Business Incentives
The City of Tallahassee has a number of economic development programs available to eligible businesses and/or property owners. Many of the programs offer specific incentives and funding, while others are planning tools designed to promote economic development; some of the incentives are available only in specific areas, while others are available throughout the City. Listed below are a general description and the primary point of contact for each program.
Commercial Façade Improvement Program
Eligible applicants can receive grant funding of up to $50,000 on a one-to-one match with equal owner/tenant funding for façade improvements on commercial structures located within either the Frenchtown/Southside Community Redevelopment Area or the portion of the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area constituting the pilot program boundary. The grants are treated as five-year, zero interest, deferred loans that are automatically forgiven in monthly installments over the five-year (60 months) period. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guidelines & Application for the Commercial Façade Improvement Program (PDF)
Map of the areas eligible for the Commercial Façade Improvement Program (PDF)
Rick Fausone • 891-6463 • Community Redevelopment Agency / Economic and Community Development Department
Commercial Painting Grant Program
Provides up to $5,000 in grant funds for the exterior painting of commercial properties within selected portions of each community redevelopment area.
Guidelines & Application for the Commercial Painting Grant Program (PDF)
Map of the areas eligible for the Commercial Painting Grant Program (PDF)
Rick Fausone • 891-6463 • Community Redevelopment Agency / Economic and Community Development Department
HUBZone
HUBZone is a Federal program designed to provide businesses located within qualified areas the opportunity to apply for federal contract set-asides. The Federal government mandates that each federal agency set aside up to 3% of all contracts for businesses located within HUBZone areas. The boundaries of the Tallahassee HUBZone were determined by federal guidelines from the year 2000 Census. A business wishing to apply for a contract set-aside must apply to the Federal government through the Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) website.
Map of the Tallahassee HUBZone area (PDF)
Rick McCraw • 891-6459 • Community Redevelopment Agency / Economic and Community Development Department
State Enterprise Zone
A joint City and County program that has designated approximately 20 square miles of Leon County as a State Enterprise Zone. Businesses that locate or expand their operations are eligible for various state tax credits. Potential benefits include a jobs tax credit for new employees who live within an enterprise zone boundary, rebates of state sales tax paid for equipment and construction materials, a state tax credit for increases in local property taxes due to property improvements, and a state tax credit for donated materials.
Map of the Tallahassee/Leon County Enterprise Zone Area (PDF)
Beth Kirkland • 521-3114 • Economic Development Council of Tallahassee / Leon County
Urban Job Tax Credit Program
The Tallahassee Urban Job Tax Credit Program (UJTCP) Area was designated in September 1998 and consists of two non-contiguous areas in the Frenchtown and Southside communities, totaling approximately 5.6 square miles. The UJTCP provides state tax credits of between $1,000 and $1,500 per new employee for eligible businesses that locate or expand operations within the designated area. Tax credits can be taken against either the Florida Corporate Income Tax or the Florida Sales and Use Tax.
Map of the Tallahassee Urban Job Tax Credit Program Area (PDF)
Rick McCraw • 891-6459 • Community Redevelopment Agency / Economic and Community Development Department
Targeted Business Pilot Program
A joint City/County pilot program that provides a rebate for a portion of property taxes, development fees and permit fees for businesses that fall into one of eleven targeted industries. The level of rebate is based on a number of factors, including the number of jobs created, the percentage of higher paying jobs, the level of capital investment, location within a targeted area, and environmental sensitivity in the design. Businesses located in the Central City and Southern Strategy Areas are eligible to receive extra points toward the rebate score.
Rick McCraw • 891-6459 • Community Redevelopment Agency / Economic and Community Development Department
Historic Property Grant and Loan Program
The program was established by the City to provide financial assistance to property owners as an incentive to restore/rehabilitate eligible historic structures. The program is available to all privately-owned properties in the City that are listed in the Local Register of Historic Places and have a Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO) zoning designation.
Sherri Baker • 891-6464 • Community Redevelopment Agency / Economic and Community Development Department
High Wage Employment Slope Exception Policy
Provides an exception to the Environmental Management Ordinance by allowing for a higher level of development of sites with significant slopes if the development will (1) create a minimum of 20 new jobs, and (2) 30 percent of the employees are at salaries that exceed the average annual salary of Leon County.
Michael Parker • 891-6457 • Community Redevelopment Agency / Economic and Community Development Department
Expedited Permitting
Provides streamlined procedures for plan and permit review and approval for certain advanced technology projects. The program is designed to operate in conjunction with the State Office of Trade, Tourism and Economic Development to attract large, advanced technology projects that would provide a minimum of 250 new, full-time technology jobs.
Karen Jumonville • 891-7030 • City of Tallahassee, Growth Management Department
In addition to the above programs, the City of Tallahassee has worked with the Tallahassee Economic Development Council and others to allow companies to take advantage of State of Florida sponsored economic development programs, including:
Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program - A joint State, City, County and Economic Development Council program that provides tax rebates to targeted industries that establish new operations or expand existing operations within the City. Provides tax refunds of up to $5,000 per new job created. This amount increases to $7,500 for projects located within a State Enterprise Zone. This program requires local government financial participation.
Quick Response Training Program - A joint State, County, City and Economic Development Council program that provides funding for customized employee training for targeted industries that establish new operations or expand existing operations within the City.
Beth Kirkland • 521-3114 • Economic Development Council of Tallahassee / Leon County