Departments

Economic Development

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Planning and Economic Development Division, The Engineering Services Department

Michael D. Beedie, P.E., City Engineer, Engineering Services Department Director

Samantha D. Abell, Planning Manager, Division Supervisor
(850) 833-9604 or sabell@fwb.org.

The Economic Development Division works to nurture and grow local enterprises, expand and diversify the existing economic base, and attract new business entities to the community.

What We Do:

  • Serve as the City's point of contact to the business community.
  • Guide businesses through the regulatory process.
  • Develop programming to respond to citywide economic development needs.
  • Connect business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to resources that can help to grow their businesses.
  • Administer the Brownfields Program as an incentive to our Commerce & Technology Park.
  • Implement the projects and programs of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Plan.
  • Coordinate various special projects for economic stimulus.

 

Draft Economic Implementation Plan, 2010 - For Public Comment 11/30/09

Questions? Comments? Email sabell@fwb.org.


Are you a local business thinking of relocating or expanding? Are you out-of-state and want more information?

In the City of Fort Walton Beach we're big city strong and small town friendly. We're known for our local entrepreneur climate, consistently low unemployment rates compared with state and national averages, and our 32 public parks and links of championship golf, nestled by emerald waters. Every year vacationers flock to the Emerald Coast to enjoy seaside celebrations and undeniably fresh seafood. If you've come for a visit and decided to stay, you aren't alone. Let us help strengthen your business. Consider our business-friendly climate, including:

  • The lowest metropolitan unemployment rate in the State at 6.9% for 2009.
  • An education system ranked first in the State.
  • A labor force with education and training well above the state and national average.
  • Global technology firms with a location quotient above the state and national average.
  • Expedited permitting and review.
  • Central location between two deep water ports and minutes away from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport.


The following programs are designed to stimulate and encourage businesses to expand and locate in our great City. You'll find economic incentives that are offered through local, county and state programs.

 

Small Business Administration HUBZone Program

The City's HUBZone is located north of Santa Rose Sound and South of Hollywood Boulevard between Elm Avenue SE and Robinwood Drive and qualifies by Census Tract as a HUBZone.

What is the HUBZone Program?
The HUBZone Program stimulates economic development and creates jobs in urban and rural communities by providing Federal contracting preferences to small businesses. These preferences go to small businesses that obtain HUBZone certification in part by employing staff who live in a HUBZone. The company must also maintain a "principal office" in one of these specially designated areas.

What is SBA's role in the HUBZone program?
The SBA regulates and implements the program, determines which businesses are eligible to receive HUBZone contracts, maintains a listing of qualified HUBZone small businesses federal agencies can use to locate vendors, and adjudicates protests of eligibility to receive HUBZone contracts.

Where can I get more information about the HUBZone program?
Via e-mail at HUBZone@sba.gov
Via phone at (202) 205-8885

To qualify as a HUBZone business, a firm must be small, U.S.-owned, and it must have its principal office located in a HUBZone and have at least 35 percent of its employees residing in a HUBZone. The City of Fort Walton Beach has a qualifying HUBZone within its historic downtown area. To see if your business qualifies as a HUBZone please visit http://map.sba.gov/hubzone/init.asp#address.

 

ELIGIBILITY: A small business must meet all of the following criteria to qualify for the HUBZone program:

  • It must be located in a "historically underutilized business zone" or HUBZone.
  • It must be owned and controlled by one or more US Citizens, and
  • At least 35% of its employees must reside in a HUBZone.

TYPES OF HUBZone CONTRACTS

A competitive HUBZone contract can be awarded if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that at least two qualified HUBZone small businesses will submit offers and that the contract can be awarded at a fair market price.

A sole source HUBZone contract can be awarded if the contracting officer does not have a reasonable expectation that two or more qualified HUBZone small businesses will submit offers, determines that the qualified HUBZone small business is responsible, and determines that the contract can be awarded at a fair price. The government estimate cannot exceed $5 million for manufacturing requirements or $3 million for all other requirements.

A full and open competition contract can be awarded with a price evaluation preference. The offer of the HUBZone small business will be considered lower than the offer of a non-HUBZone/non-small business-providing that the offer of the HUBZone small business is not more than 10 percent higher.

For more information on the HUBZone program please visit https://eweb1.sba.gov/hubzone/internet/

Fort Walton Beach's Community Redevelopment Area/TIF District

Please see the CRA tab located at the top of this division webpage.

Stormwater Fee Credits (City Incentive)

Stormwater fee credits of up to fifty percent (50%) may be given to developed properties demonstrating stormwater control and management facilities which generate less volume of runoff and apply Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve water quality. Credits will be awarded on a four-year basis and each property owner must reestablish the right to a credit every four (4) years. A property owner must apply for a credit by submitting this application along with certified engineering drawings and calculations sufficient enough to evaluate a claim for credit. Certified engineering drawings and calculations shall be signed and sealed by a currently registered Professional Engineer in the state of Florida.

Guide to Stormwater Fees

Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund (QTI) (State/County/City incentive)

The Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund incentive is available for companies that create high wage, value added jobs in targeted high value-added industries such as (but not limited to): communications, corporate headquarters, research & development, manufacturing, and electronic equipment. Pre-approved applicants who create jobs in Florida receive tax refunds of $3,000 per net new Florida full time equivalent job created; $6,000 in an Enterprise Zone or Rural County. For businesses paying 150 percent of the average annual wage, add $1,000 per job; for businesses paying 200 percent of the average annual salary, add $2,000 per job. New or expanding businesses in selected targeted industries or corporate headquarters are eligible.

Questions? Contact the Okaloosa Economic Development Corporation at 800-995-7374 toll free
or info@florida-edc.org.

 

High Impact Performance Incentive Grant (HIPI)

The High Impact Performance Incentive Grant (HIPI) is a negotiated incentive used to attract and grow major high impact facilities in Florida. Grants are provided to pre-approved applicants in certain high-impact sectors designated by the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development. In order to participate in the program, a company must be in a designated high impact sector; create at least 100 new full-time equivalent jobs (if a research and development facility, create at least 75 new full-time equivalent jobs) in Florida in a three (3) year period; and make a cumulative investment in the state of at least $100 million (if a research and development facility, make a cumulative investment of at least $75 million) in a three (3) year period.

Capital Investment Tax Credit (CITC)

The Capital Investment Tax Credit is an annual credit against the project's Florida corporate income tax for up to 20 years. Eligible projects are those in designated, high-impact sectors (currently silicon technology, biotechnology, biocertain transportation equipment manufacturing or certain information technology facilities) that create at least 100 jobs and invest at least $25 million in eligible capital costs. Eligible capital costs include all expenses incurred in the acquisition, construction, installation and equipping of a project from the beginning of construction to the commencement of operations. The level of investment and the project's Florida corporate income tax liability for the 20 years following commencement of operations determines the amount of the annual credit. Florida's Corporate Income Tax Rate is 5.5% of apportioned taxable income.

WORKFORCE TRAINING INCENTIVES:

Quick Response Training Incentives
Quick Response Training (QRT) is a customer-driven training program designed to assist new value-added businesses and provide existing Florida businesses the necessary training for expansion. This program is customized, flexible and responsive to individual company needs. Workforce Florida Inc. is Florida's innovative private-public partnership for competitive workforce incentives. For additional information on these incentives, visit http://www.workforceflorida.com.

Incumbent Worker Training Program
Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) is a program provides training to currently employed workers to keep Florida's workforce competitive in a global economy and to retain existing businesses. The program is available to all Florida businesses that have been in operation for at least one year prior to application and require training for existing employees. For additional Information on the IWT program, visit http://www.workforceflorida.com.

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE INCENTIVE:

Economic Development Transportation Fund

The Economic Development Transportation Fund, commonly referred to as the "Road Fund," is an incentive tool designed to alleviate transportation problems that adversely impact a specific company's location or expansion decision. These grants are limited to $2 million and are awarded to the local government for public transportation facility improvements.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY INCENTIVES:

Brownfield Incentives

The City's entire Commerce and Technology Park has been designated a brownfield. Florida offers incentives to businesses that locate in Brownfield sites, which are underutilized industrial or commercial sites due to actual or perceived environmental contamination. The Brownfield Redevelopment Bonus Refund is available to encourage Brownfield redevelopment and job creation. Approved applicants receive tax refunds of $2,500 for each job created. For more detailed information on Brownfield incentives, visit http://www.eflorida.com.

To review the City's brownfield presentation go to:http://www.fwb.org/html/fwbdownload.php#22

For more information send your email to: ejones@fwb.org


Environmental and Sustainability Planning

Environmental planning (850-833-9616) involves establishing and implementing policies and programs that "Promote the highest level of environmental quality within the City, capitalizing on the Choctawatchee Bay and its tributaries and the Santa Rosa Sound as the focal points of the community for estuary preservation, public/civic celebration, recreation, and compatible new development."  - 2004 FWB Vision Plan

The Latest Environmental "buzz" from the City:

Review the City's draft EcoWay Bike Plan. The goal of this plan is to establish a safe network of bicycle infrastrucutre in the City of Fort Walton Beach.


The City of Fort Walton Beach is taking an "energy prosperity approach" using a three-prong strategy for sustainability:

Education

  • The City has an active "Keep it Clear" stormwater public education program.
  • HB 697, adopted in 2009, mandates new energy efficiency standards. The City's Development Services Division has certified professionals to assist you with making sure your business stays competitive.

Incentives

  • The Land Development Code offers density bonus points for dedication of an easement for shoreline protection and education through a community waterfront boardwalk. See the Brooks Landing Feasiblity Report.

Regulation

  • The Land Development Code provides development regulations that are consistent with and implement the adopted Comprehensive Plan.
  • Article 12.52 authorizes special protection zones for wetlands and the shoreline.
  • Article 12.66 Requires a Stormwater Management Plan for all developments subject to development review process.
  • The City of Fort Walton Beach has an active water quality initiative program. Check out all of the info. on the City's Surface Water Quality and Stormwater Runoff- NPDES webpage.


The Planning and Economic Development Division is comprised of two planning sections, Long-Range and Current Planning.

The Long-Range Planning Section administers long-range planning projects such as the City of Fort Walton Beach Comprehensive Plan and subarea plans throughout the city. The section also implements changes to state statutes and participates with the Okaloosa County Local Mitigation Strategic Planning Committee.

The Current Planning Section processes land development applications in conformance with the City's long-range planning goals and policies. This section employs environmental, subdivision, and zoning codes.

Long-Range Planning

The State of Florida requires that the City develop and update the Comprehensive Plan, and that the City evaluate the success of the previous Comprehensive Plan through the development of an Evaluation & Appraisal Report (EAR). The present Comprehensive Plan was adopted August 22, 2000, and the City has now conducted a full review. The recommendations within the EAR provides for updates and amendments within Directions - the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Fort Walton Beach: 2020.

Evaluation and Appraisal Report, adopted May 13, 2008.

View Comprehensive Plan updates:

EAR-Based Amendments:


The existing Comprehensive Plan Directions: The City of Fort Walton Beach Comprehensive Plan: 2008.


We want to hear from you! Send your comments to sabell@fwb.org.

Special Studies and Feasability Reports:

Additional References:

  • Strategies to Diversify the Economy
    • Prepared for The State of Florida and Okaloosa County
    2005 Base Realignment and Closure Economic Impact Study
    • Prepared for Okaloosa
    UPDATE Economic Impact of Military Personnel Relocating to , June 2007


State of Florida - Notice of Intent to find the Comprehensive Plan Amendment in Compliance

10-22-09 Letter of Intent, finding the City's Economic Development Element in Compliance.

10-1-08 Letter of Intent, finding the City's Public Schools Interlocal Agreement in Compliance.

10-13-08 Letter of Intent, Finding the City's Public Schools Facilities Element in Compliance.

5-1-09 Letter of Intent, Finding the City's Annual Amendment to its Capital Improvement Element in Compliance.

Large scale amendments to the City's Comprehensive Plan must be made available to the public at least 14 days prior to each public hearing at which the matter will be considered (Section 12.31.09 of the City's Land Development Code). Please click on the links below to review the 2008 listing.

Current Planning Section

Calendar for Application Submittal & Consideration by the Municipal Planning Board

Fees for Plan Review

Annexation

  • Annexation Application
  • How annexation works
  • Instructions for annexation form

Comp Plan

  • How to Amend the City's Future Land Use Map
  • Q & A The Future Land Use Designation of your property
  • Application for Comp Plan policy change
  • Application for large scale amendments
  • Application for small scale amendments
  • Instructions for completing the small scale application

Conditional Use

  • Conditional Use application form
  • Description of a Conditional Use
  • Instructions for completing and filing the Conditional Use application

Development Agreement

  • Development Agreement application

Land Development Code Amendment

  • Application to amend the Land Development Code
  • Instructions for completing and filing the application to amend the LDC

Plat, Replat or Lot Split of Property

  • Application for preliminary and final plat approval
  • Application submission requirements

Rezoning Property

  • Application to rezone
  • Description of rezoning process
  • Instructions for completing and filing rezoning application

Hear from Your Planners

"How the Comp Plan Affects You More Than You Know" article, 2008.


The Planning and Economic Development Division provides staff (850-833-9697) and technical assistance to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners and the City Council on redevelopment issues and the implementation of the CRA Plan and the Urban Master Plan. The Division is responsible for developing the design guidelines in the Urban Master Plan and assisting property owners with the redevelopment process.

CRA Maps, Plans, Newsletters, Applications, and Projects

Located within the most historic section of the City and including portions of two of the City's waterfronts - Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay - the Fort Walton Beach CRA serves as the City's social and economic core. The Community Redevelopment Area functions as a Tax Increment Financing District. Often referred to as "TIF," it is a method to pay for redevelopment through the annual increase in ad valorem tax revenue. The adopted CRA Plan guides revitalization and projects for funding. The Community Redevelopment Agency is a Council-appointed board who oversees the implementation of the CRA Plan.

The annual funding of the CRA's Capital Improvement Budget must be in an amount not less than that increment in the income, proceeds, revenues, and funds of each taxing authority derived from or held in connection with the undertaking and carrying out of community redevelopment. Such increment is determined annually and is equal to 95 percent of the difference between:

  • (a) The amount of ad valorem taxes levied each year by each taxing authority, exclusive of any amount from any debt service millage, on taxable real property contained within the geographic boundaries of a community redevelopment area; and
  • (b) The amount of ad valorem taxes which would have been produced by the rate upon which the tax is levied each year by or for each taxing authority, exclusive of any debt service millage, upon the total of the assessed value of the taxable real property in the community redevelopment area as shown upon the most recent assessment roll used in connection with the taxation of such property by each taxing authority prior to the effective date of the ordinance providing for the funding of the trust fund.

The City's designated CRA area thrives today through consistent implementation of a CRA Plan characterized by:

  • A vibrant waterfront offering entertainment, dining and recreation to seasonal visitors and permanent residents;
  • Residences ranging from single-family detached to duplexes, townhouses, condominiums and apartments, available for all ages, incomes and lifestyles;
  • Retail and service businesses;
  • A university branch campus;
  • Unique cultural opportunities, including theater, dance, art galleries and museums highlighting both the City's rich historical background and its current commitment to the progressive arts; and
  • Public parks, plazas and open spaces.


The City has 12 Commerce Districts identified in its Economic Implementation Plan. Commerce Districts are also Special Planning Areas (SPAs), unique by their industry activity, natural and built environment. On an annual basis, the market profile for each district is updated in order to identify trends and forecast market behavior.

Partners in Progress - Network with other merchants and property owners in your commercial area.

Help us serve your industry needs. Take a moment and register your business to receive emails when planning and economic development news affects your Commerce District. Be among the first to know what's planned for your District and let us know how we can serve you better.


Last Updated (Tuesday, 09 March 2010 08:34)

 

City of Fort Walton Beach