Florida TaxWatch
From Sunshine Review
| Florida TaxWatch | |
| 501(c)(3) | |
 | |
| Leadership: | Dominic M. Calabro |
| Political party | Nonpartisan |
| Website | Florida TaxWatch |
| Transparency Focus | |
| Tax spending | |
Florida TaxWatch is a private, non-profit, non-partisan research institute that began its mission as a tax watchdog in 1980, aiming to curb state government spending. It claims to have saved taxpayers more than $6.2 billion, which is approximately $1,067 for every Florida family.
Florida TaxWatch conducts research and recommends productivity enhancements to help state government make responsible fiscal and public policy so that taxpayers benefit from the taxes they must pay.
Florida TaxWatch is the only Florida statewide organization of its kind. Its mission is to ensure that taxes are equitable, rather than excessive, that public benefits and costs are weighed, and that government agencies are responsive and productive while spending tax dollars.
The organization is made up of homeowners, small businesses, large corporations, philanthropic foundations, professionals, associations, labor organizations, and retirees. It is led by officers and a Board of Trustees.
It receives financial support from voluntary, tax-deductible memberships and grants.
[edit] Mission
Florida TaxWatch's mission is to provide high quality, independent research and education on government revenues, expenditures, taxation, public policies and programs as well as to increase the productivity and accountability of Florida Government.
[edit] Centers
Florida TaxWatch has four "Centers of Excellence," which have advisory or steering committees:
Center for Competitive Florida promotes Florida's ability to effectively compete in future economic markets through a consensus of the major civic, business and professional men and women across our state.
Center for Educational Performance & Accountability evaluates, monitors and reports on the performance outcomes of K-20 education programs that fall short of educational goals.
Center for Tourism promotes Florida's tourism and tourism-related industries with objective research and research-based policy initiatives for economic development stimulation.
Center for Local Government Studies conducts research projects and performs contract research for Florida's city and county governments, addressing: budgeting and taxation, prioritization of services and service delivery options, auditing and performance measurements in order to recommend improved effectiveness, efficiency and accountability to benefit taxpayers.
[edit] Research
Every year, Florida TaxWatch produces public policy research publications in different formats, such as research reports, briefings and updates, a mechanism for watching the budget (Budget Watch), special reports, economic commentaries on Florida's economy, and a public forum/opinion opportunity (Ideas in Action).
[edit] Membership
Any citizen my join Florida TaxWatch.[1]
[edit] Events
Florida TaxWatch invited Dr. Arthur C. Johnson, the School District Superintendent, to the 29th Annual General Membership Luncheon, which took place on Nov. 21, 2008.[2]
Representatives from the firm attended the annual business fly-in, hosted by South Florida Regional Business Alliance, in on Feb. 3-4, 2009. The event brought together, key state elected officials, the Florida Chamber, and Associated Industries of Florida.[3]
