Critics oppose Enterprise Florida chief's bonus

DESTIN — Political opposition is growing to $630,000 in bonuses set aside for the staff of Enterprise Florida, the state's business recruitment organization.

Integrity Florida, Progress Florida and the Tea Party Network have asked Gov. Rick Scott and his cabinet to delay the bonuses for Enterprise Florida CEO Gray Swoope and his staff, reported the News Service of Florida.

The groups contend there are major flaws in the bonus criteria at the state's public-private economic development arm.

“Basically, the Enterprise Florida staff negotiates agreements with companies promising jobs in exchange for subsidies, then counts pledges that companies might create jobs in the future as performance that merits bonuses,” said a letter sent to the governor by the groups.

Swoope is set to receive a $70,000 bonus on top of his annual $230,000 salary. He also received a $70,000 bonus last year.

The other $560,000 would go to his staff of 80.

Enterprise Florida has pointed out that the bonuses are based on performance goals and that while 77% of the agency's operating revenue comes from state funds, no public dollars are used for the bonuses.

Enterprise Florida's board, which includes Scott, CFO Jeff Atwater, Agricultural Commissioner Adam Putnam and Attorney General Pam Bondi, is scheduled to discuss the bonus package at a meeting today in Destin.

Other news reports have said that Scott, who recruited Swoope, intends to discuss raising the CEO's salary.