Scott signs economic development overhaul
by John Kennedy | June 14th, 2011Gov. Rick Scott signed into law Tuesday legislation that reshuffles the state’s economic development agencies, while eliminating Florida’s lead growth management department.
Scott signed SB 2156 into law while meeting with Enterprise Florida business leaders in Orlando. The head of the public-private Enterprise Florida, Gray Swoope, who Scott recruited from a similar post in Mississippi, becomes Florida’s secretary of commerce, under the legislation.
The legislation also consolidates much of the state’s economic development efforts under a new Department of Economic Opportunity.
“In today’s globally competitive marketplace, Florida must be able to respond quickly and decisively when business opportunities come our way,” Scott said. “The bill I signed today provides us flexibility to seize opportunities created by developing markets and effectively respond to the changing needs of the businesses that grow our economy.”
Scott wanted to command the state’s job recruitment efforts from his office, and be given virtual complete control over millions of dollars in incentive money formerly steered by the state’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development.
The legislation eliminates OTTED. But lawmakers were reluctant to give Scott all the authority he wanted. Instead, Scott was given the go-ahead to approve incentive awards of less than $2 million without legislative approval, while a simple notice to legislative leaders is needed when the governor puts as much as $5 million on the table for any company or industry eyeing Florida.
Awards topping $5 million require approval from the 14-member Legislative Budget Commission.
Scott campaigned for governor with the pledge that he would create 700,000 jobs in seven years. He has touted his efforts as helping reduce the state’s unemployment to 10.8 percent, still among the highest rates in the nation.
Environmentalists had urged Scott to veto the legislation, since it abolishes the Department of Community Affairs, which they say threatens future state oversight of development projects.
Scott’s early efforts at luring companies to Florida also have proved uneven, according to many analysts.
Last week, Scott used a trade mission to Canada to announce the decision by Garda Worldwide Security to relocate its U.S. headquarters to Boca Raton from California, bringing with it 1oo jobs. Palm Beach County officials said the move was agreed to months ago, clouding Scott’s role in the development.
Meanwhile, Scott signed a $69.1 billion state budget last month that is spawning thousands of job cuts in school boards, health and social service providers, and in many state government agencies.
Tags: Department of Community Affairs, Department of Economic Opportunity, Enterprise Florida, environmentalists, Garda Worldwide Security
June 14th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
No longer a fan of Gov. Scott. I also will no longer vote party line!!! Learned my lesson the hard way.
June 14th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
Gutting the growth management laws was the worst idea ever by a florida politician. Building under the present rules didn’t seem to be a problem since over development is still a major problem in the market in florida. Rick Scott is a carpet bagging lawyer who will walk away from the govenors office an into huge saleries from those he steers money to. it’s the worst form of corruption.
June 14th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Thinking before one votes is every bit as important as thinking before one pulls a trigger. They do not care about Florida b/c they do not plan to stay – too hot and humid for them!
June 14th, 2011 at 10:29 pm
I agree with everyone and myself am regretting voting for Scott. That said I do realize that the alternative would have been worse. When can we ever hope to get true leaders who are not coddling special interests.
June 18th, 2011 at 4:56 am
Dear Stupid “All that said” the alternative would not have been worse. You were one of the pigs who voted for the butcher. The state has been ruled by repugnants for far too long. The only way Floridah will recover is to elect some Democratic politicians who care about the people of Florida. Not to elect proven corrupt repugnuts as example Rich Scott. May the first oil drill go in his back yard. Rich Scott where are the jobs?