HB 7005, sponsored by Rep. Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast), does several things in relation to economic programs in the state. Chief among the bill’s actions is the elimination of Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) and Visit Florida, along with numerous incentive programs they administer.
EFI is a nonprofit corporation established by the Florida Legislature to seek out opportunities to recruit businesses and corporations to Florida. Visit Florida is a nonprofit corporation established by the Legislature that promotes tourism within the state through marketing and advertising activities.
If the bill were to become law, both of these organizations would be eliminated, with a number of the programs they administer being moved, along with their funding, to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
The bill’s proponents, which include House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Lutz), claim these incentive and marketing programs, and the organizations that run them, are unnecessary and ineffective. Opponents, which include Gov. Rick Scott, counter that companies and tourists are being actively recruited by other states, and these organizations are needed for Florida to remain competitive.
Florida Realtors would like to hear from Realtor members about their experiences working with homeowners or investors who have interacted with or benefited from these programs. Please share your stories at newseditor@floridarealtors.org or publicpolicy@floridarealtors.org.
For a complete summary of the legislation and the organizations and programs it impacts, visit the bill’s website page and view the latest staff analysis.
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