Legislation Introducing a Historic State Tax Credit Was Filed In the House
As the fourth week of committee meetings kick off, we have fantastic news regarding our fight to create a state historic tax credit in Florida!
Last week, we hit our first milestone as Senate Bill 288, filed by Senator Nick DiCeglie, introduced the Main Street Historic Tourism and Revitalization Act. On Tuesday January 24th, its companion bill was filed.
House Bill 499, sponsored by Representative Paula Stark, also launches the Main Street Historic Tourism and Revitalization Act. Filing similar legislation that creates a historic state tax credit in both the Senate and House increases visibility, legislative involvement and our chance of success. Many thanks to our Senator DiCeglie and Representative Stark for their leadership and support of Florida's historic places and Main Street Communities.
The proposed legislation creates a state tax credit that will revitalize Florida Main Street communities, support heritage tourism, create good paying jobs and bring vacant and underused historic buildings back to life.
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.
This important preservation advocacy effort needs your help! There are several ways to get involved and help get this legislation passed and to the Governor’s office for approval.
How Can You Help?
1. Call or email your state representative and ask them to sign on to Representative Stark's House Bill 499 as a cosponsor. As we continue our advocacy efforts, we will be seeking bipartisan support through cosponsors. You can locate your state representative here. Because we want every House member’s support, please do not feel limited to contacting just your representative. Please contact any House member you may know and ask them to sign on as a cosponsor of House Bill 499.
2. Call or email your state senator and ask them to sign on to Senator DiCeglie's Senate Bill 288 as a cosponsor. Similar to the House Bill, we need as many Senate cosponsors as possible. You can locate your state senator here.
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.