A Rural Area of Opportunity, and what that unlocks.
The designation changes the terms of several state programs, in ways that change a project's math.
Calhoun County is part of the Northwest Florida Rural Area of Opportunity, designated by Executive Order 25-141 and in effect through July 8, 2030. Florida gives this designation to 30 rural counties.
What the designation changes.
$300,000
Rural Infrastructure Fund
The usual cap is $75,000 a grant. For Rural Area of Opportunity projects it's $300,000, and no local match is required, where other projects must match 50%. The City or County applies (§288.0655, F.S.).
97.5%
Building materials sales tax refund
Refunds 97.5% of the Florida sales tax paid on building materials for new construction, from $500 up to $10,000 per parcel (§212.08(5)(q), F.S.).
$1,500
Rural Job Tax Credit
$1,000 to $1,500 for each qualified employee, up to $500,000 a year, with a five-year carryforward. Taken against corporate income tax (§220.1895, F.S.) or sales tax (§212.098, F.S.) using Form RU-J.
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Build my briefStatewide programs available here
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund pays for public infrastructure and workforce training. The Capital Investment Tax Credit serves high-impact sectors investing at least $25 million, with an annual credit of up to 5% of eligible capital costs for up to 20 years (§220.191, F.S.). The high-impact business performance grant runs from $500,000 to $12 million by tier (§288.108, F.S.).
Also available: the Rural Community Investment Program tax credit (§288.062, F.S.); the New Markets Tax Credit at 39% (§288.9916, F.S.); the Brownfield rehabilitation credit at 50% of costs, up to $500,000 per site per year (§220.1845, F.S.); Small Cities CDBG, where the City or County applies on a project's behalf; and USDA Business & Industry Guaranteed Loans, with an 85% guarantee under $5 million and terms up to 40 years.
It's already working here
The City of Blountstown received a $200,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund award for wastewater inflow and infiltration work.
Tell us what you're planning.
Whether it's your first location or your next expansion, we'll help you find what fits in Calhoun County.