Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsFebruary 20, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott has released an opinion column on the “Florida House playing politics with Florida jobs” one day before a House panel discusses killing Enterprise Florida, VISIT FLORIDA and many business incentive programs. Scott’s office emailed the op-ed to news media Monday afternoon. The House Appropriations Committee meets Tuesday to consider a bill that would eliminate […]

Dominic CalabroFebruary 17, 2017

Shaping up to be one of the biggest battles in the Legislature in many years, the fight on economic development incentives and tourism funding has been swirling throughout the halls of the Capitol the last few weeks. On one side are those who believe that taxpayer dollars should not be used to entice businesses and […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2017

Ken Lawson, the new head of VISIT FLORIDA, is telling supporters he won’t give up the fight for the state’s embattled tourism marketing agency. In an email, Lawson thanked the tourism industry for showing up to a House hearing this week where the Careers and Competition Subcommittee cleared a measure to eliminate the agency, the Enterprise Florida […]

Joe HendersonFebruary 8, 2017

In 2012, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan went on a personal crusade to convince Bass Pro Shops to build a store in Brandon. Hagan’s aim was to create jobs as the county struggled to recover from the Great Recession. He proposed an “incentive” package that was about $15 million of taxpayer money, arguing that it […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2017

The head of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Thursday defended the state’s handout of economic incentives, but said they were only ever meant to stoke job creation in a targeted way. “In very, very limited cases, incentives are in play,” said Mark Wilson, the organization’s president and CEO. “We shouldn’t be using incentives for every job we create. In fact, […]

Drew WilsonJune 8, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott announced Wednesday that an online job recruiting company will add 200 jobs and make $9 million in investments in Jacksonville. “We are excited to welcome randrr to Jacksonville and celebrate the company’s creation of 200 new jobs,” Scott said. “randrr chose to establish its new offices in Florida over several other locations […]

Phil AmmannNovember 17, 2015

Florida’s Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to the upcoming Legislative Session with a new blueprint for the effort to advance jobs, economic growth and opportunity in the Sunshine State. Now entering its 100th year, the Chamber unveiled its 2016 Legislative Agenda during a Tuesday news conference at the Florida Capitol. The Florida Legislature is […]

Guest AuthorApril 10, 2015

Today in Florida, more than 600 children woke up without a permanent home to call their own. Sadly, these vulnerable children are revolving through a broken foster system that leaves far too many without hope for a happy life or successful future. Without the endless love of my adoptive parents, I could have been among […]

Christine Jordan SextonNovember 5, 2014

When the Legislature passed HB 7095 creating an annual multi-million pool of tax incentives for sports teams and franchises willing to locate and renovate in the Sunshine State there was sentiment the barrage of lobbying surrounding the incentives would stop. The law may have sent efforts into overtime, though, as four teams submitted applications totaling […]

Christine Jordan SextonNovember 3, 2014

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The Miami Dolphins, Orlando City MLS, Daytona International Speedway, and the Jacksonville Jaguars have submitted a combined $9 million in requests for tax incentives, more than what the state has to spend. South Florida lobbyist Ron Book said the Dolphins application was deemed complete on Friday and that the team is seeking $3 million in […]

Tag: incentives

In op-ed, Rick Scott still swinging against GOP opposition to incentives

Economic development incentives drive jobs to Florida, boost state economy

Ken Lawson “will continue to fight” for VISIT FLORIDA

On Rick Scott/Richard Corcoran feud; ‘incentives’ not needed to draw business to Florida

Florida Chamber head still bullish on incentives (with an explanation)

Job recruiting tech firm randrr to add 200 jobs, $9 million investment in Jacksonville

Florida Chamber unveils ambitious plan for job growth, diversified economy in 2016

Jason Brodeur: Make Florida best adoption state for everyone

Let the games begin: State set to review applications for sports facility tax incentives

Show me the money: A quartet of sports franchises applies for $7 million in incentives