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My Florida C F O
Weekly eNewsletter from Florida's Chief Financial Officer

Dear Fellow Floridian:

It is my firm belief that a healthy and thriving business community is vital to Florida’s overall economic health. According to the Small Business Administration, Florida has more than two million small businesses, which account for nearly half of all the private sector jobs in our state. Entrepreneurs are not only making a living for themselves and their employees, but they are making a difference to other businesses as well - pumping money back into the local economy. As Florida rebuilds its economy and looks to create a diverse workforce, there is a need for sound financial and business education to arm entrepreneurs with the tools to meet tomorrow’s challenges head-on.Your Money Matter$

This week, my office offered a series of webinars on how to write a winning business plan for new Florida business owners and those looking to plan for the New Year. A solid business plan is the foundation for success and acts as a roadmap and a measuring stick for gauging results. These webinars are part of my new Your Money Matter$ financial education initiative which encourages personal financial achievement that leads to economic success for Florida. Through this initiative, we aim to provide important financial information and programs that will inspire all Floridians to take charge of their financial futures.

Jeff Atwater
Jeff Atwater
Chief Financial Officer
State of Florida

News of Interest

Sunshine State News: Start-Ups Drive Florida Job Creation, Report Finds

Forbes: Where the Jobs Will (and Won't) Be in 2012

CNN: House Passes Payroll Tax Plan Opposed By Obama

Ft. Myers News-Press: Bill filed to repeal Florida's no-fault auto insurance system

Florida Tribune: Business groups seek more changes to stem unemployment tax hike

Florida Today: Brevard looks to entice movie makers to Space Coast

Orlando Sentinel: Florida high school graduation rate is highest ever

Orlando Business Journal: Florida seeing larger number of visitors in 2011

Florida Today: BP fines should aid coasts, not congressional spending

Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Trustees' Restoration Plan

This week, the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Trustees released the early restoration plan for Florida and other Gulf States for public comment. This first round of projects aims to compensate for damage to natural resources from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. More projects will be announced next year. These projects will be funded by the $100 million allocated to Florida through the agreement with BP and the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees.

Visit www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov to view additional details of the proposed projects and ways to submit public comment.

State Fire MarshalFire Safety for the Holidays

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 420 home fires involving Christmas trees and holiday decorative lighting occur each year. Follow these fire safety tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday.

  • Don't place your live Christmas tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent.
  • Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
  • Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  • Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
  • Use only nonflammable decorations.

Learn what to do in case a fire starts in your home. Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees. Help ensure that you have a fire safe holiday season. To find out more about the Division of State Fire Marshal and fire prevention practices, please visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com.