Florida TaxWatch
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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(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit educational and research organization.[1] Since January 2026, the organization has been led by President and CEO The Honorable Jeff Kottkamp, Florida’s 17th Lieutenant Governor.[2][3][4]
Florida TaxWatch headquarters (former St. James C.M.E. Church building) in Tallahassee | |
| Formation | 1979 |
|---|---|
| Type | Research institute |
| Headquarters | 106 N. Bronough St. |
| Location | |
President and CEO | Jeff Kottkamp |
| Website | floridataxwatch |
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.[5][6]
- The Institute of Quality Health and Aging – Dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Florida's aging population through research.[7]
Additionally, Florida TaxWatch oversees the Governor Bob and Mary Jane Martinez Citizenship Institute at Florida TaxWatch, an applied learning program distinct from its traditional research efforts. The 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 institute emphasizes practical government interaction and policy impact, differing from conventional leadership programs.[8]
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.[9]
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.[10]
Publications
Florida TaxWatch produces a range of research reports and briefings that scrutinize economic and policy issues impacting Florida. The publications aim to foster transparency, accountability, and informed policy-making. Some recent examples as of 2026 include:
Research
Census Research
Institute of Quality Health and Aging
| Title | Author(s) | Publication date |
|---|---|---|
| Addressing Florida's Escalating Physician Shortage: Strategies and Solutions | Meg Cannan, Senior Research Analyst; Contributing Author: Jui Shah, Research Economist | 10 January 2024 |
| Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Access and Quality | Jui Shah, Research Economist | 18 June 2024 |
| Social Determinants of Health: Education Access and Quality | Bob Nave, Senior VP of Research; Contributing Author: Jui Shah, Research Economist | 29 August 2024 |
| Social Determinants of Health: Neighborhood and Built Environment | Madeline King, Intern | 14 November 2024 |
| Social Determinants of Health: Social and Community Context | Jack Roseman, Intern | 3 December 2024 |
| Social Determinants of Health: Economic Stability | Jui Shah, Research Economist | 14 January 2025 |
| Enhancing Lives, Ensuring Accountability: The Value of Florida’s Behavioral Health Managing Entities | The Florida TaxWatch Research Team | 25 February 2025 |
Economic Forecasts
| Title | Author(s) | Publication date |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Economic Forecast: 2025-2034 (Q3 2025) | Jui Shah, Research Economist | 14 January 2026 |
| Florida Economic Forecast: 2025–2034 (Q2 2025) | Jui Shah, Research Economist | 25 September 2025 |
| Florida Economic Forecast: Q3 2024 | Jui Shah, Research Economist | 20 February 2025 |
| Florida Economic Forecast: Q4 2024 (2024–2030) | Jui Shah, Research Economist | 21 March 2025 |
| Florida Economic Forecast: Q1 2025 (2024–2030) | Jui Shah, Research Economist | 3 June 2025 |
| Florida Economic Forecast: Q2 2024 | Jui Shah, Research Economist | 19 September 2024 |
| Florida Economic Forecast (2023 - 2028) | Jui Shah, Research Economist | 6 June 2024 |
Annual Reports
| Title | Publication date |
|---|---|
| 2025 Florida TaxWatch Annual Report | 17 October 2025 |
| 2024 Florida TaxWatch Annual Report: 45 Years of Outstanding Impact & Stewardship | 8 November 2024 |
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 Florida TaxWatch Government Productivity Awards, formerly known as the TaxWatch Productivity Awards/Prudential Productivity Awards. This event recognizes state agencies and workgroups that significantly increase productivity and improve accountability within state government.[11][12]
The Principal Leadership Awards, which honors outstanding Florida principals in high-risk K–12 public schools who have achieved significant learning gains for at-risk students.[13]
The Florida Policy Forum, an annual event providing an in-depth recap of the legislative session and updates on newly enacted laws and state policy; it now serves as the organization’s primary spring convening (replacing the former spring board meeting format).[14][15]
Annual board meetings, held in spring (the Florida Policy Forum) and fall (The Florida TaxWatch Annual Meeting), which support strategic planning and organizational governance.[15]
The State of the Taxpayer Dinner, an annual dinner event held at the beginning of the Florida Legislative Session to discuss fiscal conditions affecting Florida's taxpayers.[16]
Officers of the Florida TaxWatch Board of Trustees
Executive Committee (2025–2026 Officers)
Executive Committee At-Large Members
- Senator Lisa Carlton, Mabry Carlton Ranch[2]
- Tommy Culligan, Publix[2]
- Tom Hoban, Kitson & Partners[2]
- Marva Johnson, Florida A&M University[2]
- Belinda Keiser, Keiser University[2]
- Dr. Bill Kent, Every Child a Swimmer[2]
- Don Kiselewski, Florida Power & Light[2]
- Governor Bob Martinez, Holland & Knight[2]
- Troy McNichols, AT&T[2]
- Ray Monteleone, Paladin Partners[2]
- Senator Pat Neal, Neal Communities[2]
- Dominic M. Calabro, Immediate Past President & CEO, Florida TaxWatch[2][17]
