A long list of incentives to encourage development
North Florida Mega Industrial Park is more than an ideal site for your company. Thanks to a variety of local, regional, and state-level incentive programs, it is an extraordinarily affordable location. Florida is a business-friendly state that has enacted a pro-business tax structure and a long list of programs to reward investments that create local jobs.
Our team can help you develop a package of financing and economic development incentives that will help you make the most of your investment. These are among the many opportunities currently available to qualifying companies:
Rural Area of Opportunity
A 500-acre tract within the North Florida Mega Industrial Park has been designated as a Rural Area of Opportunity, with the state providing special economic development considerations to companies developing within the area. Click here for more information.
Foreign Trade Zone
The Jacksonville Port Authority plans to create a Foreign Trade Zone (#64) Magnet Site within the North Florida Mega Industrial Park, allowing companies that import, store, and export dutiable foreign merchandise in and from the FTZ to exempt the standard tariffs. These are the same benefits as companies located in a portside FTZ. In addition, any site locating within Columbia County is already eligible to be part of the FTZ.
FP&L Incentives
Florida Power and Light offers a number of incentive programs for large users of electricity. For example, large users coming to Florida through a competitive location process may qualify for FP&L’s Commercial Industrial Service Rate. There is also an Economic Development Rider for new or expanding businesses that add at least 350 kilowatts of new electric load and at least 25 new jobs per 350-kilowatt demand.
Tax Abatements
Columbia County’s Commissioners can provide abatements for property taxes to qualifying industries.
Capital Investment Tax Credit
Companies can earn an annual credit against corporate income tax for as long as twenty years.
Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund
Businesses can earn tax refunds of up to $3,000 for each new job they create.
Quick Response Training
Grant funding is available for specialized training programs provided through Florida Gateway College.
Sales and Use Tax Exemptions
Machinery and equipment used by a new or expanding business to manufacture produce or process tangible personal property for sale may be eligible for tax exemptions.
Local Discretionary Incentives
New and expanding businesses may qualify for forgiveness, reimbursement, or special treatment of one-time, non-recurring expenses. For more information, contact Glenn Hunter at the Columbia County Economic Development.
Job Programs
Career Source Florida Crown offers a wide variety of services to help employers connect with the right workers, many of which are available free of charge. In addition to services such as job postings and employment fairs, employers can benefit from customized training programs to give employees new skills.