Regulatory Reform in Florida: An Opportunity for Greater Competitiveness and Economic Efficiency

Florida State University Business Review 13:1, pp. 95-130, Spring 2014

Mercatus Center at George Mason University Working Paper No. 14-09

45 Pages Posted: 24 Aug 2014

See all articles by Patrick A. McLaughlin

Patrick A. McLaughlin

Mercatus Center at George Mason University

Jerry Ellig

George Washington University - Regulatory Studies Center

Dima Shamoun

Independent

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: March 1, 2014

Abstract

As the quantity and scope of regulations in Florida grow, so does the degree to which they affect the economy. In these circumstances, a little reform to the process of creating regulations can go a long way toward crafting an environment that fosters competitiveness and economic efficiency. This paper proposes two simple yet effective regulatory reforms that Florida could adopt to make new regulations more economically efficient. First, before designing a regulation, regulators should define the problem the regulation is supposed to address, which should include determining whether a widespread and systemic problem exists and identifying its causes. Second, once a problem has been identified, regulators should consider a wide range of alternatives before selecting a course of action. Both suggested reforms could be usefully applied to all regulatory actions, thereby improving Florida’s competitiveness and helping to prevent unnecessary regulatory burdens to its economy.

Keywords: Regulatory reform, occupational licensing, regulations, Florida, entrepreneurs, economic efficiency

JEL Classification: K2, L51

Suggested Citation

McLaughlin, Patrick A. and Ellig, Jerry and Shamoun, Dima, Regulatory Reform in Florida: An Opportunity for Greater Competitiveness and Economic Efficiency (March 1, 2014). Florida State University Business Review 13:1, pp. 95-130, Spring 2014, Mercatus Center at George Mason University Working Paper No. 14-09, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2485567

Patrick A. McLaughlin

Mercatus Center at George Mason University ( email )

3434 Washington Blvd., 4th Floor
Arlington, VA 22201
United States
(703) 993-9670 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.patrickamclaughlin.com

Jerry Ellig (Contact Author)

George Washington University - Regulatory Studies Center ( email )

805 21st St. NW
Washington, DC 20052
United States
703-375-9410 (Phone)

Dima Shamoun

Independent

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