Enterprise Florida’s top staff to get raises instead of bonuses

TALLAHASSEE — Raises will be provided to 16 upperlevel and mid-level employees of Enterprise Florida, as the state’s business-recruitment agency does away with a controversial bonus program.

The Enterprise Florida Executive Committee voted unanimously during a conference call Friday to approve a recommendation — supported by Gov. Rick Scott — to replace the bonus program.

The pay increases are seen by committee members as a way to maintain Enterprise Florida without causing an exodus of employees. The public-private agency has faced heavy scrutiny during the past year, with House leaders even seeking to eliminate it.

“No one is excited about taking away the bonuses, but it does make sense given the fact that the Legislature has expressed an interest in this,” committee member Holly Borgmann said.

The raises — retroactive to July 1 — range from $3,000 to $25,000 and will increase payroll by $118,000 for the year, under the plan outlined for the committee.

In August, several members of the executive committee expressed concern that withholding performance pay, when employees have done an “admirable job” in difficult times, could result in an exodus of experience.

In a memo Thursday to the committee, Enterprise Florida President and CEO Pete Antonacci explained that while the bonus program has worked, it has also been a source of criticism.

“The bonus practice, typically across the board, has had the effect of smoothing over rough spots (under payment) while at once creating unwarranted expectation (over payment),” Antonacci said in the memo.

Last October, Enterprise Florida handed out $448,662 in bonuses to 57 employees.

In 2014, the Enterprise Florida board approved a $120,000 bonus to then-President Gray Swoope, surpassing a $100,000 cap.