CFO Jeff Atwater Celebrates Tax Freedom Day

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, April 20, marks the celebration of
Florida's Tax Freedom Day. Tax Freedom Day is the day when taxpayers
have collectively earned enough money to pay their total federal,
state and local tax bill for the year. Due to a lower-than-average
tax structure, Florida's Tax Freedom Day falls four days earlier
than the national day, which falls on April 24 this year. This
four-day difference means that by living in Florida, residents keep
four days of earnings more than the national average.

"With one of the lowest tax structures in the United States, it's no
surprise that Florida's population continues to grow-even passing
the 20 million mark this year," said CFO Jeff Atwater. "Many states
tax and spend as if there's a never-ending pot of money to pull
from, but in Florida, lawmakers have remained committed to using
taxpayers' dollars wisely, so that more of our residents' hard-
earned money stays in their pockets where it belongs."

Based on a $50,000 annual household income, Floridians keep an extra
$548 in their pockets. That money can be used to purchase roughly
five weeks of groceries, to pay for five amusement park tickets, to
buy 24 tank of gas or build their emergency fund or retirement nest
egg.

In addition to falling four days before the nation, Florida's Tax
Freedom Day falls before many of its peer states. Most notably,
Illinois' date falls on April 29, California's on April 30, and New
York's on May 11.

To ensure the state's taxes remain low and to keep more money in the
pockets of its residents, Florida remains committed to putting the
state's finances on display. Through transparent, accessible
government, Floridians can demand accountability and responsibility
in state spending. To learn more about Florida's finances, visit
www.MyFloridaCFO.com/Transparency.