The Florida Senate

376.84  Brownfield redevelopment economic incentives.--It is the intent of the Legislature that brownfield redevelopment activities be viewed as opportunities to significantly improve the utilization, general condition, and appearance of these sites. Different standards than those in place for new development, as allowed under current state and local laws, should be used to the fullest extent to encourage the redevelopment of a brownfield. State and local governments are encouraged to offer redevelopment incentives for this purpose, as an ongoing public investment in infrastructure and services, to help eliminate the public health and environmental hazards, and to promote the creation of jobs in these areas. Such incentives may include financial, regulatory, and technical assistance to persons and businesses involved in the redevelopment of the brownfield pursuant to this act.

(1)  Financial incentives and local incentives for redevelopment may include, but not be limited to:

(a)  Tax increment financing through community redevelopment agencies pursuant to part III of chapter 163.

(b)  Enterprise zone tax exemptions for businesses pursuant to chapters 196 and 290.

(c)  Safe neighborhood improvement districts as provided in ss. 163.501-163.523.

(d)  Waiver, reduction, or limitation by line of business with respect to occupational license taxes pursuant to chapter 205.

(e)  Tax exemption for historic properties as provided in s. 196.1997.

(f)  Residential electricity exemption of up to the first 500 kilowatts of use may be exempted from the municipal public service tax pursuant to s. 166.231.

(g)  Minority business enterprise programs as provided in s. 287.0943.

(h)  Electric and gas tax exemption as provided in s. 166.231(6).

(i)  Economic development tax abatement as provided in s. 196.1995.

(j)  Grants, including community development block grants.

(k)  Pledging of revenues to secure bonds.

(l)  Low-interest revolving loans and zero-interest loan pools.

(m)  Local grant programs for facade, storefront, signage, and other business improvements.

(n)  Governmental coordination of loan programs with lenders, such as microloans, business reserve fund loans, letter of credit enhancements, gap financing, land lease and sublease loans, and private equity.

(o)  Payment schedules over time for payment of fees, within criteria, and marginal cost pricing.

(2)  Regulatory incentives may include, but not be limited to:

(a)  Cities' absorption of developers' concurrency needs.

(b)  Developers' performance of certain analyses.

(c)  Exemptions and lessening of state and local review requirements.

(d)  Water and sewer regulatory incentives.

(e)  Waiver of transportation impact fees and permit fees.

(f)  Zoning incentives to reduce review requirements for redevelopment changes in use and occupancy; establishment of code criteria for specific uses; and institution of credits for previous use within the area.

(g)  Flexibility in parking standards and buffer zone standards.

(h)  Environmental management through specific code criteria and conditions allowed by current law.

(i)  Maintenance standards and activities by ordinance and otherwise, and increased security and crime prevention measures available through special assessments.

(j)  Traffic-calming measures.

(k)  Historic preservation ordinances, loan programs, and review and permitting procedures.

(l)  One-stop permitting and streamlined development and permitting process.

(3)  Technical assistance incentives may include, but not be limited to:

(a)  Expedited development applications.

(b)  Formal and informal information on business incentives and financial programs.

(c)  Site design assistance.

(d)  Marketing and promotion of projects or areas.

History.--s. 8, ch. 97-277.