Florida governor Rick Scott has announced his proposed budget for 2013-2014, calling for $75 million in public funding for Visit Florida in order to support statewide tourism marketing efforts for the coming year.

The recommendation represents a 39 per cent increase over the allocation from the previous year.

“On behalf of the statewide tourism industry, I thank governor Scott for his confidence in Visit Florida and for his recognition that an increased investment in the state’s number one industry will have an immediate impact on the Florida economy and will create new jobs for Floridians,” said Will Seccombe, president, Visit Florida.

Governor Scott announced the state’s largest budget proposal ever at $74.2 billion, up $4 billion from last year, earlier.

Glenn Hastings, chairman of Visit Florida board of directors, added: “Florida tourism experienced a record year in 2011 and, when the numbers come out in a few weeks, we fully expect that 2012 will top it.

“With the additional funding for tourism marketing that governor Scott has proposed, Visit Florida and its nearly 12,000 industry partners across the state will be able to continue that strong momentum to further increase visitation.”