Florida TaxWatch released its 2025 Budget Turkey Watch Report yesterday, which included funds budgeted for three Escambia area projects—Health Translational Research Institute Facility, Historic Pensacola and Family Arts Education Expansion at Pensacola Little Theater, totaling over $2.4 million.
Background: Florida TaxWatch identified questionable spending in the state’s $115.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26. The independent watchdog found 242 items totaling $416.1 million that qualify as “Budget Turkeys” – appropriations that bypass established procedures and lack proper legislative oversight.
- Budget Turkeys represent spending that sidesteps normal budget procedures or avoids the legislative and public scrutiny taxpayers deserve. Florida TaxWatch’s annual review promotes oversight, integrity, and transparency in how tax dollars are allocated.
The Numbers
Beyond the $416.1 million in Budget Turkeys, the report identifies an additional $799.5 million in projects warranting close gubernatorial review. The current budget includes approximately 1,600 local member projects worth more than $2 billion, continuing a trend of at least $2.8 billion in member projects over recent years.
With 160 legislators, each member averages 10 projects worth $17 million, though distribution varies significantly.
Local Impact: Escambia County
Three Escambia County appropriations made the Turkey list:
- Health Translational Research Institute Facility – $1,667,400
- Historic Pensacola – $125,000
- Family Arts Education Expansion at Pensacola Little Theater – $646,000
Why This Matters: When appropriations bypass normal procedures, problems arise including reduced competition, limited oversight, transparency gaps, and potential waste. Projects may avoid competitive bidding and lack performance metrics that ensure taxpayers get the best value.
- The report provides Governor DeSantis a roadmap for potential line-item vetoes. For the full report, click here.
