Israel trade mission cost taxpayers over $100K

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ trade mission to Israel cost taxpayers at least $100,000, but private donors picked up the biggest share of the trip’s tab, according to a tally released Friday by the state’s economic development agency.

The May 25-31 trade mission to the Holy Land, which involved more than 100 people, was DeSantis’ first international trip as governor. It featured a controversial Cabinet meeting at the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem.

The pubic’s tab included $72,827 in security and transportation expenses for the governor’s staff, along with another $29,059 in staff travel expenses for Enterprise Florida, the state’s public-private economic development agency, according to the report.

Kathleen Keenan, a spokeswoman for Enterprise Florida, said other agencies spent tax money that wasn’t included in the report released Friday.

Records obtained by the News Service of Florida showed an additional $30,000 in public money was used by Cabinet members and staff for the trip.

Private dollars covered $311,449 in expenses, which included events, photography, ground transportation and professional fees.

The trade mission’s delegation included business leaders, academics, elected officials and lobbyists. Delegation members paid $71,500 in fees, which included a $1,000 participation fee for business leaders and a $500 fee for university officials.

Sponsors brought in $47,500 in revenue for the trip. The News Service of Florida reported sponsors included the lobbying firms GrayRobinson and Greenberg Traurig, the Florida Realtors association and Israel Bonds, which sells bonds in the United States.

During the trip, state leaders held meetings with the Israeli business community, signed partnerships and held a Cabinet meeting at the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem.

Open government advocates criticized the Cabinet meeting, saying it violated the spirit of the state’s public meetings laws.

DeSantis’ office said the meeting was ceremonial, and no official action was taken.