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(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit educational and research organization. Since January 2026, the organization has been led by President and CEO The Honorable Jeff Kottkamp, Florida’s 17th Lieutenant Governor.

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 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.