How does Florida manage their budget without a State Income Tax when many other states not only have a State Income Tax but their property taxes are about double of most places in Florida and Sales Taxes are close to the same. We are currently "vacationing" in Illinois and the newspaper headline is "Illinois Falls Apart." In my head I can account for part of the difference but can't come close to the reality of the situation.

How about less politicians with their hand in the till in Florida vs. Illinois just for starters?????

I have asked this question of several friends who are Florida residents, and they indicate that much of the state income comes from taxes on tourism, and agriculture, in particular, the citrus crop.

There are six other states with no personal income tax:

Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

My guess would be it is directly tied to tourism. Hotel/Motel taxes, rental car taxes, taxes on Disney - Sea World etc. attractions, taxes on rentals. Taxes take many forms and it simply is a matter of how and on what they are assessed. Since Florida benefits from a hearty tourism business, the tourists are taxed rather than the residents. In most states that is not an option.

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

My guess would be it is directly tied to tourism. Hotel/Motel taxes, rental car taxes, taxes on Disney - Sea World etc. attractions, taxes on rentals. Taxes take many forms and it simply is a matter of how and on what they are assessed. Since Florida benefits from a hearty tourism business, the tourists are taxed rather than the residents. In most states that is not an option.

I'm too lazy to look it up, but I bet it would be interesting to see how much Florida's revenues are from the Occupational Tax, Alcohol Tax(es), Food Tax (for eating out) and other tourism related taxes we do have. If you have to get your money, that seems like a very fair way to do it...and it seems to be working.

If we had the same type of clowns who run Il.and Ca and other states like them we would be just as screwed up as those states.They spend to by votes for their party.You have a Gov. in Il that says the state made a promise to public sector emps. and must live up to to those.I would say what makes a puplic sector emps. any different then someone in private sector?They were also promised and had to take cuts.

Also, we have a ginormous percentage of retirees that have very little impact on the infrastructure ( schools, etc.).

Originally Posted by mulligan

Also, we have a ginormous percentage of retirees that have very little impact on the infrastructure ( schools, etc.).

One way Florida " balances" their budget.............reduce, reduce and reduce aid to education, aid to dependent children, advocacy for residents of nursing homes, ets.
On the backs of those who don't have a voice in Tallahassee.

Term Limits

Originally Posted by golf2140

Term Limits

The Florida legislature has term limits.

lowest medicaid reimbursement of ANY state
low wages
poor education
high sales and tourism tax
oh but they have nice toll roads

There is no state income tax, but be careful if you have to go through probate. The "probate fee" is 40% of the assets of the trust.

Another way is the lack of polcike protection, fire departments, and teachers. Why do you think FL was 48 in education?

When it comes to taxes, I feel we all pay one way or another. What one state giveth, another will taketh.

And look at New Hampshire. No income or general sales tax. Tourism and everything else mentioned helps, however it is all about sound fiscal management. All any government knows how to do is expand. Expansion always costs more money. Where as business knows only how to cut cost. Start applying some sound business financial management to government and costs and taxes will come down. Taxes (in total) are the single largest expense growth we have. And they are about to get significantly worse with the new health care tax. And yes the supreme court did rule it was a tax. Of course if they had called it a tax in the beginning it would have never passed.

New Hampshire has some of the highest property taxes in the country.