The Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released a report showing the Florida Goodwill Association has placed 4,694 jobs into state communities during a press conference at the Florida Capitol this week. The report, which gauges economic and fiscal impacts, also detailed the association has employed 11,000 individuals due to its efforts.
“Goodwill is a national organization that has immersed itself in Florida’s economy through workforce development programs, community service, housing services, re-entry services, and veteran and youth programs that provide critical resources, programs, and services to program enrollees," FTW President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said.
According to Calabro, Goodwill generated $1.5 billion in economic impact for the state in 2024 alone.
The association also contributed $893.9 million to Florida's GDP, added 593.9 million in personal income, and helped support 21,471 jobs.
Goodwill has been established in the state for more than 50 years.
The association includes nine established territories in Big Bend, Central Florida, Gulf Coast, Gulfstream, Manasota, North Florida, South Florida, Southwest, and Suncoast, which provide "critical services and programs" to Florida communities.
"The Florida Goodwill Association and its nine territories throughout the state focus on providing mission-driven and impactful programs and services that enhance Florida’s workforce and help stimulate the economy," FTW Executive VP and General Counsel Jeff Kottkamp said. "The savvy business model used by Goodwill — utilizing the sale of donated goods to fund community programs — highlights the meaning and emphasis behind Goodwill’s important work.”
Kottkamp also noted that Goodwill collected $31 million in local state sales tax and paid 72.9 million in direct and indirect tax dollars to the state while speaking during a conference in Tallahassee.
"I am proud to know that every dollar spent in the North Florida Goodwill stores, 90 cents is reinvested back into the programs offered," Sen. Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) expressed.
"In fact, the Take Stock in Children initiative, a statewide program that provides mentoring services and scholarship opportunities for students seeking higher education, continues to be a success with more than 450 program participants and providing better access to higher education opportunities to individuals in need,” she explained.
Florida TaxWatch is an independent government watchdog and taxpayer research institute dedicated to enhancing the productivity and accountability of Florida government. The institute is also known as the "eyes and ears" for state taxpayers.
