FSU’s Office of Institutional Research created an in-house training program teaching high-value technical and data skills. In 2024–2025: 60 training sessions across 10 courses, serving 864 employees in Excel, Power BI, Oracle BI, Power Automate, and data analytics.

$109K Direct Training Cost Avoidance
Employee Retention Savings
Outsourcing Cost Avoidance

FL Dept. of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles

Implementation of the Desk Trooper Program

$12.2K 6-Month Pilot

The Desk Trooper Program enables remote investigation of minor traffic crashes using drivers’ cell phones. Troopers on light duty can perform law enforcement services instead of clerical tasks, while reducing response times by an average of 24 minutes per crash.

24 Minutes Saved Per Crash
Reduced Vehicle Operating Costs
Light-Duty Officers Utilized

FL Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Modernizing Agricultural Best Management Practices Manuals

$89K Annual Savings

Within a single fiscal year, FDACS updated 9 Best Management Practices manuals and created one new manual for small farms—the first comprehensive revision in 20 years. These practices address water quality and conservation across all agricultural commodities statewide.

Streamlined Enrollment Process
First Update in 20 Years
10 Manuals Total

FL Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation

Electronic Return Receipt Implementation

$12-15K Annual Savings

Mrs. Sarah Stout initiated converting certified mailings to electronic return receipts (ERR), saving $1.48-$1.58 per mailing. Beyond cost savings, the system provides real-time tracking transparency, faster proof of service, and streamlined matching processes.

$1.48-$1.58 Saved Per Mailing
Real-Time Tracking
Faster Proof of Service

University of Florida

Edugator: AI-enabled Interactive Computing Education

$500K Since Inception

Edugator is a browser-based, AI-enabled tool helping instructors create interactive computing lessons. Students solve problems with immediate feedback and AI chatbot support that scaffolds learning without giving answers. Saves $150,000 annually in student textbook costs

$150K Annual Student Savings
AI-Powered Tutoring
Replaced Costly Zybooks