HB 7005-Relating to Economic Programs
On Tuesday, February 21st, HB 7005, relating to Economic Programs, sponsored by the House Careers & Competition Subcommittee and Representative Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast), was heard by the full House Appropriations Committee and passed by a vote of 18 yeas to 12 nays.

AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, spoke in opposition of this bill.

This legislation threatens to eliminate ALL incentive programs that help many of Florida’s businesses and economy thrive, specifically incentives for;

• Enterprise Florida,
• VISIT FLORIDA,
• Qualified Defense and Space Contractors tax refund,
• Qualified Target Industry business tax refund,
• the Quick Action Closing fund, and
• Office of Film & Entertainment and entertainment industry tax programs.
  
  

Enacting this legislation would be detrimental to not only our state’s economy but our tourism industry, an industry that sets Florida apart from the rest.

HB 7005 is currently not assigned to another committee of reference.

AIF OPPOSES removing agency incentives as it would result in an economic downturn for Florida.

Please see the below press release from AIF President and CEO, Tom Feeney, regarding HB 7005;

AIF Statement Regarding Economic Programs Legislation

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today released the following statement on behalf of its President & CEO Tom Feeney regarding the opposition to House Bill 7005, by the House Careers & Competition Subcommittee, relating to Economic Programs.  HB 7005 was today heard in the House Appropriations Committee, its only committee of reference.

“Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA are two public-private partnerships that have been significant contributors to our economy.  Because of their value to our business community from the Panhandle to the Keys, AIF and its members oppose HB 7005.

“Eliminating these two agencies would not just put a dent in the business climate the Governor has created, it would severely crush the business opportunities this state has been able to realize because of the hard work that has gone into making Florida the No. 1 destination for job creation.

“We agree transparency and accountability is an essential practice, but these economic development programs are crucial to our Sunshine State’s success.”

Known as “The Voice of Florida Business” in the Sunshine State, AIF has represented the principles of prosperity and free enterprise before the three branches of state government since 1920. A voluntary association of diversified businesses, AIF was created to foster an economic climate in Florida conducive to the growth, development, and welfare of industry and business and the people of the state.

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