With the 2026 Legislative Session set to kick off on January 13, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) has unveiled its “Top 10 Taxpayer Priorities,” a roadmap to guide lawmakers in allocating state funds over the 60-day session.
Known as the “eyes and ears” of Florida taxpayers, the nonpartisan research institute emphasized that while the Sunshine State remains an economic powerhouse, significant work is needed to protect residents’ wallets and physical safety.
FTW President and CEO Jeff Kottkamp noted that the organization will monitor how officials spend “precious taxpayer dollars” to ensure Florida remains the “most envied of states.”
Top among the watchdog’s concerns is stabilizing the volatile property insurance market. While acknowledging recent legislative fixes, FTW insists lawmakers must do more to reduce litigation costs and encourage competition to lower premiums for homeowners.
READ: Florida AG Launches Legal Strike To Kill 2026 Recreational Weed Vote
The group is also taking aim at a controversial local government practice known as “utility sweeps.” FTW argues that municipalities often transfer profits from public utilities into their general funds to pay for unrelated services, risking water infrastructure quality and overcharging ratepayers.
TaxWatch is throwing its weight behind HB 773, which would cap these transfers at 10 percent and require a referendum for approval.
Key priorities for the 2026 session include:
- Taxation Fairness: Addressing property tax burdens, ensuring electric vehicles pay a “fair share” for road use, and reducing taxes on communication services.
- Government Efficiency: Pushing for a “Government Efficiency Act” and continuing the infamous “Budget Turkey Watch” to identify appropriations that bypass proper scrutiny.
- Public Safety: Expanding the “Every Child a Swimmer” program. FTW supports HB 85 and SB 428, which would extend swimming lesson vouchers to children up to age seven to combat Florida’s high child drowning rates.
- Infrastructure & Economy: Converting septic systems to sewer to protect water quality, and creating a “Chief Manufacturing Officer” position (HB 483/SB 528) to bolster the industrial sector.
- Fiscal Cliffs: Addressing the projected deficit in the State Employees’ Health Insurance Trust Fund, which could face a $1.5 billion shortfall by 2029 without intervention.
The legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on March 13.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
