March 28, 2024

Florida TaxWatch

Economic Preview 2017: Florida on path to sustainable growth

Report from Florida TaxWatch says 2017 should bring sustained growth to the Sunshine State as people continue to find jobs and payrolls increase. Read more »
Published on 12/21/2016

Bees are crucial to Florida's environment, agriculture and economy

Bees, please don't buzz off! Read more »
Published on 11/1/2016

Florida TaxWatch supports more telehealth in Florida

“We are pleased that the Telehealth Advisory Council is moving forward in its goals to find policy solutions to telehealth expansion in Florida. Telehealth expansion would result in billions of dollars of savings for Florida taxpayers and is a recommendation of the Government Efficiency Task Force,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro. Read more »
Published on 10/28/2016

Why Florida ranks last in the nation in federal grant funding

Florida continues to receive far less than its fair share of federal grant dollars, according to the latest Florida TaxWatch report. Florida ranks last in in the nation in per capita federal grants, receiving about $22.8 billion in federal grants in FY2014-15 or about $1,125 for each Floridian. The report also found that Florida pays $1.58 in federal taxes for every $1.00 returned in aid, second highest in the nation. Read more »
Published on 9/15/2016

Pay For Performance Contracting

There are many examples of PFP contracts working in both the private and public sector. Read more »
Published on 9/1/2016

Juvenile pre-arrest diversion programs offer a second chance to offenders

Latest Florida TaxWatch report explains what juvenile pre-arrest diversion programs (JAPDs) are, and how they help offenders while protecting taxpayers. Read more »
Published on 8/25/2016

Understanding Amendment 4: Tax exemptions for solar devices or renewable energy source devices

Amendment 4 would authorize the Legislature to exempt the assessed value of solar or renewable energy source devices from the tangible personal property tax, and to authorize the Legislature to prohibit such devices from being considered in assessing the value of real property. Read more »
Published on 8/19/2016

Sales tax holidays have become Florida tradition and boon to taxpayers, businesses

Few legislative decisions have been as wildly popular as Florida's “sales tax holidays.” They have become more than just a tax break. They are a traditional back-to- school event that families plan for, neighbors talk about and businesses promote. Read more »
Published on 8/3/2016

Florida's 2016 Mid-Year Job Growth

After a debilitating recession from 2007 to 2009 that cost thousands of people their jobs, Florida is again among the national leaders in job creation at the halfway mark of 2016, according to the latest Economic Commentary by Florida TaxWatch. Read more »
Published on 7/28/2016

Bold ideas to reduce recidivism among Florida's prisoners

New report from Florida TaxWatch, "Locked Up, Then Locked Out," proposes bold solutions to keep released offenders from returning to prison Read more »
Published on 7/19/2016

Florida TaxWatch provides comprehensive guide to local government taxing and spending

“How Florida Counties Compare” is an in-depth look at billions of dollars in taxpayer money Read more »
Published on 7/15/2016

Floridians can celebrate Taxpayer Independence Day

Florida TaxWatch analysis of Taxpayer Independence Day Read more »
Published on 4/20/2016

The unemployment rate is not the whole story

Florida's unemployment rate is down almost half from the peak of 11.1 percent during the Great Recession. While the state's current unemployment rate of 5 percent is good news, the number doesn't tell the whole story. An underlying factor that determines whether the job market is truly positive is the labor force participation rate (LFPR). Read more »
Published on 3/24/2016

More sunshine, fewer budget turkeys as lawmakers spend billions of taxpayers' dollars

Florida's elected lawmakers put fewer secret spending projects into the budget in the waning days of this Legislative session, but improvements are still needed to guarantee taxpayers have full openness, transparency and accountability when lawmakers spend their money. Read more »
Published on 3/18/2016

Pumping savings into the economy

The drop in gasoline prices has sparked debate among economists as to whether or not lower energy costs are an overall positive or negative for the economy. This Economic Commentary from Florida TaxWatch examines the pros and cons of cheap, abundant fuel. Read more »
Published on 2/25/2016

Investing in economic development incentives will boost Florida's economy

Analysis by Florida TaxWatch finds that Florida's competitive tax climate and welcoming weather entice businesses to our state, but Florida must provide targeted incentive packages that will help create high-paying jobs in the Sunshine State as we compete with other states for domestic and global business. Read more »
Published on 2/18/2016

Ports are creating high-paying, high-growth jobs that help all of the Sunshine State

With four of Florida ports among the nation's top 25 container ports and three among the top cruise ports in the world, the economic vitality of Florida's ports should be an important focus of our state leaders. These ports are hubs of commerce and tourism that generate high-paying, sustainable jobs for Floridians while cementing our role and brand as the gateway for the Americas. Read more »
Published on 2/16/2016

Florida's House and Senate are $1 billion apart on budget

There are many differences that must be resolved before Florida's House and Senate reach a final budget agreement. Some of the major differences are: Read more »
Published on 2/9/2016

A sunny economic outlook for Florida in 2016

Improved job growth contributing significantly to the economy. Read more »
Published on 1/18/2016

2015 job growth leads to record-high employment in Florida

With an addition of 240,000 jobs in 2015, Florida continues to rise from the Great Recession, says Florida TaxWatch. Over the past year, all of Florida's major industries have seen strong employment gains. Read more »
Published on 12/27/2015

Florida's fiscal strength ranked 5th best nationally

Florida's fiscal standing grants the state the advantage of financial freedom moving forward. Due to the fact that the state does not carry large amounts of debt, Florida lawmakers can continue to invest in the state, and in new and emerging sectors that can make the state a national leader in areas like manufacturing, allowing Florida to financially stay ahead of the curve. Read more »
Published on 12/1/2015

Florida: The most veteran-friendly state

Home to more than 1.6 million veterans, Florida 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. Read more »
Published on 11/10/2015

Manufacturing tax exemption critical for economic growth and diversification efforts

An expiring sales tax exemption could have a devastating impact on the state economy, according to new analysis by Florida TaxWatch. Florida manufacturers are exempt from paying taxes on machinery and equipment purchases, but unless lawmakers take action this spring that exemption will disappear, threatening the state's manufacturing sector. Read more »
Published on 11/4/2015

Stemming Florida's physician shortage

Attracting younger physicians to Florida could help close health care access gaps and improve the state economy, according to a report from taxpayer watchdog Florida TaxWatch. The report calls for increasing the number of Graduate Medical Education programs, more commonly known as medical residencies, to attract additional doctors. Read more »
Published on 10/29/2015

Economy heating up in South Florida

Over the past few years, South Florida's economy has seen considerable growth. The talented job pool, coupled with the ideal geographic location, make it an attractive investment option for foreign and domestic investors. Read more »
Published on 9/30/2015

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Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices
Bitter-to-swallow cocoa costs force chocolate shops to raise prices

Central Floirda chocolate shops are left with a bitter taste as cocoa prices hit an all-time high earlier this week.

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