DeSantis was joined by Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Ken Lawson and Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, among others, to make the announcement. “From day one, we’ve made it a priority to create a regulatory environment that provides opportunities for businesses in the financial technology and banking sectors to thrive without being impeded by high taxes and burdensome regulation,” said DeSantis. “The initiatives announced today demonstrate that we are committed to making Florida the top destination for FinTech companies to grow and succeed.”
To that end, DeSantis directed Enterprise Florida, Inc, the state's economic development organization, and the Department of Economic Opportunity to expedite an examination into how Florida Job Growth Grant Fund programs could be used to help boost the state's fintech workforce. “Governor DeSantis is focused on utilizing innovative solutions to prepare Florida’s workforce for the demands of the future,” said Lawson in a statement. “Investing in the emerging FinTech industry today is smart and strategic–we will work with state colleges, technical schools and financial technology companies to strengthen and diversify Florida’s workforce.”
State colleges and technical schools are encouraged to send proposals highlighting how their programs will help get private partners that can provide employment opportunities matched for students who finish those programs. Patronis emphasized the importance of protecting consumers while also creating opportunities for innovation. “We must ensure common-sense regulations are put in place to guarantee a stable market that protects consumers," he said. "To the global financial system—the Sunshine State is open for business.”
According to the governor's office, DeSantis and Patronis plan to explore "sandbox" legislation to where fintechs will be given regulatory leeway as they develop new products. Further, Florida will join a partnership including "Arizona, Utah, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and Indiana to share information and coordinate in the development of innovative policies governing financial technology products."
Arizona Technology Council Awards Lawmakers Who Foster Fintech Growth
The Arizona Technology Council will present a number of legislators with awards for their support of technology as it applies to a number of fields including business innovation, healthcare and education, according to the organization. The recipients will be awarded at the 2019 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards taking place at the Phoenix Convention Center on Thursday, Oct. 24.
“Every year we honor our state’s legislators who support and advocate for a pro-business and pro-technology ecosystem in Arizona,” said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the council. “Without the support of these technology champions in our state’s government, none of what we do would be possible. It’s a privilege to work side-by-side with them and present this well-earned honor."
The winners include:
- Outstanding Senator of the Year: Sen. Kate Brophy McGee, District 28
- Outstanding Tech Representative of the Year: Rep. Ben Toma, District 22
- Tech Ten Legislators: Sen. Karen Fann; Sen. David Bradley; Sen. Heather Carter; Sen. Sean Bowie; Rep. Alma Hernández; Rep. Regina Cobb; Rep. Nancy Barto; Rep. Jennifer Pawlik; Rep. Jeff Weninger; Rep. Michelle Udall.
