Scott Sworn In as Sunshine State's Next Governor

Republican Rick Scott was sworn in Tuesday in Tallahassee as Florida's 45th governor and immediately started talking about how he'll follow through on his campaign promise to create 700,000 jobs in seven years.

Scott told the crowd gathered outside the historic Capitol that he understands the hardship of unemployment because his father was often laid off and his mother had to take in ironing to put food on the table.

"I have a very clear memory of their fear and uncertainty as they struggled to provide for five kids," the 58-year-old Scott said in his prepared remarks. "So, for me, job creation is a mission. My personal memories fortify my commitment to this mission. There are millions of families across Florida whose future depends on the steps we take to create jobs."

The former hospital company CEO said there are three forces that reduce the chances for businesses to succeed: taxation, regulation and litigation.

"Together those three form The Axis of Unemployment. Left unchecked, they choke off productive activity," Scott said. "The state of Florida raises enough revenues to meet its needs. It should focus on spending those revenues smarter, setting better priorities and demanding more accountability. We'll also re-examine every regulation to make sure its benefits outweigh its costs. Unless they are pruned, regulations grow like weeds."

Scott was unknown to Floridians when he entered the governor's race last spring, frustrating many in the Republican establishment who had settled on Attorney General Bill McCollum as their candidate. He overcame negative attacks launched first by Republicans and then Democrats and spent tens of millions of his own money to win the election.

Never having run for office, he capitalized on his outsider status. His promise of jobs appealed to angry voters frustrated with the economy and politics as usual.

He wants to make the state more attractive by gradually phasing out the corporate income tax, which provides Florida with about $2 billion a year. He also wants to have his administration review every state regulation and ask what would happen if it didn't exist. He wants to further protect businesses from lawsuits and said he will look at every government agency cost and ask if the state is getting a return on the investment.

He replaces Gov. Charlie Crist, who lost a bid for Senate instead of seeking a second term.

While state government is bracing itself for the change Scott says he'll bring, many are taking a hopeful look at the new governor.

"There will be a difference in what you had and what you've got. He is not a cheerleading kind of guy. Charlie had a different style as governor," lobbyist Ron Book said. "He was an eternal optimist. This guy is more of a realist to what he's facing ... He's going to move things."

In his prepared remarks, Scott said Florida has always been a place for dreamers.

"The place where someone with a big new idea could give it a try. Railroads into the wilderness, a magic kingdom, a trip to the moon, freedom from a foreign tyrant, better health, life without winter. Large and small, dreams are the stuff that Florida is made of," Scott said.

Crist and former Gov. Jeb Bush attended the ceremony.

Also taking her oath was Jennifer Carroll, who became Florida's first black lieutenant governor and the first woman elected to the position.

At a prayer breakfast to begin Tuesday's events, Scott talked about his deep faith in Jesus Christ.

"You have prayed for me. You've gone through all the ups and downs of my life in this campaign, and don't stop praying. All of us that are elected have a wonderful opportunity to make this a better place for the great state of Florida," Scott said. "The only way we can do that is lead by virtue, lead with character and do all the right things."