Rick Scott Inauguration: $2.5 M Raised, $4.5 M Economic Impact

Gov.-elect Rick Scott has been criticized for the nearly $2.5 million in privately donated, nontax dollars his team has raised for the inauguration events. But that $2.5 million is expected to generate almost twice that in economic benefit for Florida.

Wednesday, Scott's inauguration team released estimates that the events surrounding the early January event could bring roughly $4.5 million to the state's economy, though mostly to the Tallahassee area.

As Florida transitions to a new year and toward a new economy, the private sector will be leading the way, said Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Theres no better way to jump-start Floridas economy than by holding inaugural day festivities that pump more than $4.5 million into Floridas economy and will do so without spending taxpayer dollars.

The inaugural committee is organizing a dozen events in Tallahassee on Jan. 3 and 4. Thousands are expected to arrive there and stay in hotels, shop and patronize restaurants.

The inauguration comes at a particularly good time of year for us that is typically slow, said Andrew Reiss, owner of the downtown Tallahassee staple Andrews. These events will provide us a great boost in both our restaurant and catering business and we are proud to be a part of this celebration with Floridians from across the state.

Many of the inaugural events are free to the public. Those include a 'Celebration Youth Concert,' parade and the swearing-in ceremony. Tickets for the inaugural ball cost $95.

The inauguration committee maintains a website with contribution reports, event details and other information here.