Rick Scott scores 40 new jobs from Kentucky company

Rick Scott (center) talks to news media in Kentucky on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. Photo: Frank Collins/Twitter.

Gov. Rick Scott had the first success of his “economic development trade mission” to Kentucky this week, with the announcement that an aerospace company will expand in South Florida, creating 40 new jobs.

1^st Choice Aerospace on Tuesday said it will next open shop in Miramar, Broward County. The company makes “oxygen, fuel, cargo, and waste systems for commercial, cargo, and military aircraft,” according to a Governor’s Office news release.

“While 1^stChoice Aerospace had the opportunity to expand in Kentucky, they ultimately chose Florida as the best place to grow their businessm” Scott said in a statement.

“As a right-to-work state with zero personal income tax and low corporate tax rates, it is clear why 1^st Choice picked Florida over Kentucky,” he added. “I look forward to meeting with more companies today and tomorrow to encourage them to move and expand in Florida.”

The release, however, did not mention how much the state was spending in tax and other business incentives to lure the company to the Sunshine State.

“With the business-friendly atmosphere and the aviation talent available in South Florida, we are poised for significant growth over the next 36 months,” said Chris Yeazel, owner of 1st Choice Aerospace.

Scott, a Republican, had said in his second inaugural address he would travel the country to create jobs for Floridians.

His traveling has taken him to states with Democratic governors, including Pennsylvania, California and now Kentucky in an effort to poach companies and jobs.

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, however, is leaving office next year because of term limits.

“Gov. Scott’s description of the business climate in Kentucky is so far from the existing reality that one wonders whether he’s had too much of that Florida sun (and the high property taxes that go with it),” Beshear said previously in a statement to the Tampa Tribune.

Two years ago, Scott started sending letters to companies in those states, pitching them on Florida’s lower taxes, friendlier regulatory environment and nicer weather.