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Tax Incentives
Florida offers tax credits, refunds, and other incentives to promote business development and job creation. Here are lists, by tax, of the incentives that are currently available:
See below for details about some of the incentive programs and links for more information.
Florida's Enterprise Zone Program
Florida's Enterprise Zone Program encourages economic growth and investment in distressed areas by offering tax advantages and incentives to businesses that are located in and/or invest in these areas. Sales tax and corporate income tax filers may apply for tax credits and refunds under this program.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity administers the program and Enterprise Florida helps market it to businesses. The Florida Department of Revenue audits completed and approved tax incentive applications and provides technical assistance about eligibility requirements.
Taxpayers interested in qualifying to receive a tax credit or refund should first contact the local enterprise zone coordinator.
Learn more about sales tax incentives.
Learn more about corporate tax incentives.
Film in Florida Sales Tax Exemption
Companies that produce motion pictures (for theaters or television), television series, commercial advertising, music videos or sound recordings may qualify for a sales tax exemption on the purchase of certain equipment used in the productions. The production company must apply for a certificate of exemption and present it when buying or renting the equipment. Learn more about the film in Florida sales tax exemption.
Tax Credits for Contributions to Nonprofit Scholarship Funding Organizations
The credit cap amount ($229 million) for the 2012-2013 fiscal year (July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013) has been reached. All 2012-2013 applications will be denied, except applications for credit carry forwards.
Taxpayers can apply beginning January 2, 2013 for a tax credit for the 2013-2014 fiscal year (July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014):
- Corporate income and insurance premium taxpayers will be able to apply for tax years that begin in 2013.
- Oil and gas production taxpayers; taxpayers who pay sales tax under a direct pay permit; and taxpayers who pay excise tax on liquor, wine, and malt beverages will be able to apply for the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2013.
Find eligible nonprofit scholarship funding organizations (SFOs) at http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/ or apply for the credit now.
Research and Development Tax Credit
The credit cap amount ($9 million) has been reached for 2013 and the Department is no longer accepting applications for expenses incurred in calendar year 2012. Beginning March 20, 2014, Florida corporate income taxpayers can apply for a research and development tax credit allocation for the 2013 calendar year. Reference: Section 220.196, Florida Statutes.
To participate in this program, the corporation must claim and be allowed a research credit against federal income tax for qualified research expenses under s. 41, IRC., and also meet the definition of a target industry business as defined in s. 288.106, F.S. For more information on target industry businesses (Florida Industry Clusters), contact Enterprise Florida. The Florida research and development tax credit taken may not exceed 50 percent of the Florida corporate income tax liability after all other credits have been applied in the order provided in s. 220.02(8), F.S.