Taxes And Financial Incentives

Electricity used for agricultural purposes is exempt from sales tax when: Used directly or indirectly for the production and processing of agricultural farm products on a farm; Used for the packing of agricultural products on a farm; or Used in a packing house (including packinghouses not located on a farm) for the production, packing, or processing of agricultural products. The exemption is available by issuing the utility provider an exemption certificate. More...

This exemption is available to any business whose primary business activity is classified under code 115114 of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) (2007). Exempts postharvest machinery and equipment used at a fixed location in Florida to perform postharvest activities, which are services performed on crops, after their harvest, with the intent of preparing them for market or further processing. Exempts any parts and materials that are incorporated into the repair of such machinery and equipment and exempts all labor charges for the repair. Exemptions are available by issuing the seller an exemption certificate. More...

Replacement engines, parts, equipment, and labor used in or for the maintenance or repair of fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft (helicopters) with a certified maximum takeoff weight of more than 2,000 pounds are exempt from sales and use tax. Dealers who make tax-exempt charges for replacement engines, parts, equipment, and labor used in or for the maintenance or repair of aircraft over 2,000 pounds are required to document the Federal Aviation Administration registration number (“N-number”) and the maximum certified takeoff weight of the eligible aircraft on the bill of sale, invoice, or other tangible evidence of sale. More...

In this partnership, Space Florida provides cash awards to winning presenting companies to attract the most innovative and capital-worthy companies. Typical awards vary depending on whether the presenting companies are Seed, Early, or Growth Stage. The range extends from $25K to $100K max. More...

The sale or lease of fixed wing aircraft having a maximum certified takeoff weight of more than 15,000 pounds and used by a “common carrier,” as defined in Section 121 or 129 Federal Aviation Administration Regulations, is exempt from sales and use tax. More...

Space Florida has entered into an innovative bi-lateral partnership with the Israel Innovation Authority (OCS) to support joint aerospace research & development projects. Florida and Israeli companies are invited to form teams and submit joint applications for this program. Up to $1 million in grant awards may be made to Florida companies under this program in FY 2023. Space Florida administers the program in conjunction with the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA), the Israeli governmental funding agency. More...

These sales and/or use tax exemptions are available to individuals and companies. Applies to equipment and any component currently certified by Florida Solar Energy Center as a qualifying solar energy component: solar collectors, pumps and controls, photovoltaic power conditioning equipment, energy storage units, and accessories integral to a qualifying system. Exemption is not available when the cost of the solar equipment cannot be separated from the total cost of the product (i.e., patio lights, calculators, novelty items). Exemption is available by certifying to the seller that the items purchased or leased qualify for the exemption. More...

Natural gas used to generate electricity in a non-combustion fuel cell in stationary equipment is exempt from sales and use tax. Exemptions are available by issuing the utility provider an exemption certificate. More...

Pre-Development Grant is a direct pay (to Architect/Engineer) grant for design and engineering services. Level I deliverable is essentially and conceptual rendering, project scope and proposed project budget while Level II deliverable is permitting ready construction documents. More...

The Brownfield Redevelopment Bonus was created in 1997 to encourage the development of abandoned, idled or underused industrial and commercial sites that are complicated by environmental contamination. More...

Eligible contractors who build or substantially reconstruct qualified new energy-efficient homes may be able to claim tax credits up to $5,000 per home. The amount of the credit depends on factors including the type of home, its energy efficiency, and the date when the home is acquired. More...

The U.S. DOE has various grants available to small businesses in the education sector. Each grant has unique eligibility criteria, with some opportunities set aside for public schools, state agencies, or nonprofit organizations; however, others allow applications from for-profit private sector companies. Deadlines for currently available DOE grants run through September 12, 2024. More...

• Any qualified production company producing films, television series, commercials, music videos, or sound recordings in the state may be eligible for a sales-and-use tax exemption on certain production-related purchases in Florida. Qualifying purchases: Production equipment (rental or purchase); Set design and construction; Real estate rental (office, studio, and location fees); Props and wardrobe; Computers and software (production-related). More...

Commercial Exterior Grant is a 50% matching grant, up to $50,000, for exterior repairs for businesses within the City of Tampa’s CRA districts. More...

Commercial Interior Grant is a 50% matching grant, up to $50,000, for interior repairs for businesses with the City of Tampa’s CRA Districts. More...

Special Projects Grant is a request for CRA funding, generally up to $1,000,000, for projects that don’t meet the requirements of the grants above or if the funding amount requested is greater than the above grant maximums. This grant will go to the CAC and the CRA Board. More...

The Black Business Loan Program provides loans, loan guarantees, or investments through Loan Administrators to black business enterprises that cannot otherwise obtain capital through conventional lending institutions but who could otherwise compete successfully in the private sector. If the Black Business Loan Program is appropriated funds in a fiscal year by the Florida Legislature, Florida Commerce will distribute an equal amount of the appropriation to the Loan Administrators that have been certified for that fiscal year. More...

The Broadband Opportunity Program is a competitive reimbursement grant program within the Florida Department of Commerce Office of Broadband (Office), created to expand broadband Internet service to unserved areas of this state, which will encourage job creation, capital investment, and the strengthening and diversification of local economies. The Program was created and is governed by section 288.9962, F.S.; and the Florida Legislature appropriated $400 million in federally funded State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to increase access to reliable, affordable, and high-speed internet service within the state. More...

An annual tax credit against corporate income tax which is available for up to 20 years in an amount up to 5% of the eligible capital costs generated by a qualifying project. Businesses that make an investment of at least $100M are eligible to receive the full credit. More...

The Clean Energy Investment Program (CEIP) was created to promote energy efficient or renewable energy (EE/RE) products and technologies in Florida by providing funding to businesses to increase the use of EE/RE technologies, equipment, and materials in the State. The Florida Energy and Climate Commission provided approximately $36 million to capitalize the CEIP from funding received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Since inception, there have been nine investment commitments made totaling $32.5 million, and there were five active investments totaling $13 million as of June 30, 2022. More...

The Community Contribution Tax Credit Program (CCTCP) is designed to encourage Florida businesses to donate to eligible community development and housing projects for low-income persons. Businesses may apply for a tax credit of up to 50 percent of the value of its donation. Businesses may take the credit on Florida corporate income tax, insurance premium tax, or as a refund against sales tax if it is registered to collect and remit sales taxes with the Department of Revenue (DOR). Cash, property, and goods donated to approved sponsors are eligible for the tax credit. Donations must be directly used in the approved project. A list of eligible sponsors is available. More...

Florida law provides a corporate income/franchise tax credit for up to five apprentices, pre-apprentices, or student interns employed by businesses for taxable years beginning during calendar years 2022-2025 when both the business and the apprentice, pre-apprentice, or student intern meet the requirements provided in section 220.198, Florida Statutes (F.S.). The maximum tax credit available to a qualified business is $10,000 each year. Florida law requires businesses applying for the tax credit to provide documentation to substantiate each of the requirements. A separate application is required for each taxable year. More...

SSBCI, administered by Florida Commerce in partnership with the Florida Opportunity Fund and Florida First Capital Finance Corporation, has five programs to serve small businesses that may not otherwise have access to the capital needed to grow their businesses, including very small businesses and businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The five programs include the collateral Support Program; Equity Capital Program; Loan Participation Program, Loan Guarantee Program and Capital Access Program. More...

Florida Development Finance Corporation (“FDFC”) is a state-authorized issuer of industrial revenue bonds and does not receive state appropriations. FDFC issues bonds in counties throughout Florida through interlocal agreements. We support economic development by assisting for-profit and not-for-profit businesses with access to capital for project financing. The primary mechanism for accessing the capital markets is tax-exempt and taxable bonds. More...

Florida Export Finance Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation created and funded by the State of Florida to provide assistance to our small and medium size exporters. FEFC is a Regional Export Promotion Participant (REPP) of the Export Import Bank of The United Stated (EX-IM Bank) and an Enterprise Development Network loan originator of the Development Finance Corporations. More...

The Florida Venture Capital Program (FLVCP) provides direct investments to increase capital available to small businesses with an emphasis placed on investment opportunities within the State of Florida’s targeted industries. In connection with the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and the State Small Business Credit Initiative, the FLVCP was funded with approximately $42 million. As of June 30, 2022, the FLVCP completed twenty-one investment commitments, and there are active investments in nine companies. More...

The Florida Opportunity Fund’s program was created to realize significant long-term capital appreciation by identifying and investing in a diversified, high-quality portfolio of seed and early-stage venture capital funds that target (in whole or in part) investment opportunities within Florida. More...

In order to participate in the program, a company must apply to Enterprise Florida prior to making a decision to locate or expand in Florida. In order to qualify for consideration under the program, the project must: operate within designated high impact portions of the following sectors (currently biomedical technology, financial services, silicon technology, and transportation equipment manufacturing); Create at least 100 new full-time equivalent jobs in Florida in a designated high impact sector in a 3-year period; or if a research and development facility, create at least 75 new full-time equivalent jobs in a 3-year period; and Make a cumulative investment in the state of at least $100 million in a 3-year period, or if a research and development facility, make a cumulative investment of at least $75 million in a 3-year period. More...

When workers lack needed training, businesses experience skills gaps. A company’s ability to retain workers, grow and prosper can be compromised. Florida’s Incumbent Worker Training grants can help. The program provides grants for continuing education and training of current full-time employees at Florida companies. More...

The purpose of Florida's Microfinance Guarantee Program is to stimulate access to credit for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Florida by providing targeted guarantees to loans made to such entrepreneurs and small businesses. Funds appropriated to the program must be reinvested and maintained as a long-term and stable source of funding for the program. Loan guarantees may only be provided on loans between $50,000 and $250,000, and a guarantee cannot exceed 50 percent of the total loan amount. Under this program, eligibility is limited to borrowers who are Entrepreneurs or Small Businesses with 25 or fewer employees with gross revenues of up to $1.5 million or less the last two years. More...

In part VI of Chapter 159 provides for allocation of Florida’s state volume limitation imposed on private activity bonds by the Internal Revenue Service. Among the allocations, the Florida First Business Allocation Pool was created, and reserves 20% of Florida’s total annual private activity bond SUMMARY OF CURRENT FLORIDA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND TOOLS 6 allocation for large industrial projects making significant contributions to Florida’s economy (section 159.8083, Florida Statutes) More...

Finding talented applicants to fill new, high-quality jobs can be difficult. Budgets are tight and training is expensive. Florida’s Quick Response Training grant program has already helped more than 950 Florida businesses increase productivity and profitability with well-trained new hires. The grants have helped fund training for more than 200,000 employees over 25 years. Quick Response funds businesses like yours to implement flexible and customized training for your new, full-time, permanent employees. Available only to new and expanding companies in Florida’s booming business market, Quick Response Training provides funds to create specialized training specifically for your high-skill industry. More...

The Fund was designed to address gaps in available, affordable capital for businesses. The Fund is now a revolving loan fund with liquidity only available as loans are repaid. Please be aware that the success of the full deployment necessarily limits the ability to fund new loan applications. Interested parties apply that knowledge and understanding. If further funds do become available from loan repayments, any pending applications will be reviewed for resiliency, job creation potential, policy areas of economic development focus, and partnership with private sources of capital. More...

SelectFlorida offers a variety of trade grants through the Florida Export Diversification & Expansion program to help qualified companies start exporting for the first time or diversify into new overseas markets. Participating in one-on-one business matchmaking and trade shows, developing a customized Export Marketing Plan, or localizing your website for an overseas audience will all strengthen and diversify your company’s sales. SelectFlorida has trade grants to help you reach your goals. Must be in business for a minimum of two (2) years in the state of Florida based on Florida Division of Corporations records. Must have at least $250,000 in annual sales in the calendar previous year. More...

This program allows eligible corporations the ability to use the single sales factor apportionment to calculate Florida income for Florida income tax purposes. Qualifying businesses must make at least $250 million in qualified capital expenditures in a two-year period (section 220.153, Florida Statutes). More...

This exemption is available to any business classified under specified Standard Industry Code (SIC) Major Groups for mining, construction, and manufacturing. Exempts labor charges for the repair of, and parts and materials used in the repair of and incorporated into, industrial machinery and equipment which is used for the manufacture, processing, compounding, production, or preparation for shipping of items of tangible personal property at a fixed location within Florida. Exemptions are available by issuing the seller an exemption certificate. More...

This sales tax exemption is available to facilities that burn hydrogen or boiler fuels, other than residual oil. The electrical or steam energy must be primarily used for manufacturing, processing, compounding, or producing for sale items of tangible personal property in Florida. If a facility burns hydrogen or both residual and non-residual fuels, the exemption is prorated. If 15% or less of all electrical or steam energy produced is from using residual fuel, the full exemption applies. More...

This exemption is available to any business whose primary business activity as specified in North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code (2007) is 423930 (Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers). Exempts recycling roll off containers used exclusively for business activities classified under NAICS Code 432930. Exemptions are available by issuing the seller an exemption certificate. More...

You may qualify for a credit up to $7,500 under Internal Revenue Code Section 30D if you buy a new, qualified plug-in EV or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCV). The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 changed the rules for this credit for vehicles purchased from 2023 to 2032. More...

If you provide childcare services to your employees, you may be eligible for this general business credit. It covers qualified expenditures for a childcare facility and for childcare resource and referral. More...

Building owners who place in service energy efficient commercial building property (EECBP) or energy efficient commercial building retrofit property (EEBRP) may be able to claim a tax deduction. An increased deduction may be available for increased energy savings or meeting prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. More...

Some job seekers are considered high risk which hinders their ability to become commercially bonded. The Federal Bonding program assists these job seekers in securing employment by providing employers a free fidelity bond on their behalf. Without this bond, the job seeker’s inability to become bonded by an insurance company decreases the chances of them obtaining a job. More...

Foreign-trade zones are designated sites licensed by the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board (Commerce Secretary is Chairperson) at which special customs procedures may be used. These procedures allow domestic activity involving foreign items to take place prior to formal customs entry. Duty-free treatment is accorded items that are re-exported, and duty payment is deferred on items sold in the U.S. market, thus offsetting customs advantages available to overseas producers who compete with producers located in the United States. Subzones/usage-driven sites are approved for a specific company/use. A site which has been granted zone status may not be used for zone activity until the site or a section thereof has been separately approved for FTZ activation by local U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, and the zone activity remains under the supervision of CBP. FTZ sites and facilities remain within the jurisdiction of local, state or federal governments or agencies. More...

The STEP grant program has helped thousands of small businesses obtain grants and find customers in the international marketplace since 2011. Through awards to U.S. states and territories, STEP helps small businesses overcome obstacles to exporting by providing grants to cover costs associated with entering and expanding into international markets. The STEP services provided by the Florida SBDC include funding that will be offered to eligible export clients as a reimbursement for costs incurred for trade show fees & related travel expenses, product sample shipments, export credit insurance fees, translation services, company promotions/marketing plans, etc. More...

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit, or WOTC, is a general business credit provided under section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) that is jointly administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Labor (DOL). The WOTC is available for wages paid to certain individuals who begin work on or before December 31, 2025. The WOTC may be claimed by any employer that hires and pays or incurs wages to certain individuals who are certified by a designated local agency (sometimes referred to as a state workforce agency) as being a member of one of 10 targeted groups. More...

The Florida High Tech Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP) fosters applied research between industry partners, and faculty and student researchers at the University of Central Florida and University of South Florida. Our grants directly fund the work of expert faculty and create an opportunity for their students to participate in collaborative research with industry partners in the 23-county region. More...

Support technology-based companies as they continue to invest in critical advanced technology machinery and equipment and support the retention and growth of these high-value, high-wage industries. Businesses involved in semiconductor, defense and space technology production are eligible to apply for a sales tax exemption permit, valid for two years, on the purchase of machinery and equipment. More...

America's Seed Fund provides technology-focused entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with funding to develop their ideas and a pathway to commercialization. Powered by a network of federal agencies, entrepreneur support organizations, and the Small Business Administration (SBA), America's Seed Fund advances federal missions and fosters a culture of innovation in the United States. This is a congressionally mandated program — Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). More...

General Services Administration's Technology Transformation Services, aids federal agencies in utilizing prize competitions and crowdsourcing to advance their goals. Hosting over 1,300 challenges since 2010, Challenge.Gov facilitated 105 in 2021 alone, totaling a prize pool of over $60 million alongside non-monetary rewards. More...

These sales and/or use tax exemption is available for machinery for a new business ordered before the start of productive operations and received within 12 months of the date the business begins its productive operations. “Industrial machinery and equipment” mean tangible personal property or other property that has a depreciable life of 3 years or more and is used as an integral part in the manufacturing, processing, compounding, or production of tangible personal property for sale or is exclusively used in spaceport activities. Expanding businesses must show a minimum 5% increase in productive output. More...

This sales tax exemption is available to any business whose primary business activity at the location where the industrial machinery and equipment is used to manufacture, process, compound, or produce items of tangible personal property for sale is specified in North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes (2007) 31, 32, or 33 (Manufacturing). Exempts parts and accessories only when purchased for the machinery and equipment before the date the machinery and equipment is placed into service. Exemptions are available by issuing the seller an exemption certificate. More...

Boiler fuels purchased for use as a combustible fuel (purchases of natural gas, residual oil, recycled oil, waste oil, solid waste material, coal, sulfur, wood, wood residue or wood bark) in the manufacturing, processing, compounding, or production of tangible personal property for sale in Florida are exempt from sales tax. Exemptions are available by issuing the seller an exemption certificate. More...

This sales tax exemption is available for purchases of machinery and equipment used primarily to control or abate pollutants resulting from manufacturing, processing, compounding, or producing for sale items of tangible personal property at a fixed location. Qualifying purchases must be used, installed, or constructed to meet a law enforced by, or a condition of a permit issued by, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Exemptions are available by issuing the seller an exemption certificate. More...

Manufacturers and other entities that invest in qualifying advanced energy projects may apply for a tax credit through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). A total of $10 billion has been allocated for the credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, with $4 billion set aside for projects in certain energy communities over the duration of the program. More...

This sales tax exemption is available for purchases of machinery and equipment used predominantly (at least 50%) for research and development as defined by law (see link for more details). Exemptions are available by issuing the seller an affidavit or a Sales and Use Tax Direct Pay Permit. More...

Florida provides a corporate income tax credit for eligible businesses for certain qualified research expenses. The corporate income tax credit is contingent, in part, on the eligible business having received the federal research and development tax credit. More...

This is a government grant for small businesses working on creating medical devices to treat nervous system disorders. It supports activities like making prototype devices, safety testing, and clinical studies to get approval from the FDA. The grant is a cooperative program where the NIH helps plan and monitor research. It also provides funding and access to experts for things like regulations, patents, and manufacturing. Small businesses with their device ideas or collaborations with manufacturers can apply for this grant to advance their projects. More...

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is currently funding grant opportunities related to COVID-19 research. These grants are reserved for small businesses that develop and research biomedical technology. There are multiple grants available with deadlines throughout 2024 and beyond. More...