Florida TaxWatch Statement on Funding for VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -

Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro released the following statement following the passage of House Bill 1A during Special Session A:

“The passage of House Bill 1A by the Florida Legislature will ensure that Florida’s economy continues to move forward following the crippling aftermath of the Great Recession. The bill will bring funding of VISIT FLORIDA to current fiscal year levels and up from the original $25 million appropriated in the 2017 Legislative Session, allowing the agency to continue to market the Sunshine State across the globe.

“We hope the language of the bill regarding VISIT FLORIDA will allow them to continue to focus on enticing tourists to Florida and boosting our economy rather than being overly bureaucratic.

“While Enterprise Florida (EFI) funding did not change, the bill creates the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, an $85 million fund to allow the Governor to approve funds for public infrastructure and workforce training projects that improve economic development. Under this, the Department of Economic Opportunity and EFI may recommend projects to the Governor.

“Florida TaxWatch research has found that continued funding of our economic incentive programs is crucial to ensuring the continued economic and job growth of the state as our population steadily rises. Florida TaxWatch will continue to recommend additional funding for Enterprise Florida and the state’s economic incentive programs to drive new, high-wage jobs to Florida. It is our hope that this issue is addressed in the 2018 Legislative Session.”