Research Library

Reducing the Business Rent Tax

Cost Savings, Economic Development, Research, Taxes
/ Cost Savings, Economic Development, Research, Taxes / 2 minutes of reading

A reduction in the BRT would be broad-based, benefiting a large number of businesses. All businesses that rent commercial real estate pay the sales tax on those rents, regardless of their profitability or financial shape. Reducing the sales tax would help be a significant help to struggling companies. It would also help new businesses, who may find that other startup costs rule out purchasing real estate as an option.

Economy Heating Up in South Florida

Economic Development, Local Government, Research, Tourism
/ Economic Development, Local Government, Research, Tourism / 2 minutes of reading

Over the past few years Florida’s economy has been on the rise, finally shaking off the economic pain from the great recession. This positive growth has helped stimulate development in South Florida in particular. In a recent survey, more than 80% of small businesses in South Florida reported that they expect to meet or exceed their 2015 revenue targets. And the economic growth is not limited to small businesses; the South Florida Region has also seen a growth in sectors such as construction, financial services, innovation, and more.

Budget Watch – Projected Surplus Not As Large As It Seems

Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxpayer Guide
/ Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxpayer Guide / 2 minutes of reading

It is estimated that the 2016 Florida Legislature will have a budget surplus for FY2016-17, meaning major budget cuts should not be needed and there should be some money left over for new initiatives. After funding a continuation budget, including expected cost increases in current programs and other historically funded items, it is anticipated that there will be $635.4 million (including an allowance for $1 billion in cash reserves) in General Revenue (GR) left over.

Broward Schools SMART Program – Recommended Best Practices Report

Broward Schools Bond Oversight (SMART Program), Local Government, Research
/ Broward Schools Bond Oversight (SMART Program), Local Government, Research / 1 minute of reading

Presented to the Bond Oversight Committee on August 31, 2015, this report details the best practices of successful bond oversight committees across the country. If implemented, the recommended best practices will ensure that the Committee is held to a hig

Trophies and Transcripts

Education, Research
/ Education, Research / 1 minute of reading

More than just boasting and claiming bragging rights, success on the field can actually affect a school’s academic standing off the field. Studies have shown that a school’s successful athletic program can have a positive impact on a university’s exposure, attracting students to the university, as well as increasing application, retention, and graduation rates.

Budget Watch – General Revenue Forecast for FY 2016-17

Research, Taxpayer Guide
/ Research, Taxpayer Guide / 2 minutes of reading

State economists predict lawmakers will have $657.5 million more than previously anticipated for the next state budget. The latest General Revenue (GR) forecast shows the state’s GR fund is expected to reach $31.6 billion for the 2016-17 budget year. The growing available funds mean recurring revenues exceed current recurring expenses by $1.6 billion.

Jacksonville Poised for Sustained Growth

Economic Development, Local Government, Research
/ Economic Development, Local Government, Research / 2 minutes of reading

Ask most people which city in the U.S. is the largest, and you will likely hear New York, or Los Angeles, or one of the other “major” cities around the country. The truth, however, is that the largest city in the country is Jacksonville, Florida, at 874.6 square miles. While the size of Jacksonville may not be well known, even fewer may realize that the city is a rising star of startup activity and job creation.

Budget Watch – 2015 Special Session Preview

Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxpayer Guide
/ Budget & Appropriations, Research, Taxpayer Guide / 1 minute of reading

Lawmakers return to Tallahassee next week to finish budget negotiations, but will have to resolve more than differences in healthcare spending. The May edition of Budget Watch outlines the scope of the Special Session, noting that lawmakers will also consider conforming bills ranging from transportation networks to child welfare agencies.

Ideas in Action: Improving Law Enforcement Communications

Guest Columns, Research
/ Guest Columns, Research / 3 minutes of reading

Last year, Florida TaxWatch called for increased spending for public defenders and state attorneys to ensure justice is available for defendants and victims involved in Florida’s court system. The legislature heeded TaxWatch’s recommendation in the 2014 budget. This year, lawmakers should extend their commitment to funding the justice system to law enforcement by investing in the replacement of the state’s law enforcement radio system.

Could Florida Be The Next High-Tech Hub?

Economic Development, Research
/ Economic Development, Research / 2 minutes of reading

A Central Florida technology research center could help launch the state’s high-tech manufacturing industry and ignite economic growth. The development of the Florida Advanced Manufacturing Research Center through the International Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research will help create, develop and support high-tech Florida companies producing smart sensor technologies for high-tech manufacturing goods.

2015 How Florida Compares: Taxes

Research, Taxes, Taxpayer Guide
/ Research, Taxes, Taxpayer Guide / 1 minute of reading

Florida has always had the reputation of being a low tax state. While this common perception is borne out by the newest available data contained in this report, the full picture is more complicated. This report provides detailed tax ranking information for Florida as compared to the rest of the nation.

A State of Incarceration: Florida’s Crime and Incarceration Data Over Time

Corrections/Judicial, Cost Savings, Research
/ Corrections/Judicial, Cost Savings, Research / 1 minute of reading

With Florida’s crime rate at its lowest point in nearly five decades, this report recommends policy improvements to reduce cost and improve the efficacy of the criminal justice system. The data from the report show the contrast between Florida’s falling crime rate and rising prison population.

Ideas In Action: Innovations in Healthcare

Guest Columns, Research
/ Guest Columns, Research / 4 minutes of reading

Limited health care resources combined with an increased demand for quality care in Florida has led to essential innovations in our current health care delivery system. Telemedicine is one such innovation that Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare has implemented to expand access to care and extend the reach and impact of health care providers.

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