For many years, Florida residents unknowingly funded large corporations through Enterprise Florida, a program designed to attract businesses and jobs to the state. However, its reliance on taxpayer-funded incentives often favored big companies over small businesses and local residents.
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) opposed these tax subsidies since their inception in 2004 and campaigned for over a decade to dismantle Enterprise Florida. Their efforts culminated in the passage of HB 5, effectively ending the program and saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
Enterprise Florida was established in 1996 with the aim of economic development by providing tax incentives to businesses relocating to Florida. Critics argued that it undermined free market forces by prioritizing corporate interests over meaningful economic opportunities for residents. The program's subsidies extended to professional sports teams and entertainment giants, leading to a transfer of wealth from taxpayers to corporations.
Reports highlighted the program's failures in adhering to guidelines for selecting and funding projects. A 2016 report showed that Enterprise Florida did not require businesses to secure private funding matching taxpayer contributions annually. Furthermore, a 2022 OPPAGA report found that more than 64% of projects did not meet job creation requirements despite receiving subsidies.
AFP's campaign against Enterprise Florida involved raising public awareness about government misuse of taxpayer money for private business profits. They engaged with lawmakers and organized grassroots activism, resulting in increased public opposition to the program.
Over time, AFP reduced funding allocated to corporate welfare programs like Enterprise Florida, ultimately building coalitions within the state legislature that championed HB 5. This bill not only dismantled Enterprise Florida but also ended 16 other criticized incentive programs, saving taxpayers over $12 million annually.
Skylar Zander, AFP-FL State Director, stated: “We commend the Florida legislature for eliminating Enterprise Florida, an ineffective program that did more for existing corporations than for small businesses and job creation.”
AFP's persistent advocacy empowered Floridians to hold legislators accountable, leading to the termination of corporate handouts and ensuring residents retain more of their income while holding government actions in check.
