Fort Myers/Lee County Enterprise Zone

Enterprise Zone Areas targeted for economic revitalization Areas targeted for economic revitalization Prior to 1995 two zones in Lee County (City of Prior to 1995 two zones in Lee County (City of Fort Myers, Lee County) Fort Myers, Lee County) 1995 joint application for one EZ – expired December 1995 joint application for one EZ – expired December Re-authorized by State as Fort Myers/Lee County Re-authorized by State as Fort Myers/Lee County Enterprise Zone January 2006 for 10 years Enterprise Zone January 2006 for 10 years Boundary change approved by State May 1, 2010Boundary change approved by State May 1, 2010

Enterprise Zone County/City required to create public board (5 City, 4 County appointees) Business owner, chamber of commerce, city code enforcement, financial institution, insurance broker, non-profit community based organization, resident in EZ and local law enforcement Unemployment and poverty rate by census tracts qualifier for designated area 9.83 square mile area within boundaries of City and Lee County

ENTERPRISE ZONE BOUNDARY MAP

Enterprise Zone Benefits Allows private businesses 6 state tax credits against corporate income taxes and/or state sales taxes Job credits, applicable to either corporate income or state sales taxes Sales tax refund for business machinery and equipment Sales tax refund for building materials to rehab real property or new construction located in the zone Community contribution tax credits against corporate income taxes Property tax credit against corporate income tax, up to $50,000, new/expanded business, 5 new jobs

Enterprise Zone Benefits City of Fort Myers Local Incentive 50% rebate each year on business tax receipt (formerly occupational license) 50 or 100% tax exemption against state sales tax on utilities and 50% abatement of municipal utility tax (up to 5 years), new/renovated structure Waiver of residential water & sewer impact fees for new single family dwelling

Enterprise Zone Benefits Lee County Local Incentives Waiver of residential impact fees for new single family dwelling (except schools) 100% property tax exemption for child care facility

Enterprise Zone EZ Board and EDO Responsibilities

Enterprise Zone Board GROUP REPRESENTEDAPPOINTED BYNAME Business Owner Operating in EZ County Eugene S. Trefethen, Fox Electronics Vice Chair (effective 10/2009) Business Owner Operating in EZ County Bill Barnwell, Farmers Market Rest. Community Representative City Leonardo Garcia Financial Institution County Kenneth A. ODonnell, Bank of America Chair (effective 10/2009) Non-profit Community Based Org. City Thomas Scott, SWFL Enterprise Center Resident in EZ City Janice Cass City Code Enforcement City Michael Titmus Local Law Enforcement County Lt. Charles Barnes, Lee County Sheriffs Office Insurance Broker City VACANT

EZ Board Responsibilities Assist in development, implementation and annual review, and update of measurable goals Business creation Job creation Private investment Public awareness

EZ Board Responsibilities Oversee & monitor implementation of measurable goals, evaluate progress Quarterly and annual reports (state, city council, county commissioners) Identify & recommend to City/County ways to remove regulatory barriers

EZ Board Responsibilities Identify the needs of eligible EZ businesses & communicate to City/County Local resources Assistance available

EDO Responsibilities Administer EZ on behalf of BOCC & City Council Prepare Notices, minutes and host Board meetings Assure measurable goals are met Tracking systems – City/County Prepare quarterly reports Present annual report for review & approval

EDO Responsibilities Market EZ to existing and new businesses Create brochures and distribute Press releases News stories Mailings Workshops, Seminars (SBDC) Maintain available property in real estate database -- expansions/locations

EDO Responsibilities Provide technical assistance to individuals & businesses Outreach visits Review and approve all applications for refund

EZ PROGRAM RESULTS $22.1 M - capital Investment ( ) $1.3 M - business reimbursement ( ) $3.5 M - 3,281 businesses received impact fee & business tax receipt waivers ( City of Fort Myers) new businesses ( ) 4,337 - new jobs ( ) $39, businesses received state training grants ( ) 7,242 - technical assistance to individuals & businesses through one-on-one, seminars, workshops, & mailings ( )

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