House moves on eliminating agencies amid Scott pressure

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A measure to abolish the public-private Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida will be heard by the House Appropriations Committee next week. Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott continues to tour the state drumming up support for the agencies, appearing Wednesday in Riviera Beach and Sunrise. 

The governor's office has also emailed news reports of other events he's held this week across Florida, including articles that focus on attacks he's made on local House members who have voted to end the business-recruitment and tourism-marketing agencies.

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The measure (HB 7005), which emerged from the House Careers & Competition Subcommittee and is being sponsored by Rep. Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, would also end the Office of Film & Entertainment, the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, Florida's international offices and several other programs. It will go before the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.

Careers & Competition Subcommittee members voted 10-5 on Feb. 8 to back the 172-page proposed bill.

Renner said last week money spent on incentives doesn't help small businesses or local residents, puts at a disadvantage businesses that are forced to compete with companies that get state money and reduces spending for public safety, roads, bridges and education.

Scott has requested $85 million for business recruitment incentives and $76 million for tourism marketing as part of next year's budget. Scott maintains such money is needed to attract businesses and jobs to the Sunshine State and has helped the state's economy grow the past six years.