Main Street Tourism and Historic Revitalization Act Makes Progress in the House
Movement in the House comes a week after SB 1310 unanimously passed Senate Committee on Finance and Tax
The Main Street Tourism and Historic Revitalization Act is one step closer to becoming law as HB 247 unanimously passed the House Tourism, Infrastructure and Energy Committee last week.
On Feb. 3, 2022 SB 1310 unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Finance and Tax, which was the second stop for the bill in the Senate. The House Tourism, Infrastructure and Energy Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 15, was the first time the bill was heard by the House. Rep. Michelle Salzman, the House Sponsor for HB 247, introduced the bill to the committee by reminding them that she represented Pensacola, the state and nation’s oldest city. She also pointed out that Florida is one of only 11 states without a historic tax credit and that in passing the bill Florida’s communities, and especially its Main Streets, would benefit. She closed by urging the committee for its approval.
The bill was then supported by testimony from Florida Trust CEO and President Melissa Wyllie and 1000 Friends of Florida President Paul Owens. Wyllie said that not only would the Main Street Revitalization Act help to restore Florida’s historic resources, it would provide an economic driver to help grow its Main Streets.
Owens thanked Representative Salzman for sponsoring the bill and Chairman Drake for putting it on the Tourism, Infrastructure and Energy Committee agenda.
“The tax credits authorized under this bill will help revitalize Main Street communities throughout Florida,” he said. “Florida is blessed with unique and charming communities. We urge you to enhance those assets by passing this bill.”
Other support for the bill was given by the City of Orlando, the City of Pensacola and the University of West Florida. If passed, the bill would provide a 20% tax credit for eligible historic properties being restored and a 30% tax credit for those in a Florida Main Street designated area.
On Friday, February 18, HB 247 was referred to the Ways and Means Committee, which is chaired by Rep. Bobby Payne. Its companion SB 1310 is continuing to work through the Senate where it will be heard next in the Senate Committee on Appropriations, which is chaired by Sen. Kelli Stargel.
Please reach out to share your support with both of these committees and stay tuned as we continue work to create this important preservation tool for Florida!