Our Count Down to the 2023 Florida Legislative Session Begins!

Both the Senate and House Have Proposed Legislation to Protect Florida's Historical Places

This year, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation continues the fight to create a state tax credit in Florida - and we have already hit our first milestone! A state historic tax credit is a proven incentive for revitalizing historic places and supporting economic development. This would be an important preservation tool for our state!

Monday, January 19, was a historic day for the Florida Main Street Tourism and Historical Revitalization Act in the Florida Legislature. Senator DiCeglie filed Senate Bill 288, which is an important first step forward for the tax credit.

Senate Bill 288 introduces the Main Street Tourism and Historical Revitalization Act. The legislation would create a state tax credit to help revitalize Florida Main Street communities, support heritage tourism, create good paying jobs and bring vacant and underused historic buildings back to life.

If legislation promulgates a state historical tax credit, Florida will join 37 other states in providing this important incentive to rehabilitate historic buildings, encourage private investment and grow local economies. We know a state historic tax credit increases the amount of federal investment in rehabilitation and strengthens communities.

The Florida tax credit would provide a tax credit of up to 20 percent of total eligible costs for rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. The Main Street Tourism and Historical Revitalization Act provides a tax credit of up to 30 percent of total eligible costs for rehabilitation of a certified historic within the official district boundaries of an active, certified Florida Main Street community.

Stay tuned! We will keep you posted on advocacy efforts as the bill continues to go through the legislative process. The Florida Legislative Session begins on March 7, 2023.