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Lynn Pitts
retired
Lynn Pitts serves as the Director of Economic Development at Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), the largest utility in Florida. In this role, he is responsible for spearheading initiatives that support business recruitment and retention within the state, particularly through the development of competitive electric rates and resources aimed at attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones.
Background and Contributions
Pitts has been instrumental in establishing FPL's economic development department, which was launched to enhance the utility's contributions to Florida's economic growth. Under his leadership, FPL has implemented various programs designed to provide financial incentives for businesses, including discounted electric rates for new and expanding companies that meet specific criteria, such as increasing their electric demand and creating jobs.124
His efforts have significantly impacted job creation and investment in Florida. For instance, FPL's initiatives have helped companies in its service area create nearly 12,000 jobs and attract approximately $15 billion in project investments.1 Pitts has emphasized the importance of FPL's competitive rates, which are among the lowest in the state, as a critical factor in attracting businesses, particularly data centers that require reliable and affordable energy sources.36
Strategic Initiatives
Pitts has overseen the launch of the PoweringFlorida.com resource center, which provides site selectors and businesses with comprehensive data about Florida's communities, workforce, and economic conditions. This initiative aims to simplify the site selection process for companies considering relocation or expansion in Florida.5 Additionally, he has been involved in pre-qualifying data center sites to further enhance Florida's attractiveness for technology-focused investments.6
Overall, Lynn Pitts plays a pivotal role in shaping Florida's economic landscape through strategic partnerships and innovative programs that foster business growth and job creation across the state.