DeSantis Campaign Press Release - Ron DeSantis Eliminated Enterprise Florida, Ending Corporate Welfare and Chinese Trade

Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 5 to eliminate Enterprise Florida (EFI), the state's public-private business development agency. In doing so, DeSantis ended more than 30 years of EFI providing incentives to corporations and – prior to DeSantis' crackdown – courting Chinese investments.

A spokesman for Governor DeSantis' office told Real Clear Politics that in 2020, when his office "realized the extent of EFI's engagement with Chinese trade," DeSantis "compelled EFI to shut down all such ties with Chinese companies." The organization subsequently made Singapore the hub of its outreach in the region.

Despite the closure of Enterprise Florida, the newly streamlined Department of Commerce enjoys strong relationships in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and other places around the world.

Thanks to DeSantis' leadership, Florida is the Number One economy in the country. The unemployment rate is low, at 2.6 percent, and the state continues to attract new residents.