Florida's state agencies are requesting $75.602 billion from the Legislature in 2015, a modest increase of $660.8 million. Eighteen of the state's agencies are asking for more money in the upcoming budget year, while twelve agencies have proposed reducing their funding levels, according to the latest Budget Watch from Florida TaxWatch.

"Several Florida agencies have found opportunities to reduce their budget in the upcoming year, but we encourage the Governor and Legislature to work with all agencies to reduce taxpayer cost while maintaining or improving the services provided by the state, which is in the best interest of all of Florida's residents," said Dominic M. Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. "It's this focus on efficiency that continues to inspire Florida TaxWatch to recognize the state employees who design and implement innovate cost saving ideas with Prudential Productivity Awards after more than 25 years."

In total, agencies have requested 1,318 new state positions to beef up the state's declining workforce. Most of the new positions are requested in the State Courts System and Justice Administration budget.

The total request of $75.602 billion is made up of $28.668 billion in general revenue (GR) and $46,933 in trust funds. Based on the most recent estimates from state economists, lawmakers will have $30.62 billion in General Revenue, leaving $2 billion in reserves after funding agencies' budget requests. However, the Governor's budget, expected next week, may or may not incorporate certain agency requests, will also include additional initiatives and reductions, and will also provide for significant tax cuts, which will change the proposed budget total and available reserves.

"While creating the 2015-16 budget, we encourage the Governor and Legislature to incorporate the targeted investments proposed in the 2015 Florida TaxWatch Center for Government Efficiency report, which will result in significant savings for Florida taxpayers," said Kurt Wenner, Vice President of Tax Research for Florida TaxWatch. "Implementing these proposed savings will improve efficiencies in Florida government and allow more investment into needed programs to promote higher quality of life, better communities, business development and job creation."

Full report: "Budget Watch: Agencies Request Small Increase in Funding for FY2015-16"

Florida TaxWatch is a statewide, non-profit, non-partisan research institute that over its 33-year history has become widely recognized as the watchdog of citizens' hard-earned tax dollars.  Its mission is to provide the citizens of Florida and public officials with high quality, independent research and education on government revenues, expenditures, taxation, public policies and programs and to increase the productivity and accountability of Florida state and local government. Its support comes from homeowners and retirees, small and large businesses, philanthropic foundations, and professional associations. On the web at www.FloridaTaxWatch.org.