Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 21, 2017

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A House bill that would abolish the Enterprise Florida economic development organization, eliminate a throng of business incentive programs, and strip the VISIT FLORIDA tourism marketing agency down to a barebones $25 million budget cleared its second and final panel Tuesday. That means the measure (HB 7005), OK’d by the House Appropriations Committee on an 18-12 vote, is ready to […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 20, 2017

House Speaker Richard Corcoran offered a compromise Monday in his plan to kill the public-private VISIT FLORIDA tourism marketing agency, but Gov. Rick Scott rejected it as a “massive cut.” One day before a bill (HB 7005) aimed at eliminating the organization gets its second and final committee review, an amendment to be offered by GOP state Rep. Paul Renner would save […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 20, 2017

When it comes to supporting the state’s hospitality industry, Carol Dover won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Despite the Florida House’s opposition to spending money on tourism marketing in the state budget, her Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is seeking $1 million to do just that. And the funding request is being sponsored by GOP state Rep. […]

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 […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 17, 2017

In what one lobbyist privately compared to “the bombing of Pearl Harbor,” House Speaker Richard Corcoran Friday dropped a blockbuster lawsuit on the Florida Lottery, which reports to Gov. Rick Scott, saying it was guilty of “wasteful and improper spending” for signing a $700 million deal for new equipment. The legal action caps off weeks of […]

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 […]

Associated PressFebruary 16, 2017

Florida had another record-setting year for tourism despite natural disasters, a virus outbreak and a tragic attack on an Orlando nightclub. Gov. Rick Scott will announce Thursday at the Brevard Zoo that nearly 113 million tourists visited the state last year. This is the sixth year in a row that the numbers have climbed. Nearly […]

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 […]

Tag: Visit Florida

Bill to kill business incentives, Enterprise Florida cleared for House floor

Florida House, Rick Scott again at loggerheads over VISIT FLORIDA

Carol Dover still fighting for tourism marketing money

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

Richard Corcoran sues Florida Lottery over ‘improper spending’

Florida House slams Enterprise Florida, VISIT FLORIDA in video

Sunshine State has another banner year for tourism

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