Florida TaxWatch

Today at The Gov. Bob and Mary Jane Martinez Citizenship Institute at Florida TaxWatch, we were thrilled to welcome Amy Baker, Coordinator of the Florida Legislature's Office of Economic and Demographic Research. Amy delivered an insightful presentation on Florida's evolving population trends, offering our participants insight into some of the factors shaping our state.

The Gov. Bob and Mary Jane Martinez Citizenship Institute is officially underway at Florida TaxWatch as Governor Martinez gives opening remarks.

Under the guidance of Senior Vice President of Research Bob Nave, our 8th class of Florida leaders is gaining invaluable insights into how government actions impact businesses and communities across Florida.

This briefing offers a detailed examination of the challenges and ongoing reforms in Florida's property insurance market as the 2024 hurricane season approaches. With a 42.5% increase in premiums since 2019, the report explores factors driving market instability, such as excessive litigation and severe hurricane impacts.

Read the Full Report » https://bit.ly/3WpNa1t

Wishing everyone a splendid 4th of July from Florida TaxWatch! Here's to a day of joy, freedom, and community spirit. Have a wonderful Independence Day.

In response to Governor Ron DeSantis's recent announcement of $949.6 million in state budget vetoes for Fiscal Year 2024-25, Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro commended the collaborative efforts of Florida's legislative leaders.

“Florida TaxWatch applauds the strategic investments in statewide needs, debt reduction, and reserve bolstering. Our 2024 Budget Turkey Watch Report sees a significant portion of our recommendations adopted, with 219 out of 450 identified appropriations vetoed, saving Floridians $273.2 million.”

Celebrating 44 years of unparalleled leadership! Dominic M. Calabro, our President & CEO at Florida TaxWatch, continues to inspire us with his passion and dedication. Let’s celebrate his remarkable legacy and many achievements.

To many more years, Dominic!

As Florida's summer thrives, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez emphasizes water safety, resonating with Florida TaxWatch's Every Child a Swimmer initiative.

"Ensuring all families enjoy Florida safely is crucial," says Lt. Gov. Nuñez.

Our work continues to be vital in preventing drownings and are being nationally recognized, as Florida TaxWatch President & CEO Dominic M. Calabro will soon be honored by the International Swimming Hall of Fame for Florida TaxWatch's contributions to water safety.

Find out more » https://www.flgov.com/2024/06/05/lieutenant-governor-jeanette-nunez-highlights-water-safety-for-floridians/

As of June 1, 2024, Florida has seen a substantial reduction in the state sales tax rate on commercial rentals.

Florida TaxWatch played a pivotal role in advocating for this reduction, demonstrating our commitment to improving Florida's economic climate under the leadership of our team and former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp.

Need More Information?
Visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s website and navigate to Sales and Use Tax on the Rental, Lease, or License to Use Commercial Real Property (GT-800016).

Gain insights into Florida's future economic trends with Florida TaxWatch's latest report. Analyze projections on population trends, job growth, GDP, and the tourism sector's influence. This essential guide offers a strategic outlook crucial for anyone involved in Florida's economic planning or investment.

Read the Full Report » https://bit.ly/3VeyoZt

The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, a valued Florida TaxWatch board member, reports significant growth in tourism revenues and record visitor numbers at local travel hubs. This surge not only boosts the local economy but also highlights the effective strategies implemented by bureau members.

Read the Full Article » https://bit.ly/3V5UrBw

The Principal Leadership Awards Roundtable Report is now out! Our latest report highlights the transformative practices shared by 15 exceptional principals, focusing on strategies that excel in challenging educational environments. Discover actionable insights for enhancing student outcomes and educational policies.

Read the Full Report » https://bit.ly/4bYlKEV

Florida Business Owners!

Starting June 1, 2024, enjoy a lower commercial rent tax, down from 4.5% to 2.0%. This significant reduction applies to commercial properties like offices and warehouses.

The new rate doesn't apply to transient rentals or spaces for vehicles, boats, or aircraft. For complete details, visit the Florida Department of Revenue's website at floridarevenue.com/forms.

Let's keep making Florida a great place for business.

Registration Now Open for the 45th Annual Meeting!

Join us from October 30 to November 1, 2024, at The Breakers in Palm Beach for the Florida TaxWatch 45th Annual Meeting. Secure your spot early and benefit from our Early Bird Registration, available until July 31, 2024, for $525.

Register Here ->

45th Annual Meeting Online registration for 45th Annual Meeting starts on February 19th 2024. Online registration ends November 1st 2024.

Dominic Calabro, President & CEO of Florida TaxWatch, was recently recognized on the latest issue of The Front Porch for his extensive career dedicated to promoting fiscal responsibility and transparency in Florida.
Read the full article here » https://bit.ly/4azz0Pg

Publix has donated 100 million pounds of produce to Feeding America partner food banks, including nearly 52 million pounds to Florida food banks.
“As a grocery retailer, we can make our largest impact by helping feed our neighbors in need,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy.
Publix also runs the Good Together hunger alleviation campaign, uniting customers and associates to fight food insecurity.
Publix’s founder, George Jenkins, co-founded TaxWatch. Current Publix leaders like John Provenzano continue this legacy through active roles on the TaxWatch Board and Executive Committee.

We are proud to announce that Keith Dean, Florida TaxWatch CFO, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Floridians for Affordable Healthcare (FAH). Keith brings a wealth of experience in finance and leadership, having served in various executive roles across Florida-based organizations. Under his guidance, FAH will continue its mission to educate and empower Floridians, tackling the high costs of healthcare through advocacy and informed policy-making. Congratulations, Keith, on this prestigious role!

Congratulations to Lee Health for receiving the prestigious Governor’s Sterling Award, making it the first healthcare system in the state to receive this honor. Presented by the Sterling Council, this accolade recognizes organizations demonstrating exemplary performance in several key areas, including leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, workforce focus, and results.

For more information, visit www.leehealth.org.

Dive deep into the critical discussions from today's press conference, where we unveiled the 2024 Budget Turkey Watch Report. Understand the implications of our findings on Florida's budgetary processes and taxpayer funds. The full session is now available for your viewing on our YouTube channel.

📹 View the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1fZ85hz0g8

The 2024 Budget Turkey Watch Report is Out! 📊

Today, we released the much-anticipated 2024 Budget Turkey Watch Report, scrutinizing the $117.5 billion state budget to ensure transparency and accountability. This year, we've identified 450 appropriations projects, totaling $854.6 million, that bypassed the normal legislative procedures.

Read the full report and understand the significance of transparent governance: https://floridataxwatch.org/Research/Full-Library/2024-budget-turkey-watch-report

Our very own President & CEO, Dominic Calabro, was recently at The Economic Club of Florida's reception with Marion Hoffman, Chair, Cindy O'Connell, past Chair and Florida TaxWatch board member, and Katrina Rolle, the club’s current President. Dominic himself is also a former Economic Club Chairman.

Today at Florida TaxWatch, we traded spreadsheets for llamas! 🦙

A surprise visit from Redemptive Love Farm & Rescue’s llamas for T3 Tallahassee's Senior IT Engineer, Rusty Mulvaney, birthday brought lots of joy and laughter. Thanks to T3 for everything they do to keep our tech in check.

We're also excited to support Redemptive Love Farm’s upcoming event – Butterfly Day on April 27, 2024. Join us in celebrating nature and community! Learn more: https://redemptivelovefarm.com/events/butterfly-day/

So proud of our Elementary, Middle and High School Principals who won the 2024 Principal Leadership Award and had the opportunity to grant a well deserving student a college scholarship!

Find out more about the Principal Leadership Awards here: https://floridataxwatch.org/PrincipalLeadership

Thank you to all of sponsors, including the Florida Lottery and Florida Prepaid College Plans for supporting .

Happy Florida Taxpayer Independence Day! Each year, Florida TaxWatch calculates how long Floridians must work to pay off their total tax bill. In 2024, that date falls on April 18th.

Our latest report also reveals:

💰 Florida's total tax burden will reach $455 billion this year
🫰 Federal taxes make up 71% of Floridians' total tax burden
🏠 The average Florida household will have $959 less to spend in 2024 vs 2023 after accounting for taxes and inflation

Visit the link to access the full Taxpayer Independence Day 2024 report! https://rb.gy/3v1ejs

Florida mourns the loss of a true statesman and dedicated public servant, Gov. Bob Graham. Throughout his years of service, Gov. Graham worked tirelessly to make our state a better place for all Floridians. His contributions and unwavering commitment to the people of Florida will be remembered and cherished.

Dr. Randy Avent, President of Florida Polytechnic University delivered a captivating keynote address titled "Where Innovation Begins," closing out the Chairman's Dinner at the FloridaTaxWatch 2024 Spring Meeting. Dr. Avent's expertise in innovation and technology provided invaluable insights into the role of higher education in fostering groundbreaking ideas and driving economic growth.

The Honorable David Walker, Former Comptroller General of the United States, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the federal deficit to kick off the Chairman's Dinner at the Florida TaxWatch 2024 Spring Meeting. As an expert on and , Walker provided valuable insights into the current state of the federal budget and its long-term implications.

"Just because we're a superpower doesn't mean we're the best at everything. We need to learn from others."

Admiral David Brewer, President and CEO of The Brewer Leadership Group, LLC, captivated the audience with his keynote address at the 2024 Principal Leadership Awards Luncheon. Brewer's speech focused on the essential qualities and strategies for effective leadership in education.

Drawing from his vast experience in leadership positions, Brewer provided invaluable insights and practical advice for principals and educators in attendance. His message emphasized the significance of strong leadership and investment in creating a positive learning environment, fostering student success, and driving innovation in education. The audience left the luncheon feeling inspired and equipped with new tools to enhance their leadership skills.

Florida Lottery Secretary John Davis at the 2024 Principal Leadership Awards Luncheon.

"Thank you to all the 2024 Principal Leadership Award Winners for your indispensable contribution to future generations."

Thanks to the Florida Lottery for supporting

Craig Stepien, Executive Director of Strategic Transformation at NextEra Energy, Inc., captivated the audience at the Florida TaxWatch 2024 Spring Meeting with his insightful presentation, "Disrupt Yourself or be Disrupted." Stepien's talk emphasized the critical role of self-disruption and innovation in navigating the ever-changing business environment.

Stepien's message resonated with professionals across various industries, as he shared strategies for embracing change, fostering innovation, and maintaining a competitive advantage in the face of disruption. The presentation sparked valuable discussions among attendees, highlighting the importance of adaptability in today's business world.