Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsJanuary 23, 2017

Rick Scott drew positive reviews from Floridians on the job he is doing as governor, with a plurality agreeing that the state is headed in the right direction, in a survey released Monday by Scott’s Let’s Get to Work Committee. In the survey of 1,000 likely Florida voters conducted in December, 47 percent thought Florida […]

Jim RosicaDecember 27, 2016

Enterprise Florida (EFI) would have to hire outside auditors “to verify compliance” of businesses getting incentive money under legislation filed Tuesday. New state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, a Miami-Dade Democrat, filed the bill (SB 216) on the state’s public-private economic development organization. The legislation, which does not yet have a House companion, would require the organization to then […]

Michael MolineDecember 14, 2016

A key state senator on Wednesday endorsed House Speaker Richard Corcoran‘s lawsuit seeking to open Visit Florida’s contract with the rapper Pitbull to promote tourism. “That’s a public record,” said Sen. Jeff Brandes, chairman of the Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Subcommittee, which oversees Visit Florida. Corcoran sued in state court Tuesday seeking permission to subject […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 30, 2016

A former state lawmaker has been selected to lead Enterprise Florida, a decision that comes as proponents gear up for what could be another difficult year for the public-private economic development agency. The Enterprise Florida Board of Directors on Wednesday voted unanimously to hire Chris Hart IV as the CEO of Enterprise Florida. Hart, the […]

Michael MolineNovember 28, 2016

The search for the next leader of Enterprise Florida is down to two candidates, after a third candidate withdrew. Michael Finney, former president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., has taken his name out of contention, according to Michael Grissom, spokesman for Enterprise Florida. Instead, Finney has indicated he will seek […]

Jim RosicaOctober 17, 2016

Crystal Sircy, the chief operating officer of Enterprise Florida (EFI), the state’s public-private economic development agency, is leaving to join the Orlando Economic Development Commission as its new executive vice president. Sircy, who has been with EFI since 1997, announced her resignation in an email to “stakeholders” last Thursday that was provided to FloridaPolitics.com on Monday. “I […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 30, 2016

State Sen. Jack Latvala told reporters Friday he would again support money in the state budget for business incentives and state worker pay raises. “If we’re going to have economic development, and jobs are still the No. 1 thing on people’s minds, then we need to fund it,” he said after a medical marijuana press […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 29, 2016

Americans for Prosperity-Florida (AFP-FL) is again denouncing Gov. Rick Scott for his latest plan to fund what they call “corporate welfare.” “Here we go again,” said AFP-FL state director Chris Hudson in a statement. On Thursday, Scott said he would ask lawmakers for $85 million in 2016-17 for Enterprise Florida for business incentives. The governor also said he […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterSeptember 29, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott will once again ask the Florida Legislature to set aside millions to help lure companies to the Sunshine State. But the proposal could face significant pushback in the Florida House, which has staunchly opposed cash incentives in recent years. On Thursday, Scott announced he planned to include $85 million in his 2016-17 […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterSeptember 28, 2016

Enterprise Florida is hitting the pause button on selecting a new CEO. But the decision has little to do with the candidates and everything to do with a storm brewing in the tropics. The Enterprise Florida search committee was expected to make a final recommendation Wednesday, after it conducted interviews with two candidates. But Gov. […]

Tag: Enterprise Florida
Lake Mary’s team celebrates in the eighth inning of the Little League World Series Championship game against Taiwan. Florida won in eight innings 2-1. Image via AP.

Survey by Rick Scott committee gives governor good marks

Jose Javier Rodriguez files Enterprise Florida reform legislation

Jeff Brandes backs House lawsuit to make Pitbull contract public

Chris Hart IV selected as Enterprise Florida CEO

Search narrows for next president of Enterprise Florida

Personnel note: Crystal Sircy heads to Orlando EDC

Jack Latvala backs business incentives, raises for state workers

AFP-Florida down on $85 million incentives plan

Rick Scott says he ‘can’t imagine anyone voting against’ $85M economic incentive proposal

Tropical storm delays Enterprise Florida CEO selection