Incentives
The Lee County Economic Development Team will collaborate with you to find the best incentive program for your project.
Operating a Business in Florida
Florida is considered one of the best states to do business. Labor costs are low, regulations are limited, and the state has no state income tax.
Additional benefits to owning a business in Florida
- No corporate income tax on limited partnerships
- No state personal income tax
- No corporate franchise tax on capital stock
- No state-level property tax assessed
- No property tax on business incentives
- No sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment
- No property tax on goods-in-transit for up to 180 days
- No sales and use tax on goods manufactured or produced in Florida for export outside the state
- No sales tax on purchases of raw materials incorporated in a final product for resale, including non-reusable containers or packaging
- No sales/use tax on co-generation of electricity
Incentive Programs
The following incentive programs may be available to your new, existing, or relocating Lee County business:
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (IDRBs) are long-term, tax-exempt, low-rate financing of capital requirements for new and expanding manufacturing facilities in Lee County. IDRBs pay $3 million to $10 million, and the borrower is solely responsible for principal and interest repayment. Contact the Lee County Industrial Development Authority for more details.
Gold Key Grant Program
The Lee County EDO and Lee County Industrial Development Authority offers financial assistance to small businesses leveraging in the US Commercial Services Gold Key Matching service. For businesses that seek overseas agents, distributors, sales representatives and business partners, the Gold Key Matching Service can arrange connections with pre-screened trade partners and help with travel, accommodations, interpreters, and clerical service.
Visit the International Trade Administration’s website for more information on the Gold Key Matching service.
Develop North Fort Myers
The North Fort Myers Pilot Program is a reimbursement-based incentive program that is paid after the completion of the qualified project. For those developing in the North Fort Myers mixed-use overlay area and producing a significant increase in building value, the following incentives may be available:
Reduced permit, impact, and water/sewer connection fees
- Reimbursement of up to 50% of demolition costs
- Reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible infrastructure improvements (stormwater retention, water/sewer, landscaping, irrigation, sidewalks, exterior lighting)
- Reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible flood-proofing costs (water-sealing building openings)
- Reimbursement of up to 50% of building exterior/façade improvements
- Keystone grants of up to 20% of eligible costs for large projects
Opportunity Zones
15 Census tracts in Lee County are designated as Opportunity Zones. These zones are designed to incentivize new equity investments. New business investments in these areas may be eligible for preferential tax treatment.
For additional information on Opportunity Zones in Lee County visit the Lee EDO GIS HUB.
Capital Investment Tax Credit (CITC)
CITC is an annual credit against the corporate income tax, and is used to attract and grow capital-intensive industries in Florida. Projects must create a minimum of 100 jobs and invest at least $25 million in eligible capital costs. Eligible industries include advanced manufacturing, clean energy, biomedical technology, financial services, information technology, silicon technology, and transportation equipment manufacturing. CITC can be provided for up to 20 years. Contact Enterprise Florida for more information.
Space Florida
Florida has long been known as America’s commercial space hub. Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as a global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration, and commerce, and is committed to driving Florida’s economic development by attracting and expanding the next generation of aerospace industry.
Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is doing its part to encourage investment and job creation in our state. PoweringFlorida is FPL’s Office of Economic Development. Through PoweringFlorida, FPL offers incentive programs to encourage business growth in the Sunshine State.