Creating Vibrant Rural Communities for Florida’s Future 

Creating Vibrant Rural Communities

for Florida’s Future 

January 28, 2014

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Florida Rural Economic Development Study

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Rural Florida Strengths Close proximity to urban assets

Population growth

Job growth projected

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Targeted Sectors

Rural Florida Targeted Sectors

Agribusiness

Aviation /Aerospace

Healthcare Services and

Products

Logistics and Distribution

Renewable Energy

Sustainable Building Products

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Key Recommendations Change the “Rural Areas of Critical Economic Concern”

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Eliminate QTI provision that requires that any applicant that exercises the option to be exempt from the local financial support requirement is not eligible for more than 80 percent of the total tax refunds allowed such applicant

Eliminate local match requirement under Rural Infrastructure Fund

Support development of a program that focuses on training of elected officials in economic development

Develop more Catalyst Sites

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Moving Forward

House Bill 0611

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Economic Development is a

Team Sport.

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QUESTIONS