Contact

Unique Incentives


Santa Rosa Economic Development offers numerous incentives to industries that relocate to Northwest Florida. Incentives range from tax exemptions and credits to loan programs, to workforce training and assistance through development permitting. But, what really sets Santa Rosa County apart, in terms of incentives, is its pricing guidelines program for publicly owned industrial property. This innovative, unique, and attractive incentive offers new and expanding industry discounted land, based on what you bring to our community.

Land Pricing Guidelines

Pricing guidelines are in place to provide Santa Rosa County EDO with a rational, non-arbitrary, non-discriminating basis to determine a cost per acre for industrial publicly owned property within Santa Rosa County. The point system represents the discount from the base price as it relates to the economic impact the proposed business will have on the area. In some cases, the land can be free upon approval of the Board of County Commissioners.

Target Industry Cash Program

Cash incentives offered to expanding targeted industries or relocating targeted industries that generate 51% of their sales from outside the State of Florida. The incentive amount is based on the number of new positions anticipated in our region within a five-year period and the quality of that position (average wage). Funds are distributed on a yearly basis for up to five consecutive years at the end of each year. Payout ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 per employee.

Ad Valorem Tax Exemption

The Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE) is a local option tax incentive for new or expanding businesses and is granted at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners.

Expedited Permitting

State and local permit streamlining procedures are in place to assist businesses in obtaining necessary permits and approvals in a quick, efficient, and professional manner. Your project will be assigned to a project manager who will bring in all related parties for a pre-application meeting to ensure that your project will run as smoothly and quickly as possible.

 


Triumph Gulf Coast

Over the next decade-plus, $1.5 billion will be directed to Northwest Florida for economic development enhancements. These funds, from a settlement related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, represent an unprecedented opportunity for Northwest Florida.

The funds can be used to:

  • Provide the equivalent of up to 100% abatement of property taxes, including school taxes, for up to 10 years
  • Support infrastructure needs, such as buildings, roadways, rail spurs, utilities, and more for competitive projects
  • Develop industry-driven workforce training programs to drive business growth

Triumph Gulf Coast provided funding critical to landing Leonardo's helicopter support center at the Whiting Aviation Park. Read more…

 

 

 


State of Florida Incentives

Space Florida

Space Florida is uniquely empowered by the State of Florida with robust tools to aid companies in aerospace and related industries, including facility and equipment financing and utilization of statutory tax efficiencies to reduce short- and long-term capital costs.

Incumbent Worker Training Grant (IWT)

The Incumbent Worker Training Program provides grant funding for customized training for existing for-profit businesses.

Quick Response Training Grant (QRT)

An inducement program for job creation and retention. In addition to actual employee training, the grant may cover the cost of acquiring specialized equipment, retaining an instructor, and provision of a training facility (if required) necessary for the conduct of the training program.

Veterans Florida Workforce Grant

The Veterans Florida Workforce Grant reimburses qualified employers 50% of industry skills-based training costs for new or current employees. The skills your team members need will change over time, and the Workforce Grant helps your business keep up with industry trends and reach your goals faster. Approved training can be provided by third parties, in house corporate, or on the job training.

It’s easy to get started. Your dedicated point of contact at Veterans Florida will walk you through the process step by step.

State of Florida Tax Advantages

Sales and Use Tax Exemption on Electricity and Steam

Charges for electricity used directly and exclusively at a fixed location to operate machinery and equipment that is used to manufacture, process, compound, or produce items of tangible personal property for sale, or to operate pollution control equipment, recycling equipment, maintenance equipment, or monitoring or control equipment used in such operations, may be exempt from the sales tax.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption on Machinery and Equipment

Tax exemption award made to businesses to aid new and expanding businesses that use machinery and equipment at a particular location to manufacture, process, compound, or produce tangible personal property for sale or for exclusive use in spaceport activities.

Tax Advantages

Florida ranks among the best states for business and entrepreneurs because of its pro-business tax policies and competitive cost of doing business. Your business dollars go further given the State's limited corporate taxes and no personal income tax.