Florida TaxWatch


Florida TaxWatch is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute located in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1979 as the Citizens Council for Budget Research, Florida TaxWatch conducts research aimed at improving government efficiency and accountability. Florida TaxWatch is a 501 tax-exempt non-profit educational and research organization. Since 1982, the organization has been led by President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro.
Instead of Centers of Excellence, Florida TaxWatch operates two research institutes:
  • The Census Institute - Focuses on the implications and importance of census data for policy-making and resource allocation in Florida.
  • The Institute of Quality Health and Aging - Dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Florida's aging population through research.
Additionally, Florida TaxWatch oversees the Citizenship Institute, an applied learning program distinct from traditional research efforts. This program offers 3-4 days of intensive instruction from a diverse group of experts including current or former agency heads, legislators, distinguished university professors, and other state and local officials. Among the prominent instructors is Florida’s 40th Governor, Bob Martinez. With a class size limited to 15-20 participants, the Citizenship Institute focuses on practical government interaction and policy impact, significantly differing from conventional leadership programs.

History

In 1977, incoming Florida Senate President Phil Lewis approached Mark Hollis, then Vice President of Publix Super Markets, about the business community coming to the Florida Legislature to seek increases in consumer taxes rather than finding ways to hold the line on spending. Following this discussion, the two decided that a state government watchdog was needed.
An organizational meeting convened in Tampa two years later resulted in the formation of the Citizens Council for Budget Research, which five years later was renamed Florida TaxWatch. The founders were Winn-Dixie Chairman J.E. Davis, T. Wayne Davis, Publix Super Markets founder George Jenkins and President Mark Hollis, and Florida State Senator Phil Lewis and Florida State Senator Ken Plante.
Florida TaxWatch is currently located in the former St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal church. Built in 1899, the church was constructed on land purchased by black members of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church and was, at one point, the oldest African-American church in Tallahassee.

Publications

Florida TaxWatch produces a range of influential research reports and briefings that scrutinize various economic and policy issues impacting Florida. The publications aim to foster transparency, accountability, and informed policy-making. Some recent examples as of 2024 include:

Census Research

Institute of Quality Health and Aging

Other Research

Events

Florida TaxWatch organizes a variety of annual events aimed at promoting efficiency and accountability in state government, as well as recognizing leadership and performance in education:
The , formerly known as the Prudential Productivity Awards. This event celebrates state employees who significantly increase productivity and promote accountability within state government agencies.
The , which honors outstanding Florida principals at at-risk schools who have achieved remarkable learning gains.
Annual Board Meetings in Spring and Fall, which serve as critical times for strategic planning and reviewing organizational progress.
The , an annual dinner event held at the beginning of the Florida Legislative Session to discuss the fiscal conditions affecting Florida's taxpayers.

Officers of the Florida TaxWatch Board of Trustees

Source:
  • Piyush Patel, Chairman of Florida TaxWatch, Founder and CEO of Kyra Solutions, Inc.
  • Dominic M. Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch
  • James Repp, Chairman-Elect of Florida TaxWatch, Senior Vice President at AvMed Health Plans
  • Marva Brown Johnson, Treasurer of Florida TaxWatch, Vice President at Charter Communications
  • David Casey, Secretary of Florida TaxWatch, Senior Vice President at Maximus
  • George LeMieux, Immediate Past Chairman of Florida TaxWatch, former United States Senator, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart
  • Samira Beckwith, CEO of Hope Healthcare Services/Chapter Health Systems
  • Colin W. Brown, Chairman of JM Family Enterprises, Inc.
  • Steve Evans, Retired Senior Executive from IBM
  • Tom Hoban, President and CEO of Kitson & Partners
  • Dr. Bill Kent, CEO of Team Horner Group
  • Belinda Keiser, Vice Chancellor of Keiser University
  • Daniel Martell, Vice President at Florida Power & Light Company
  • Governor Bob Martinez, Senior Policy Advisor at Holland & Knight
  • Raymond Monteleone, President of Paladin Global Partners
  • Michael Nachef, Vice President of Government Relations at Lee Health
  • John Provenzano, Vice President of Public Affairs at Publix Super Markets, Inc.

    Controversies

Despite claims of non-partisanship, Florida TaxWatch policy positions have been described in the media as consistent with conservative fiscal policy. As a business-backed policy group, some of the watchdog groups' proposals have generated controversy, including selling advertisements on state government-owned road signs, eliminating the traditional pension plan and deferred retirement options for public employees, and increasing requirements for state-backed scholarship programs to reduce eligibility.