(The Center Square) — A recent report from the Tax Foundation shows how sales tax and local taxes across the United States vary from state to state with Florida sitting in the middle of the pack.

The report found 45 states and the District of Columbia collect statewide sales tax. Some local sales taxes, which are collected in 38 states, are often larger than the state rate. 

Florida has a combined sales and local tax ranking of 23rd with the state sales tax rate at 6% and local sales tax averaging about 1.02%, which is capped at 2% under state law.

Governor Ron DeSantis appointed James Holton, Dustin Rowland and Robert Stern to the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board.

Holton, of St. Petersburg, is the president and owner of JWH Properties, Inc., MHH Enterprises, Inc. and James W. Holton, P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and his master's degree and juris doctor from Boston University. Holton represents Pinellas County.

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) — According to the official in charge of Florida’s medical marijuana program, the number of active patients has increased 71% over the past two years.

Christopher Kimball, the Director of the Office of Medical Marijuana Use, provided statistics to the Florida House Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee Tallahassee Wednesday as they discussed the medical marijuana industry in the Sunshine State.

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants the Legislature to restrict politically motivated banking and investment policies with taxpayer funds and protect Floridians from discrimination from the banking industry in the upcoming session.

By Andrew Powell | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) — The Florida Legislature concluded its special session on Friday, passing bills regarding Disney’s autonomy, transport of foreign nationals and election fraud.

As the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased by 20% over the last five years, an increase for non-wage operational costs for iBudget providers has not been addressed in even longer.

For the 2023 Legislative Session, we are seeking $44.6 million in General Revenue ($67.7 million in Federal Match) equating to $112,286,417 critical dollars to address this funding gap.