Economic Development

Florida Chamber Backed R&D Tax Credit Made Permanent

Late last week, Congress negotiated the annual “tax extenders” package which extends a number of tax credits for businesses and families for the 2015 tax year – including the research and development tax credit. The final bill extended the federal R&D Tax Credit indefinitely, instead of the one year extension that has been passed in years past. This bill was signed by President Obama on Friday. What This Means: Florida’s R&D Tax Credit is tied to…

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One Million New Jobs In Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (December 18, 2015) – Below is a statement from Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, regarding today’s announcement that Florida has secured one million new jobs since December 2010. “The Florida Chamber of Commerce congratulates Florida’s job creators for creating one million private-sector jobs in the last five years, and Governor Rick Scott for his leadership in creating a business climate favorable for job creation. Making Florida first…

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Florida Has Created Nearly 1 Million Net New Jobs Since 2010

Florida’s job growth since the recession has been unprecedented. Since December 2010, 978,800 private sector jobs have been created. When December 2015 job numbers are released, the total of net new jobs is expected to reach 1 million. The state’s year over job growth rate has steadily risen to 3.0 percent, which tops the nation among the 10 largest states. Despite the creation of so many new jobs, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reports…

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Florida Chamber Drives Support for Florida R&D Tax Credit

The Florida Chamber of Commerce continues its efforts to attract high-wage jobs and increase global competitiveness by advocating for increases in Florida’ Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit. Florida’s innovation economy is growing and the R&D Tax Credit is an important tool to grow Florida’s economy. In testimony before the House Finance and Tax Committee last week, Florida Chamber Policy Director Carolyn Johnson testified in support of legislation that will increase the credit. “The cap…

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Legislative Agenda Puts Jobs, Growth and Economic Opportunity in the Driver Seat

  Urges Lawmakers to Put Florida’s Long-Term Competitiveness Ahead of Short-Term Political Fixes TALLAHASSEE (November 17, 2015) – As the Florida Chamber enters its 100th year of fighting for business, the Florida Chamber of Commerce today unveiled its 2016 Competitiveness Agenda – a comprehensive legislative agenda that focuses resources and expertise to advance jobs, growth and greater economic opportunities for Floridians. Florida’s Competitiveness Agenda builds on 104 pro-jobs bills passed and signed into law in the…

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Director Jesse Panuccio Tackles Fraud, Jobs and Florida’s Turnaround Story

“The most important incentive we have is the general business climate in Florida — low taxes, sensible regulations, the investments we’ve put in critical infrastructure— so that’s the baseline of what draws people here.” – Jesse Panuccio, Executive Director, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Florida’s recovery has not come easy and has worked, in part, thanks to a united business community advocating under one voice. The Florida Chamber has long-advocated for policies that help create…

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Danny Martell Discusses Successes in Diversifying Palm Beach County’s Economy

“It’s really all about leadership. Our most important factor is being able to communicate with all the leaders in our community.” –          Danny Martell, Executive Director, Economic Council of Palm Beach County, Inc.   Danny Martell, Executive Director of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. visited the Florida Chamber Foundation’s studio recently to discuss how Palm Beach County has been successful in diversifying and growing its economy. “We’ve taken the opportunity to say,…

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Half of Today’s Occupations Will be Obsolete in 2030

Technology and globalization will continue to be a factor in every job and in every sector, causing many of today’s positions to be radically transformed or disappear altogether by 2030. With transition comes the opportunity to innovate and create the next generation of jobs right here in Florida. It is important to prepare tomorrow’s graduates and workforce for the workplace demands of the future.  A look at the types of jobs currently open across Florida point to one…

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Florida Chamber Regional Chair Bob Grammig on Free Enterprise, International Trade and More

“Florida is not just a great place to live and do business, but it has an incredibly diversified economy that allows businesses to thrive.” – BOB GRAMMIG Partner at Holland and Knight, Florida Chamber Board member and one of twelve Florida Chamber Regional Board Chairs.   Businesses like Holland and Knight understand the value of a united business community. Bob Grammig, Partner at Holland and Knight, Florida Chamber Board member and one of twelve Florida…

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Florida Chamber Unveils 2015 Legislative Report Card

Missed Opportunities and Philosophical Differences Lead to Fewer Votes Cast On Issues That Could Have Made Florida More Competitive TALLAHASSEE, FL. (July 7 , 2015) – Following the 2015 regular and special legislative sessions, the Florida Chamber of Commerce today is releasing actual grades earned by all members of the House and Senate on the Florida Chamber’s 2015 Legislative Report Card. The grades reflect fewer scored votes cast than previous years on issues that would…

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Urge Senators to Fund International Programs

With the Florida Legislative Special Session underway, the Florida Chamber needs your help to advocate for funding for Florida’s international program. This program, ran through Enterprise Florida (EFI), helps small and medium-sized businesses enter or expand into the international market through training and grants. At the conclusion of the regular session, the House had increased EFI’s international program by $1 million.  The Florida Chamber needs your help to request the Senate to match the House’s budget. Click…

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Urge Key Legislators to Support Florida’s Economic Development Programs

“Your opinion matters…it’s important your elected officials hear from you now, more than ever.” –  David Hart, Florida Chamber Executive Vice President The Florida Legislature is poised to start finalizing the budget as early as tomorrow morning. Contact these six key legislators to advocate your support for Florida’s economic development programs. This includes fully funding the economic development toolkit, funding $20 million to market Florida’s business climate across the country, and $1 million for international…

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Chancellor Criser Discusses Role of State Universities in Florida’s Innovation Economy

To help meet Florida’s future workforce needs, state universities are increasing their efforts to communicate with the business community to prepare students to enter high-wage, high skills jobs after graduation. Building these partnerships becomes increasingly important considering Florida’s labor demand in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields has increased by more than 63 percent since 2010. Currently, there are more than 55,000 unfilled STEM jobs in Florida. Former Chair of the Florida Chamber of…

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House Film-TV Bill Needs Your Support Email These Representatives Today

Tomorrow, the House Economic Affairs Committee will hear a Florida Chamber-backed bill (HB 451) that will help save local jobs and businesses underpinned by the Entertainment Industry Tax Credit Program, by attracting more film, television and digital media projects to Florida. HB 451, Sponsored by Rep. Mike Miller (R – Orlando), Will: Help fuel jobs and economic growth, Help maintain technical jobs in our state, Continue showcasing our state through television and movies, and Help make Florida more competitive with neighboring states, such…

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Florida Chamber-Backed Bills Supporting Film, TV, Digital Media Jobs Move Forward

Thanks to the extensive outreach and efforts of Florida Chamber members and volunteers, two Florida Chamber-backed bills that will help save local jobs and businesses underpinned by the Entertainment Industry Tax Credit Program, by attracting more film, television and digital media projects to Florida advanced in both the House and Senate this week. HB 451, sponsored by Rep. Mike Miller (R-Orlando) and SB 1046, sponsored by Sen. Nancy Detert (R-Venice) both passed their respective committee meetings, which featured heated…

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