Economic Incentives – Florida Center for Investigative Reporting

Times/Herald: Economic Incentives Program Still Troubled

October 14, 2014

A state program that shells out big bucks to private companies in the hopes they will create jobs in Florida is under scrutiny, again. The Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald reports the program isn’t getting the return on investment taxpayers were promised.

State Hires Outside Counsel For $20 Million Incentive Deal Gone Wrong

July 10, 2014

Gov. Rick Scott hires outside counsel to go after a special effects company that received $20 million in state funds and then went bankrupt.

Investigation Found Enterprise Florida Spent Half A Million Dollars On Lavish Restaurants, Hotels

March 3, 2014

The state’s economic development agency is under fire, again. This time, a recent report highlighted lavish spending by its staff, which prompted a watchdog group to ask the governor to launch an investigation.

Another State-Backed Company Plans Massive Layoffs In Florida

February 14, 2014

A mortgage software firm that has received millions in state incentive dollars has announced it will lay off 744 workers in Florida by April.

Report On Economic Incentives Shows Poor Return on Investments In Some Cases

January 10, 2014

The state released a report this week showing the results of the state’s investment in private companies. So far, the state’s records show the program—which is supposed to create private sector jobs—has had mixed results.

National Group Says Enterprise Florida Is Misusing Taxpayer Funds

October 28, 2013

A new national report criticizes the use of public-private partnerships for economic development in several states, including Florida.

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