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Tourism raised $35.2 billion in taxes in 2022, consisting of $18.9 billion in federal tax revenue, $8.1 billion in state tax revenue and $8.2 billion in local tax receipts, according to a report.
January 16 -
The bond division undertook two transactions last week to retire outstanding taxable public education capital outlay and state revolving fund bonds. The transactions used $200 million in program funds, along with additional money, to pay down $400 million in state debt.
July 19 -
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity said the state unemployment rate in May was steady at 2.6% for the fifth straight month, the lowest among the 10 largest states in the nation.
June 16 -
"This recent escalation of the Disney-DeSantis fight is unnerving, but it doesn't make that fight any more consequential for the municipal market," said Justin Marlowe of the University of Chicago.
May 10 -
"When the rating agencies developed and rolled out their ESG scores, they said their ESG scores would not impact an issuer's credit rating. We are holding them to their word," said Ben Watkins, director of the state Division of Bond Finance.
May 3 -
The Florida Legislature has passed a law that bans the issuance of municipal bonds, such as green bonds that use environmental, social or governance criteria. The bill now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.
April 20 -
"Florida may have the statutory authority to abrogate an agreement, but what does that say for things going forward?" asks Joseph Krist, publisher of Muni Credit News. "Why couldn't an anti-development administration do the same thing in reverse to somewhere like the Villages?"
April 19 -
"Florida will not side with economic central planners; we will not adopt policies that threaten personal economic freedom and security," said Gov. Ron DeSantis.
March 21 -
So far 12 states have enacted ESG statutes with 67 pending statues in 28 states, according to the Morgan Lewis law firm. Florida's anti-ESG bill goes farthest.
March 15 -
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed the bill to rename the Reedy Creek Improvement District and end Disney's self-governance. Separately, the Legislature will look at prohibiting the issuance of environmental, social and governance bonds and using associated ratings.
February 27