Originally published by Red Tape Florida. This is an edited version. By: Gabriel Carraro de Andrade The United States is experiencing a labor shortage across various sectors, with education and healthcare being hit the hardest. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the shortage. With a shift towards remote work, many younger individuals are less inclined to … Continue reading Dentistry Shortage in Florida
Florida State University expert available to break down latest housing market trends
Originally published by Florida State University News By: Stephen Stone The U.S. housing market just hit another record. Median home prices in June climbed to $435,300, the highest ever, while existing home sales dipped again. What’s driving the trend? And is there any relief ahead? Florida State housing policy expert Sam Staley says this affordability … Continue reading Florida State University expert available to break down latest housing market trends
Fostering Innovation and Technology Can Put Florida in Lead for Combatting Space Debris
By: Max Blumenfeld and Zachary Asarnow Almost three-fourths of the almost $400 billion generated annually by space-related industries is within the commercial satellite industry alone. These satellites are crucial for television, banking, communication, and navigation, and the industry is expected to grow $1.8 trillion by 2035. Satellites, however, largely operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), … Continue reading Fostering Innovation and Technology Can Put Florida in Lead for Combatting Space Debris
Teacher Shortages: How are Housing Prices and Salary Influencing Educators?
By: Isabel Gregersen Teacher retention rates and the number of young people going into the education field are low in many parts of the United States. Florida K-12 schools, however, are especially struggling to keep teachers and hire new ones. Departing teachers sometimes leave because they are unsatisfied with the curriculum. Others may be retiring. … Continue reading Teacher Shortages: How are Housing Prices and Salary Influencing Educators?
Economic Growth from the Proliferation of the Private Space Industry in Florida
“Exploration is wired into our brains. If we can see the horizon, we want to know what’s beyond.” – Buzz Aldrin, Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon By: Dominick Purpura and Max Blumenfeld Florida stands as the premier gateway to space exploration in the United States, home to the highest number of … Continue reading Economic Growth from the Proliferation of the Private Space Industry in Florida
Alumni Spotlight: Data Scientist Austin Eovito Tackles AI at the DMC
By: Sarah Grace Hutchinson On September 22nd, 2023, the DMC welcomed Austin Eovito, a DMC alum, to host a discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Eovito works for the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) as a Data Scientist, specifically working for IBM’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Business Unit. Eovito hosted a casual discussion and Q&A about … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Data Scientist Austin Eovito Tackles AI at the DMC
Alumni Spotlight: Data Analytics Sets Jimmy Mendez Up for Career Success
By: Mishalynn Brown Students embark on numerous career paths after college. The DMC works to ensure that students are armed with a set of skills that apply to their future endeavors. We were happy to catch up with Jimmy Mendez, an alumnus of the DMC who worked within the Data Analytics Group. Joining the Center … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Data Analytics Sets Jimmy Mendez Up for Career Success
![[Stern-Wheeler Arriving at Silver Springs, Florida, after an Overnight Run up the St. Johns, Oklawaha, & Silver Rivers]](https://i0.wp.com/devoelmooreinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/DT1649.jpg?fit=1080%2C879&ssl=1)
Protecting North Florida’s Springs
By Jad Kabbani North Florida's springs are highly valued environmental resources, known for their water quality and recreational appeal. The region, along with Central Florida, is home to the densest concentration of freshwater springs in the world. Consequentially, North Florida's economy heavily depends on this abundant natural resource as visitors and locals take advantage of … Continue reading Protecting North Florida’s Springs
The K-12 Wage Gap in Florida: Economic Implications and Future Outlook
By: Jimmy Mendez K-12 teachers in the United States are tackling a long-term battle with low salary growth rates. According to the data from the Employment Policy Institute, teachers are paid lower relative to similarly situated professional workers. While the average worker’s salary in Florida has steadily increased over the last decade, the average pay … Continue reading The K-12 Wage Gap in Florida: Economic Implications and Future Outlook
George Floyd and the Future of Police Misconduct
By: Dr. Samuel R. Staley This piece first appeared in The Beacon. The death of George Floyd at the hands of a cop with a history of excessive force complaints has spurred protests, demonstrations, and riots across the nation. Unfortunately, the violence some protesters have unleashed on these cities is likely to exacerbate existing cultural … Continue reading George Floyd and the Future of Police Misconduct
It’s Time for Local Governments to Comprehensively Embrace the Efficiencies of Remote Work
By: Dr. Samuel R. Staley Now that Gov. DeSantis is moving forward with plans to re-open the Florida economy, it’s time to also think about what Florida’s governments can do to harness technology and remote work to improve productivity and efficiency. While some public officials may see remote work as a temporary, emergency adjustment triggered … Continue reading It’s Time for Local Governments to Comprehensively Embrace the Efficiencies of Remote Work
Raising Minimum Wage Would Hurt Marginalized Workers
By: Jordan Wilson On November 8, Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage Amendment received approval to appear on the 2020 ballot. The amendment, if passed, will raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour in Florida by 2026. With public opinion favoring the passage of the amendment, it is time to examine the impact of the proposed … Continue reading Raising Minimum Wage Would Hurt Marginalized Workers
Entrepreneurship programs challenge conventional wisdom on criminal justice
Those who choose the path of an entrepreneur have the opportunity to reclaim their lives on their own terms, saving themselves while bettering their own communities and making a meaningful contribution to the economy.
From classroom research to policy change: Occupational licensing and criminal justice reform
The James Madison Institute released Bridging the Divide: Licensing and Recidivism, a study examining the effects of occupational licensing on the recidivism in the criminal justice system, just as the Florida legislature was scrambling to pass its highest priority items in April 2019. One of those bills, H.B. 7125, included a dramatic and far reaching de-regulation of … Continue reading From classroom research to policy change: Occupational licensing and criminal justice reform
Time to Revisit Private History of Mass Transit
By Giovanna Da Silva Tallahassee’s public bus transportation system, Starmetro, has been the subject of criticism among community members who use the buses. With a 3.0 star rating (out of five) on Google reviews, many complain about the poor quality of service, lack of cleanliness, tardiness, and limited bus routes and times. Complaints about public … Continue reading Time to Revisit Private History of Mass Transit
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Millennial Generation
By Alexis Gimbel The concept of corporate social responsibility, also known as “CSR,” is a company’s efforts to take accountability for its effects on the environment and society. A firm that practices CSR will often operate in a manner that surpasses the business standards required by government regulations. This ideal has led to the development … Continue reading Corporate Social Responsibility and the Millennial Generation
Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs Face Regulatory Hurdles
By Kristen Carpenter and Giovanna da Silva Entrepreneurship often serves as a means to achieve social change. In the Middle East, social enterprises such as Glowork foster advancement by providing the disenfranchised with empowerment and professional development opportunities. Many entrepreneurs and employment seekers in the area, however, face regulatory hurdles to starting their own business. … Continue reading Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs Face Regulatory Hurdles
Saudi Arabian Entrepreneur Advances Women’s Rights in the Middle East
By Kristen Carpenter and Giovanna DaSilva Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia became the first country to grant a robot by the name of Sophia full-fledged citizenship. Critics noted that while Sophia can roam the streets of the country unaccompanied, Saudi Arabia’s female citizens are not afforded this right. After all, women are still prohibited from … Continue reading Saudi Arabian Entrepreneur Advances Women’s Rights in the Middle East
The Jones Act is Sinking the Growth of American Industries
By Giovanna DaSilva The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly referred to as the Jones Act, is a law enacted to protect the United States’ maritime industry, regulate commerce, and bolster national defense. While well-intentioned, the act fails to reflect the current needs of the United States. Repealing the Jones Act would prove beneficial to … Continue reading The Jones Act is Sinking the Growth of American Industries
Defunding Florida’s Film Industry Incentives was Example of Evidence-Based Policy
By Marisa Lupica and Matt Kelly States have been competing fiercely for movie productions with tax incentives since the early 2000s. Such incentives include cash grants, income tax credits, sales tax rebates, or payroll tax credits. Today, 37 states offer tax incentives for film productions. However, recent economic research shows that film tax incentives fail … Continue reading Defunding Florida’s Film Industry Incentives was Example of Evidence-Based Policy
New Overtime Rules Blocked For Now, But Uncertainty Weighs on Businesses
By Matt Kelly CLOCK IN TIME: 6:10pm Work in the United States may be about to change. The Department of Labor (DOL) has updated overtime rules relating to the Fair Labor Standards Act, and some changes could have a big impact on businesses’ labor costs. The rules were set to take effect on December 1, … Continue reading New Overtime Rules Blocked For Now, But Uncertainty Weighs on Businesses
Despite Problems, Florida’s Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund is Best Performing Incentive
By Marisa Lupica The Qualified Target Industry (QTI) tax refund is offered to attract high wage jobs in target industries to Florida. The program is administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity, Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI), and the Department of Revenue. Among Florida’s tax incentive programs, QTI is the largest and has the highest return … Continue reading Despite Problems, Florida’s Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund is Best Performing Incentive
Gender Wage Gap in Florida
By Tyler Worthington, Tian Ma, and Igor Lukashevich One of the hottest topics in the 2016 presidential race is income inequality. Income inequality between the genders has been of particular interest. According to the White House, full-time working women are paid 78 cents for every dollar earned by a man. However, the labor market in … Continue reading Gender Wage Gap in Florida
Florida Facing the Wrong Direction on Immigration Reform
By Selene Capparelli The US immigration system has been badly broken for many decades. Mass deportation, enhanced border security, and keeping undocumented workers in perpetual illegal status have been proven to be very costly and ineffective methods to handle the constant influx of new immigrants.These policies result in hundreds of border-crossing deaths each year, abject … Continue reading Florida Facing the Wrong Direction on Immigration Reform
Regulation of Uber, Lyft Should Be Local, Not Statewide
By Matt Kelly It seems that everywhere Uber, Lyft, and other transportation network companies (TNCs) set up shop, trouble with local regulators follows. The situation in Florida has been no different. The Uber vs. taxi debate has been so heated that state lawmakers have proposed legislation (HB 509) to simply regulate all vehicles for … Continue reading Regulation of Uber, Lyft Should Be Local, Not Statewide
Occupational Licensing For Florida’s Barbers Does More Harm Than Good
By Jamaal Gill The rise of occupational licensing has become a major concern to Florida’s businesses. These regulations affect everyone from doctors to restauranteurs; barbers to financial advisors. The main justifications for occupational licensing are the promotion of consumer welfare, public health, and a higher quality service. However, in many professions, occupational licensing keeps … Continue reading Occupational Licensing For Florida’s Barbers Does More Harm Than Good
Taxis and Ridesourcing Companies Serve Different Customers
By Matt Kelly Uber, Lyft, Sidecar, and other “ridesourcing” services have been the subject of a near continuous stream of popular news stories, lawsuits, protests, and even regulatory reforms across the world. The reporting has often bordered on sensationalism, but a handful of recent economic studies have tried to objectively examine the effects of “ridesourcing” … Continue reading Taxis and Ridesourcing Companies Serve Different Customers
New Study Sheds Light on Ridesharing’s Labor Market
By Matt Kelly Few economic issues have been more talked about this year than the disruptive forays into the taxi market by ridesharing technology companies like Uber and Lyft. It seems reasonable to assume ridesharing drivers are of the same ilk as traditional taxi drivers, yet little academic research has been done...until now. A recent … Continue reading New Study Sheds Light on Ridesharing’s Labor Market
Florida Legislators Seek To Clarify Ridesharing Regulations
By Matt Kelly The ridesharing technology company Uber has created quite a controversy overthe past year for its unprecedented disruption of the traditional taxi industry. Users praise the California-based company for shorter wait times and cheap fares, along with features like its driver rating system. Given the mobile app’s popularity with customers, many are now … Continue reading Florida Legislators Seek To Clarify Ridesharing Regulations
Reforms are Brewing in Florida
By Matt Kelly Floridians are brandishing their growlers as the state’s legislature considers reforms that would finally legalize the popular 64 oz. alcoholic beverage container. Florida is the only state in the nation to prohibit the growler, a legal idiosyncrasy that craft brewers say stifles their growth. An exemption to allow small brewers to self-distribute … Continue reading Reforms are Brewing in Florida
New Study Tests the Merits of Surge Pricing
By Matt Kelly As Uber, Lyft and other “ridesharing” services continue to revolutionize the urban transportation landscape, more complaints are surfacing questioning the efficiency and fairness of the innovative services they provide. One of the more recent is “surge pricing,” the idea that services provided during peak periods carry a higher charge or fee. A … Continue reading New Study Tests the Merits of Surge Pricing
Entrepreneurship and Civil Rights: Then and Now
Photograph of Eunice N. Cofie, entrepreneur and founder of Nuekie. Original post date: November 07, 2014 Article by: Matt Kelly Florida State University recently hosted distinguished Florida A&M University professor David Jackson for a lecture on the role of business in the Civil Rights Movement. Using his research on Booker T. Washington as a basis, … Continue reading Entrepreneurship and Civil Rights: Then and Now
The Changing Landscape of Urban Transportation
Original post date: October 10, 2014 Article by: Ben Douglas Uber CEO Travis Kalanick recently released his vision for the future, touting “a million fewer cars on the road,” along with reduced congestion, emissions, and DUIs. If this vision is realized, in combination with an aging driving demographic and the rise of driverless cars, it … Continue reading The Changing Landscape of Urban Transportation
Government Protects Consumers from Bad Haircuts
Original post date: October 02, 2014 Article by: Dan Davy Florida protects its hairy public from rogue barbers by requiring prospective barbers to pay fees and complete extensive education requirements and exams before granting permission to legally operate. These requirements are one part of what makes Florida’s licensing the fourth most burdensome in the country … Continue reading Government Protects Consumers from Bad Haircuts
Taxi Regulation Reduces Driver Opportunity
Original post date: September 30, 2014 Article by: Ben Douglas For decades, state and local governments have imposed dramatic entry controls on the taxi industry across the United States. These regulatory hurdles benefit established companies at the expense of drivers. Many cities issue "medallions," a permit that grants its owner the legal right the right … Continue reading Taxi Regulation Reduces Driver Opportunity
Overbearing Licensing of Farm Labor Contractors
Original post date: September 25, 2014 Article by: Dan Davy According to a recent Institute for Justice study, Florida has the fourth most burdensome occupational licensure laws in the nation. One of the many occupations Florida licenses is farm labor contracting. A farm labor contractor is anyone who employs other farm workers for a third party or furnishes employees … Continue reading Overbearing Licensing of Farm Labor Contractors
Do UberX Driveres Really Earn Three Times More than Taxi Drivers?
Original post date: September 16, 2014 Article by: Ben Douglas In May, Uber revealed annual median incomes for UberX drivers in New York and San Francisco of $90,766 and $74,191, respectively. In contrast, 2013 median annual taxi driver incomes in New York and San Francisco are $29,910 and $28,060 according to the Bureau of Labor … Continue reading Do UberX Driveres Really Earn Three Times More than Taxi Drivers?
Florida Workers Would Suffer from Minimum Wage Increase
Original post date: September 10, 2014 Article by: Matt Kelly 6/9/2023 Edits: Some links that were no longer working have been fixed. As Floridians nurse their Labor Day sunburns, it’s worth remembering the twentieth century labor movement’s legacies. Chief among them is the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, a federal law that established the … Continue reading Florida Workers Would Suffer from Minimum Wage Increase
Uber Wars Transcend Party Lines
Original post date: September 08, 2014 Article by: Ben Douglas 6/8/2023 Edits: Some links that were no longer working have been fixed. High-ranking Republican officials have recently come out in support of Uber, the innovative but legally-troubled ridesharing app that connects drivers and passengers. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus penned an op-ed in the … Continue reading Uber Wars Transcend Party Lines
Why do Workers Support The Minimum Wage?
Original post date: February 03, 2014 Article by: Ben Douglas One of the more peculiar political phenomena of our time is the widespread support of minimum wage laws among unskilled labor, particularly service workers in low-wage industries such as hotels, restaurants, and retail shops. This is likely to increase with President Obama’s push to increase … Continue reading Why do Workers Support The Minimum Wage?
The Uber Wars
Original post date: December 10, 2013 Article by: Ben Douglas 6/6/2023 Edits: Some links that were no longer working have been fixed. In my previous blogs, I discussed some of the legal and regulatory hurdles encountered by Uber, a Transportation Network Company (TNC) that provides on-demand taxi and limousine services using a smartphone app to … Continue reading The Uber Wars
Entrenched Interests Fight Innovation in Taxi Industry
Original post date: November 19, 2013 Article by: Ben Douglas 5/24/2023 Edits: Some links that were no longer working have been fixed. A revolutionary new smartphone app is changing the nature of the taxicab business, but stiff opposition from entrenched taxi companies risks keeping their innovations from benefiting customers. Uber is a venture-capital funded startup … Continue reading Entrenched Interests Fight Innovation in Taxi Industry
Ohio Pedicab Operator Regulatory Goal? Limit Competition
Original post date: June 04, 2013 Article by: Sam Staley 5/8/2023 Edits: Some links that were no longer working have been fixed. At least pedicab operators in Columbus, Ohio are honest about what they expect out of the city's licensing process: Purging the city of competition. The city is about to adopt regulations that, among … Continue reading Ohio Pedicab Operator Regulatory Goal? Limit Competition
Buildings Don’t Create Permanent Jobs
Original post date: March 22, 2013 Article by: Sam Staley 5/8/2023 Edits: Some links that were no longer compatible have been fixed. Gaines Street is the "it" place for Tallahassee's economic redevelopment initiatives, skirting the northern edge of the southern border of the Frenchtown/Southside Community Redevelopment Area. With large new projects going up along the … Continue reading Buildings Don’t Create Permanent Jobs