TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott wants to create a massive $250 million fund that he can use to lure companies to the Sunshine State.
Scott says the “Florida Enterprise Fund” would allow Florida to compete against other states trying to land manufacturers and other companies. He announced the proposal Thursday during a meeting of the state’s economic development agency.
But Scott’s push comes while the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature has grown skeptical over the need to spend more on business incentives.
A Senate panel this week grilled the head of Enterprise Florida over the issue. Scott asked the Florida Legislature for $85 million this year to use for business incentives, but legislators set aside about half that amount.
Scott is also proposing that legislative leaders have a final say over any business projects in excess of $1 million.
