Florida TaxWatch has released recommendations aimed at easing the financial burden on taxpayers as Florida recovers from the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The organization emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the administration of Florida's tax system does not add to the financial struggles of residents and businesses during this recovery period.
Dominic M. Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, highlighted the challenges faced by Floridians: “Florida is reeling from an unprecedented string of hurricanes, with October’s Category 3 (once a Category 5) Hurricane Milton followed Category 4 Hurricane Helene by less than two weeks. August brought Hurricane Debby and there was flash flooding in South Florida in June. People are still recovering from storms in 2023 and 2022. Every Florida county was included in at least one of the numerous state of emergency declarations issued by the Governor, most were included in multiple emergencies."
Calabro commended state and local agencies for their efforts so far: “The Governor, Legislature and many state and local agencies have been responding in an exemplary fashion first with search and rescue and providing shelter and other necessities to those displaced by the storms. Now comes rebuilding peoples’ lives.”
Florida TaxWatch has outlined several taxpayer protections, which include extending tax deadlines for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Governor DeSantis and the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue have postponed various tax-related deadlines until November 22, 2024. These measures align with past recommendations made by Florida TaxWatch.
For further information on these extensions or to stay updated on additional actions, individuals are encouraged to visit FloridaRevenue.com.
About Florida TaxWatch: As an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit organization, FTW serves as a government watchdog dedicated to improving productivity and accountability within Florida's government through research-based recommendations.