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Governor Rick Scott to Host 2017 Jobs Summit in Orlando Next Week

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Business, Education, Community and Government Leaders
Gathering to Discuss Economic Development and Job Creation

Governor Rick Scott announced today that he will host the 2017 Jobs Summit next week to bring together Florida business, education, economic development and community leaders to discuss how to keep bringing new jobs to Florida and ensure positive economic development across the state for generations to come. Governor Rick Scott’s 2017 Jobs Summit will be held at the Caribe Royale in Orlando on February 2nd and 3rd.
Governor Scott said, “The 2017 Jobs Summit will connect business, education, economic development and community leaders to discuss the best ways to bring more jobs to our state. A job is the most important thing to a family, and we must fight to make sure our children and grandchildren have every opportunity to succeed in the Sunshine State.”
Some of the speakers include:

  • Travis Brown, Author: How Money Walks
  • Stan Connally, President & CEO of Gulf Power Company
  • Eric Silagy, President & CEO of Florida Power and Light
  • Gary Spulak, President of Embraer Aircraft Holding
  • Al Stimac, President of Manufacturers Association of Florida
  • Syd Kitson, Chairman of the Florida Chamber of Commerce
  • Harry Sidaris, President of Duke Energy Florida
  • Belinda Keiser, Vice Chancellor of Keiser University
  • Jesse Biter, Founder & CEO of Biter Enterprises
  • Susan Amat, Founder and CEO of Venture Hive
  • John Duffy, CEO of 3C Interactive
  • Steve Calle, Co-Founder & CEO of Snow Lizard Products
  • Trey Lauderdale, Founder & President of Voalte
  • Matthew Levenson, Founder & CEO of Moocho
  • Chris Hart, President & CEO of Enterprise Florida
  • Ken Lawson, President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA
  • Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)

Business Leaders Applaud Gov. Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” $618 Million Tax Cut Package

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Governor Rick Scott announced today that he is proposing $618 million in tax cuts to help Florida families and small businesses, and ensure taxes are cut for Florida’s future generations. These tax cuts will encourage job creators to add more jobs and build opportunities now and in the future. Here’s what Florida business leaders are saying:
Erin Meagher, Founder of Beneficial Blends, said, “Beneficial Blends is proud of our commitment to the Tampa Bay area and we are constantly working to add more Floridians to our dynamic team. With two locations currently under a commercial lease, Governor Scott’s proposed tax cut would allow us to invest more in growing our company and creating new opportunities. Reducing the tax on commercial leases would certainly help our business and many others that may consider setting up manufacturing facilities in Florida, and I look forward to seeing it passed this year.”
Richard Scherzer, Co-Owner of About Floors N More, “Governor Scott truly understands small business and is dedicated to fighting on behalf of the many small businesses and the families they employ across the state. About Floors N More pays commercial lease taxes on all three of our properties, and the Governor’s proposed tax cut would help our business invest more money in growing and creating opportunities in Jacksonville. We were excited to welcome Governor Scott to our business today and look forward to seeing these tax cuts passed.”
Gerry Angeli, President & General Manager of ACR Electronics, Inc. a Drew Marine Company, said, “For five decades ACR Electronics has believed there is no better place than Florida, the boating capital of the world, to build emergency beacons for boaters designed and manufactured to make sure they come home safely every time. As a proud Florida manufacturer and job creator, we appreciate Governor Scott’s ongoing commitment to cutting taxes and making it easier for businesses, like ours, to invest more in growing our company. Governor Scott’s proposed $618 million tax cut package is great news for our company and our many employees and we are excited to support it.”
Bill Herrle, Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said, “We know from talking to job creators across the state and the nation that the tax on commercial leases puts Florida at a competitive disadvantage. Governor Scott has demonstrated an incredible commitment to doing everything possible to make it easier for businesses to succeed, and these recommended tax cuts are critical to ensuring continued economic growth. NFIB is proud to fully support this proposal and we look forward to the Legislature cutting $618 million in taxes this year.”
Randy Miller, Florida Retail Federation President and CEO, said, “Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ tax cut package includes a number of cuts which will significantly support Florida’s retailers, including a reduction in the business rent tax, cutting the business tax and an expanded back-to-school sales tax holiday, among others. FRF is excited about what the Governor’s tax cut package will mean for growing Sunshine State businesses, creating new jobs for Florida families and ensuring our state remains competitive.”
David Hart, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, said, “Every step we take to make Florida more business-friendly means more job creators choosing to move to and reinvest in our state. Governor Scott’s recommended $618 million tax cut package will help businesses large and small invest more in creating jobs for our families and will help ensure Florida’s economy will continue to grow well into the future. We are fighting to make our state the best place for job creators and families to succeed and the Florida Chamber of Commerce will continue to work with Governor Scott and the Legislature this year to support this tax cut package.”
Tom Feeney, President and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida, said, “Governor Scott’s proposed $618 million tax cut package truly fights for both job creators and families across the state. Over the past few years, we have seen the exciting impact tax cuts have had on helping businesses move to and grow in our state, as well as the importance of helping Floridians keep more of their hard-earned money. In order to continue to help our economy grow, we must remain committed to lowering the cost of doing business, and reducing the business rent tax will surely help us meet that goal. AIF is proud to join Governor Scott in fighting for Florida’s future by supporting the passage of $618 million in tax cuts.”
2017 Florida Realtors® President Maria Wells, broker-owner with Lifestyle Realty Group in Stuart, said, “Reducing the tax businesses pay for commercial leases will make an incredible difference for job creators across the state. For small businesses especially, this tax can prevent companies from being able to invest more, which in turn creates new opportunities for families in their communities. Florida’s Realtors stand ready to work with Gov. Scott to advocate for his $618 million tax cut package during the 2017 legislative session.”
Madeline Pumariega, Chancellor of the Florida College System, said, “The Governor’s proposal to cut $618 million in taxes, especially exempting college textbooks from the sales tax, is great news for Florida families and students. This is incredibly important to ensuring our students have all the resources they need to exceed in college and beyond.”
Tom Kuntz, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, said, “As Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, I am thrilled that Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ tax cut package includes providing a one-year sales tax exemption on college textbooks. This will help students across the state save millions of dollars and allow them to focus more on getting a great education. I join Governor Scott in fighting for the future of our students and we are proud to support these proposed tax cuts”
Bobby Carbonell, Executive Director of Florida is for Veterans, Inc., said, “A veteran himself, Governor Scott has been committed to making Florida the most military-friendly state in the nation. The proposed sales tax holidays, especially the three-day veteran’s sales tax holiday, is great news for the many military members, and their families, who call Florida their home. Florida is for Veterans Inc. is honored to support Governor Scott’s $618 million tax cut package, and we will continue to work with the Governor and the Legislature to ensure Florida remains the most military-friendly state for years to come.”

Governor Rick Scott encourages students to apply for the Gubernatorial Fellows Program

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Governor Rick Scott is encouraging college and university students to apply for the 2017-2018 Gubernatorial Fellows Program. Participation in the program provides Florida students with firsthand, high-level experience and insight into how state government operates. Established in 2004, and endowed by the Hoffman Foundation in 2005, the program gives Florida college and university students the unique opportunity to work alongside state government’s top staff for two semesters.
Governor Scott said, “The Gubernatorial Fellows Program provides an invaluable opportunity for Florida’s college and university students to receive advanced, on-the-job training. I encourage students interested in public service and leadership to apply to be a part of this amazing program and learn the skills needed for today’s workforce.”
Gubernatorial Fellows are assigned to the Executive Office of the Governor and the Governor’s agencies, based on their major or area of concentration. Fellows work a minimum of 20 hours per week and are paid for their time on the job. Fellows will also receive tuition waivers from their college or university to cover the cost of their tuition as they continue their studies throughout the program year.
To be eligible for a Gubernatorial Fellowship, candidates should be enrolled at a Florida college or university, as a rising junior or senior, or a graduate student. Applicants should exhibit strong leadership, written and oral communication skills, community activism and a desire to serve the people of Florida. Approximately 12 students from around the state will be selected based on a competitive application process.
Students can visit www.FloridaFellows.com to learn about the expectations and requirements of the program, as well as read testimonials from alumni. Interested students must apply online, and the site includes complete information about the recruitment process.
Applications are due by Wednesday, March 1, 2017. The Fellowship will follow the university calendar starting in August 2017 and end in May 2018. The Governor’s screening and selection committee will announce the program participants in May 2017.
For more information on the Gubernatorial Fellows Program, please visit www.FloridaFellows.com.

Gov. Scott: Fighting for Florida’s Future With $618 Million Tax Cut Package

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Kicking Off “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tax Cut Tour

Governor Rick Scott announced today during the “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tax Cut Tour that he is proposing $618 million in tax cuts to help Florida families and small businesses, and ensure taxes are cut for Florida’s future generations. These tax cuts will encourage job creators to add more jobs and build opportunities now and in the future. This morning, Governor Scott kicked off the “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tax Cut Tour in Jacksonville and will be making stops in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Riviera Beach, Orlando and Fort Myers this week.
Governor Scott said, “While Florida’s economy has made great strides over the past six years, we have to continue to fight for Florida’s future and ensure our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to succeed in our great state. We know one of the best ways to do that is to keep cutting taxes, and even though we have already cut more than $6.5 billion in taxes, we can do more. That is why I am fighting for Florida families and our future generations by recommending to cut taxes by $618 million this year.
“When we cut taxes, it helps businesses create jobs – jobs that ultimately help the poorest, most disadvantaged families in our state. As I travel the state, I have been humbled by the stories of single parents, young students, new citizens and countless other Floridians who have shared with me how much of a difference a job has made in their life and in the lives of their families. These incredible stories are why we are fighting to secure a bright future for Florida, and cutting taxes will help make our state the top location for job creators to invest in for generations to come. I made a promise to keep fighting for jobs until my very last day as Governor, and I ask the Legislature to join me in fighting for the future of our students, our small businesses, our veterans and our families by cutting $618 million in taxes this year.”
Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” tax cut package includes:

  • Decreasing the Tax on Business Rents by $454 Million – Florida is the only state that has a tax on commercial leases which unfairly targets small businesses. Governor Scott is proposing to reduce the tax on commercial leases by 25 percent in 2018, saving Florida businesses $454 million a year.
  • Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families and Veterans $98 Million – Governor Scott is proposing four sales tax holidays which will save Florida families and veterans an estimated $98 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holidays include:

$72 million from a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday;
$7 million from a nine-day disaster preparedness sales tax holiday;
$18.4 million from a three-day veteran’s sales tax holiday; and
$500,000 from a one-day camping and fishing sales tax holiday.

  • Providing a One-Year Sales Tax Exemption on College Textbooks to Save Students $48 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to exempt the purchase of college textbooks from the sales tax for the 2017-18 academic year. The prices of college textbooks have increased significantly, often exceeding $100 per book. Exempting college textbooks from the sales tax is expected to save Florida students $48 million.
  • Cutting the Business Tax to Save Job Creators $15 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to exempt 22.5 percent of businesses from having to pay income taxes by increasing the corporate tax exemption from $50,000 to $75,000. Eliminating this tax will provide annual savings of $15 million and help more small businesses hire additional workers.  This proposal will eliminate these taxes for more than 80 percent of Florida’s businesses. This exemption was increased from $5,000 to $25,000 in 2011 and $50,000 in 2012.
  • Exempting School Book Fairs from the Sales Tax to Save Families and Students $3 Million – Governor Scott is proposing to exempt the purchases of books at school book fairs from the sales tax, saving Florida families $3 million each year.

Governor Scott Appoints Ryan Matthews as Interim Secretary of DEP

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Governor Rick Scott appointed Ryan Matthews as the Interim Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Governor Scott said, “Ryan’s hard work and dedication to protecting Florida’s environment have led the way to improved water quality and stronger environmental policies for Florida. I am confident that he will continue to fight to protect Florida’s pristine environment as Interim Secretary.”
Ryan has been at DEP since 2015 serving as Director of the Office of Water Policy, and most recently, Deputy Secretary of Regulatory Programs. Prior to joining DEP, Ryan served as the Associate Legislative Affairs Director for the Florida League of Cities. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2008. In 2009, Ryan obtained his Master of Laws degree Environmental/Natural Resources Law from the University of Denver – Sturm College of Law.
The Cabinet Governance Guidelines adopted by the Governor and Cabinet call for the Governor to name an interim appointee to temporarily fill this vacancy, subject to approval of the interim appointments by the Cabinet. The process of making a permanent appointment will also be governed by the Cabinet Governance Guidelines. Next week, the Governor and Cabinet will meet via phone to discuss this interim appointment.

Governor Scott Fights for Fairness to Protect Patients

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Governor Rick Scott announced today that he will work with the Legislature to fight for Florida families to ensure health care works for patients and not for hospitals’ bottom lines. Last year, Governor Scott championed and signed House Bill 1175 and House Bill 221 to increase transparency for Florida hospitals and patients to fight against hospital price gouging.
Governor Scott said, “This session, I want to fight to make the healthcare system fair for families and ensure health care works for patients and not for hospitals’ bottom lines. I will champion legislation that will repeal the outdated certificate of need program, repeal the cap on trauma centers and ensure transparent and upfront pricing for patients.
“I’ve traveled across our state and spoken with Floridians who have been charged unconscionable prices for procedures. The way patients are charged for services at the hospital should mirror a free market system. We must ensure that prices and quality outcomes are aligned so Floridians receive the best care possible when they visit a health care facility. We will also continue to make sure hospitals provide patients with anticipated costs prior to receiving services.
“I look forward to working with our sponsors Senator Bradley and Representative Alex Miller who have committed to fighting to repeal outdated certificate of need regulations. We will continue to work with the Legislature on these important measures to help bring greater access, quality, transparency and fairness to patients.”
Governor Scott will fight for legislation that will do the following:

  • Repeal the outdated certificate of need program – Governor Scott wants to eliminate barriers for new health care facilities in order to increase competition and eliminate government restrictions on the availability of health care services. This will enable nursing homes, hospice services and hospitals to add needed beds without having to request a review. This will also allow Florida hospitals, nursing homes and hospice services to add facilities for those who are in most need, without making them wait due to red tape regulations. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, by 2010 there were 14 different states that had no existing certificate of need programs, including California, Texas and Pennsylvania.
  • Repeal the cap on trauma centers – Governor Scott wants to repeal the statewide cap of 44 trauma centers in order to create a free market approach to allow future growth of trauma centers in Florida. This will ensure accessibility to high quality care for severely injured patients throughout Florida. It will also allow verification of trauma centers to be completed by a national accrediting organization to ensure Florida’s trauma centers are evaluated by a trusted national standard. Capping trauma centers, which is currently done in Florida, adds barriers for Floridians that are in need of immediate care due to severe injury.
  • Ensure transparent and upfront pricing for patients – Governor Scott will continue to keep fighting for patients and protect families against surprise medical costs by requiring hospitals, insurers and practitioners to provide patients with anticipated costs prior to receiving services.

Governor Rick Scott Recognizes Terrence Donnelly with the Young Entrepreneur Award

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YEA 1.24.2017

During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized Terrence Donnelly, 30, with the Young Entrepreneur Award. Terrence is the co-founder and CEO of Teeps, a mobile phone application development company. Teeps was founded in December 2012 and is based in Orlando.

Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to present Terrence Donnelly with the Young Entrepreneur Award today. It’s great to see entrepreneurs like Terrence follow their dreams of starting a business in our state. It takes dedication and hard work to start a business, and Teeps is on the path of continued growth and success.”

Terrence Donnelly, co-founder and CEO of Teeps, said, “It’s an honor to be recognized with the Governor’s Young Entrepreneur Award. Our talented team at Teeps works incredibly hard to build world class mobile applications for our clients. I look forward to enabling visionary businesses to reach further, I’m grateful for the success we have seen, and I can’t wait to create more high paying jobs in our beautiful state.”

To learn more about Teeps, visit Teeps.org. To learn more about the Governor’s Young Entrepreneur Award, visit HireFloridaGrads.com.

Governor Rick Scott Recognizes Eight Educators with the Governor’s Shine Award

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Governor’s Shine Award 1.24.2017
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized eight outstanding educators with the Governor’s Shine Award. The Shine Award is presented to teachers and administrators in Florida who make significant contributions to the field of education. In recognition of Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! all the educators honored today are 2017 District Teachers of the Year and teach language arts.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to present these eight educators with the Governor’s Shine Award today. These outstanding teachers go above and beyond to educate students in our state. I applaud these educators for their dedication to helping our students learn and ensure they are prepared for higher education and careers.”
The following educators were presented with the Governor’s Shine Awards:
Sarah Dobes, Pinellas County – Dobes is the 2017 Pinellas County Teacher of the Year. She teaches language arts and English Honors to eighth grade students at East Lake Middle School.
Kristi Imhof, Escambia County – Imhof is the 2017 Escambia County Teacher of the Year. She teaches seventh grade language arts at Ransom Middle School.
Maryann Kelly, Collier County – Kelly is the 2017 Collier County Teacher of the Year. She teaches ninth grade Writing, Intensive Reading and tenth grade English at Gulf Coast High School.
Rachel Moree, Indian River County – Moree is the 2017 Indian River County Teacher of the Year. She taught eighth grade English Language Arts at Storm Grove Middle School.
Susan Perkins, Sumter County – Perkins is the 2017 Sumter County Teacher of the Year. She teaches Reading at South Sumter High School.
Teryl Sampson, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind – Sampson is the 2017 Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind Teacher of the Year. She teaches language arts and social studies to hearing impaired students at the Deaf Middle School.
Precious Symonette, Miami-Dade County – Symonette is the 2017 Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year and one of five finalists for 2017 Florida Teacher of the Year. She teaches creative writing at Miami Norland Senior High School.
Charlotte Wadsworth, Okaloosa County – Wadsworth is the 2017 Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year. She teaches tenth grade English and English Honors at Baker School.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

Governor Scott Honors Two Polk Correctional Institution Officers with Medals of Heroism

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Medals of Heroism 1.24.2017
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized two Polk Correctional Institution officers with the Medal of Heroism for their brave actions to rescue a driver trapped inside a burning vehicle.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize Officer Estevin Taylor and Officer Bryan Childs for their quick response to save the life of an injured driver. Their heroic actions are a great example of the great men and women who protect our state every day, and I am honored to present them with the Medal of Heroism.”
Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Julie Jones said, “Thank you Governor Scott for recognizing these two heroes within the Department. Officer Childs and Officer Taylor witnessed a single car accident and, even as a deadly fire began, immediately took action to free the trapped driver. Their actions in that moment showed true selflessness and bravery, and I could not be more proud of them.”
On April 4, 2016, Officer Bryan Childs witnessed a car accident while driving to work. The driver’s side door was jammed shut and the vehicle had flipped onto the passenger side, trapping the injured driver inside. Officer Childs immediately contacted 911 as he saw a fire start within the vehicle. Officer Estevin Taylor arrived on scene and retrieved bolt cutters from his vehicle to break the windshield. Officers Childs and Taylor pulled the driver from the burning vehicle seconds before it was engulfed in flames. Both officers remained with the driver while emergency personnel arrived on scene.

Governor Scott Awards Small Business Chained Concepts with Business Ambassador Award

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Business Ambassador Award 1.24.2017
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized Chained Concepts with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award. Chained Concepts Bike Shop in Crestview specializes in cycling training, fitting and equipment. Owner and veteran, Miguel Davila opened Chained Concepts opened in 2014.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize Chained Concepts with the Business Ambassador Award. It’s great to see a fellow veteran pursue their dreams in Florida and make an impact in their community. I’d like to thank Miguel for his service to our country and for creating jobs for our families.” 
Miguel Davila, Owner of Chained Concepts Bike Shop, said, “I’m extremely honored to accept the Governor’s Business Ambassador award on behalf of Chained Concepts. It has always been my dream to have my own business and I look forward to growing in the Crestview area.”
For more information on Chained Concepts, click HERE.