Florida TaxWatch released its \u201c2025 How Florida Counties Compare\u201d report today, which examines Florida\u2019s 67 counties and the myriad of local governments within the state, comparing the revenue and expenditure profiles of counties to give taxpayers an overview of how their local government stacks up against the other counties. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhile property taxes get most of the public attention, they are only part of the local government revenue picture. The more than 60 tables, charts, and graphs in this Florida TaxWatch report provide comprehensive information on local tax rates, tax collections, other revenue sources, and city and county expenditures,\u201d the release states.<\/p>\n
Information on Cape Coral may be found in component related to municipalities, including pages 58 and 73.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlorida relies heavily on local governments to provide services to its residents, with more than half of all Florida government revenue being raised at the local level, the largest share in the nation. In fact, Florida\u2019s 67 county governments, including Jacksonville\u2019s consolidated government, more than 400 municipal governments, and approximately 1,400 independent special districts spend in excess of $120 billion annually,\u201d Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said. \u201cThis Florida TaxWatch report is especially important and relevant as the Governor and Legislature consider significant reforms and likely reductions in local property taxes this session and we are proud to present it as a reference tool for taxpayers, policymakers, elected officials, and members of the media when crafting thoughtful proposals impacting hard working citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n
Florida TaxWatch Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jeff Kottkamp said, \u201cThe Florida Department of Government Efficiency is conducting audits of local governments, highlighting rapidly rising spending and potentially wasteful or unnecessary spending. Moreover, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have announced plans to provide significant tax relief through several proposals, some of which may include measures to go before the voters in November 2026. This makes the data contained in this Florida TaxWatch report even more important and will provide legislators with the information needed as they deliberate these critical issues.\u201d<\/p>\n