By Mark Holcomb ( May 3, 2018, 2:25 PM EDT) -- The 2018 Florida Legislature granted greater independence and authority to the Department of Revenue's Office of Taxpayer Rights Advocate. Oversight of the taxpayer rights advocate will shift from the department to the governor's office; the taxpayer rights advocate will also be responsible for recommending administrative and legislative changes to the governor and legislative leadership to resolve problems encountered by taxpayers. These changes provide a new opportunity for the taxpayer rights advocate to become a voice for all taxpayers — not just those in dire straits — and spur meaningful reforms protecting taxpayer rights in Florida. This article explains key aspects of the new law and suggests a few of the many reforms that should be considered....