Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Danny McAuliffeNovember 6, 2018

Floridians have successfully passed a permanent extension to an already existing yearly tax increase cap on properties that don’t have a homestead exemption. Amendment 2 was passed by a margin of 66 percent-34 percent as of 8:45 p.m. Tuesday. The proposal needed but 60 percent voter approval to pass. Voters approved over a decade ago the […]

Peter SchorschNovember 3, 2018

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Financially, Florida is equipped to weather the financial losses incurred by Hurricane Michael. That’s according to Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who this week cited a recent analysis of the state’s financial resiliency from credit reporting agency Moody’s Investment Service. “The news from Moody’s Investors Service that Florida will not only weather Hurricane Michael, but […]

Staff ReportsOctober 31, 2018

It’s that time of year to be frightened — not by ghosts or goblins, but by Florida’s tax rules on candy. Every year, Florida TaxWatch, the nonpartisan government watchdog, uses Halloween to demonstrate the state’s boggling rules on what gets taxed and what doesn’t. “Groceries are generally exempt from Florida sales tax, but candy can get confusing,” the […]

Danny McAuliffeOctober 30, 2018

While Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum have fundamental differences in how state government should be shaped for the next four years, each will face the important task of ensuring it continues to operate. That’s why the nonpartisan research and policy group Florida TaxWatch is again publishing its “Governor’s Transition Decision Handbook,” a cheat-sheet aimed […]

Peter SchorschOctober 27, 2018

They’re inexpensive, quick and ideal for short-distance trips — and they could be coming to a Florida city near you. Dockless scooters are the latest disruptions to the continually evolving transportation industry. But the two-wheeled rides — provided by companies like Bird and Lime — aren’t yet ready for a prime-time fight in the Legislature. […]

Peter SchorschOctober 20, 2018

The Forgotten Coast, coined for the swath of shore stretching Mexico Beach to St. Marks, suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Michael. But thanks in part to the efforts of two Tallahassee creatives, the region won’t be left behind. In the days following destruction, Jesse Taylor, a local graphic designer with Marketing for Change, teamed up […]

Drew WilsonOctober 18, 2018

The Florida Realtors, the state’s largest professional association, made a seven-figure donation to the principal committee backing one of the property tax measures that will be on the November ballot. Amendment 2 is for Everybody showed a pair checks from the trade group totaling $2.9 million during the reporting period for the week of Oct. […]

Guest AuthorOctober 9, 2018

When you go to the polls in November, there is more at stake than the general election. You’ll also be voting on Amendment 1 to the state constitution, and a no vote will help ensure that we won’t be hit right in the wallet. Florida’s property tax system is a complicated mess. Amendment 1 won’t […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 8, 2018

A simple message emerged from Florida TaxWatch on a Monday media call regarding two amendments backed by the Florida Legislature. No on 1. Yes on 2. The watchdog group opposes Amendment 1, which would increase the homestead exemption by $25,000 to $125,000, asserting that the proposal penalizes everyone and benefits a few people. Amendment 2, which […]

Peter SchorschOctober 6, 2018

Never mind candidates on the ballot. There are a dozen constitutional amendments voters must worry about on Election Day. In the interest of saving time and avoiding long lines at polling locations, it’s best Floridians equip themselves early with knowledge of each proposal, rather than making a gameday decision. As the courts have told us, […]

Tag: Florida TaxWatch
Image via AP.

Amendment 2—the measure ‘for everybody’—passes

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Planning pays off

Florida TaxWatch says Halloween treats taxed trickily

Looking ahead: Florida TaxWatch publishes guide for ‘whoever’ wins gubernatorial election

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Is Bird the word?

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Forgotten no more

Realtors put another $2.9M behind Amendment 2

Michael Sittig: If Amendment 1 passes, most of us lose

Florida TaxWatch on Amendments: No on 1, Yes on 2

Takeaways from Tallahassee — Navigating November