Get the experts’ take in the latest edition of Florida’s Bottom Line
Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the release of the 2017 winter edition of Florida’s Bottom Line, his award-winning, quarterly online economic magazine focused on providing the latest news and insightful analysis on Florida’s economic and financial health. The winter edition highlights Florida’s future economic environment, the stripping of federal regulatory burdens, and what the expansion of Florida’s residential and visiting population mean for the state. In addition, an inside look into Florida’s business rent tax is offered in this edition of Florida’s Bottom Line. 
“Florida’s economy is on the right track, and we’re entering 2017 well-positioned to continue making positive strides,” said CFO Atwater. “As we embark on this new year, it’s important to recognize that Florida’s economic future will continue to be shaped by the perseverance of Florida’s hardworking business leaders and workforce.”
In addition to CFO Atwater, this edition of Florida’s Bottom Line features guest articles from economic leaders who have offered their insight and opinion on the future of Florida’s economy. Here’s what they have to say about Florida’s 2017 economic outlook:
“Since November of 2010 Florida has created 1.27 million jobs and in 2017 the state is well poised to add to this total,” said Sean Snaith, PhD, Director of University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness. “Florida has managed this economic performance in the midst of a historically weak U.S. economic expansion.”
“Regulations were a central theme of the 2016 election,” said Patrick McLaughlin, PhD, Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center. “While the new administration’s timeline for implementing regulatory changes remains unclear, the likelihood of any changes occurring in the administration’s first year largely depend on the legal mechanisms at its disposal. Many regulatory policies may be quickly abandoned with a stroke of the pen.”
“Florida is a national leader in quality roads and bridges, is home to some of the world’s busiest airports, an expanding rail system, 15 seaports, and the best space port on earth—all of which support international trade,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “By 2030, Florida is projected to grow by six million residents, and welcome 150 million visitors every year. Now is the time to focus on the future—not only to avoid the headaches and costs that come with roadway congestion, but also to increase market share and job opportunities.”
“Florida can boast about a lot of things. We are a premier tourist destination with an improving education system and an attractive economic climate that creates thousands of jobs every year,” said Dominic Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. “However, the state can do more to improve the business climate to benefit both businesses and workers. One critical improvement is to reduce or eliminate the Business Rent Tax (BRT).”
To view the latest edition of Florida’s Bottom Line, and to subscribe to the publication, visit http://www.MyFloridaCFO.com/FloridasBottomLine/.
