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Staff ReportsFebruary 16, 2017

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In a new three-and-a-half minute video, the Florida House of Representatives scorches the state’s beleaguered public-private economic development and tourism organizations. Phrases like “no more corruption” and “no more taking taxpayers for granted” run in between clips of what the House criticizes as failed recipients of business incentives, or what House Speaker Richard Corcoran has called […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 16, 2017

Freshman Republican Rep. Randy Fine warned Gov. Rick Scott not to badmouth him in his district in a sternly written letter sent Wednesday. The letter comes after Fine and eight other Republicans on the House Careers and Competition Committee voted for a bill that would dismantle Enterprise Florida, the state’s economic development arm, and Visit […]

William PatrickFebruary 15, 2017

As the debate over whether to fund or eliminate Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida escalates at the Florida Capitol, it’s important to consider that those who directly benefit from the mostly taxpayer-funded organizations are among their most vocal supporters. It’s natural, and predictable. It’s also entirely appropriate that incentives and tourism marketing recipients have the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 13, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott met with Lee County community and business leaders, holding the first in a series of round table discussions across the state meant to rally support for Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida funding. “Right now, I’m going to fight every day to make sure we keep this funding because it’s good for your […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 9, 2017

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After the Florida Legislature denied Governor Rick Scott’s $250 million in incentive funding for Enterprise Florida, Scott called for a financial review and audit for the agency, which House Speaker Richard Corcoran has declared he wants to kill during this year’s legislative session. On Thursday, officials with the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) […]

Michael MolineFebruary 9, 2017

The chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee defended state spending on economic incentives Thursday by pointing to evidence the effort produces solid returns on investment. Visit Florida, for example, returns $3.20 cents for every dollar spent on advertising, according to figures (here; scroll down) from Amy Baker, state government’s top economist. Enterprise Florida’s international offices […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 8, 2017

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A Florida House panel Wednesday cleared a bill that would eliminate the Enterprise Florida economic development organization, the VISIT FLORIDA tourism marketing agency, and a slew of economic incentive programs. The Careers and Competition Subcommittee OK’d the proposal (PCB CCS 17-01) by a nearly party-line vote of 10-5. One Democrat voted for it, Miami’s Roy […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 2, 2017

The Florida House has fired back, filing a proposed committee bill this week completely eliminate Enterprise Florida, the state’s public-private jobs agency. The proposed committee bill (PCB CCS 17-01) would, among other things, abolish Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida, two organizations which have drawn the ire of House Speaker Richard Corcoran. The bill, which is […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 2, 2017

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Gov. Rick Scott continued to make the pitch for economic incentives, telling Florida business leaders to call their House members to encourage them to support his request for millions of dollars for Enterprise Florida. “Here’s my ask: This, in my opinion, is the most important thing we can do for the state,” he said. “Talk […]

Michael MolineJanuary 23, 2017

The new head of Enterprise Florida Inc. defended the organization Monday against complaints that it doesn’t raise enough private-sector money, saying a required one-to-one match of public and private dollars applies only to operating expenses. Chris Hart, who became president and CEO just weeks ago, cited the statute that created the economic development organization in […]

Tag: Enterprise Florida
Tom Homan has a stern warning for states that are uncooperative with deportation orders.

Florida House slams Enterprise Florida, VISIT FLORIDA in video

Randy Fine letter warns Rick Scott to stop badmouthing his incentives vote

Assessing Visit Florida beneficiaries’ assertions, predictions and anecdotes

Rick Scott talks Enterprise Florida, Visit Florida with SWFL business, community leaders

Joint auditing committee review hears mixed review of Enterprise Florida’s success rate over the past decade

Jack Latvala says evidence doesn’t support House on job incentives

House panel votes to kill Enterprise Florida, VISIT FLORIDA

House to consider proposed committee bill to eliminate Enterprise Florida

Rick Scott stresses need for economic incentive dollars during Enterprise Florida meeting

Enterprise Florida’s new chief defends the economic development program