Lake County Incentives
Lake County offers a number of favorable business incentive programs. They include:
Review Appropriate to Priority in Development (RAPID)
To encourage the location of target industry business, this program offers expedited plan review and inspections affecting construction of a facility in a time frame that meets the goals/deadlines of the applicant’s organization.
As proposed, qualified applicants will include target industries, businesses locating in the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park, Brownfield sites and businesses providing a number of jobs or positions with higher wages than the County average.
Business Assistance Program (BAP)
To encourage the location and/or expansion of targeted industry businesses, this program provides matching funds to new and expanding business to offset development costs (building permit fees, impact fees and/or infrastructure improvement costs).
As proposed, the applicant must share 50% of the costs, with the maximum grant amount limited to $25,000, unless otherwise approved by the Lake County Board of County Commissioners. The business must create a minimum of five (5) new jobs that pay no less than 115% of the average annual wage for Lake County. The jobs must be retained a minimum of two (2) years.
Download Business Assistance Program (BAP) Application Form
Download Business Assistance Program (BAP) AgreementHigh Value Job Creation Program (HVJCP)
To encourage the location target industry businesses that offer significant economic benefit and create high-value jobs, this program provides a cash award for the creation of jobs paying a minimum of 115% of the County’s average annual wage (AAW).
As proposed, new businesses must create ten (10) jobs and existing businesses must create five (5) jobs. Per job bonuses will be as follows: $2,000 (minimum of 115% of AAW), $3,000 (minimum 150% of AAW), and $4,000 (minimum 200% of AAW), and will be paid at the time the position is filled. The jobs must be retained a minimum of two (2) years.
Download High Value Job Creation Program (HVJCP) Agreement
Download High Value Job Creation Program (HVJCP) Application
Download High Value Job Creation Program (HVJCP) Guidelines
2011 Lake County Average Wages for Incentive EligibilityArtist Relocation Program (ARP)
To encourage arts and culture in downtown art districts, this program provides matching funds to new or relocating art businesses to offset building improvement costs.
As proposed, the applicant must share 50% of the costs, with the maximum grant amount limited to $2,500. The business must be located within a designated community redevelopment area within the County. In order to qualify, the artist must be the owner or occupant of a live/work structure and the artist must manufacture and sell art from that location. This award will be available to the first five (5) qualified applicants per year.
Business Association Sponsorship Program
To encourage business development programs offered by businesses or professional organizations in Lake County, this program offers assistance with event sponsorship. In addition, this program formalizes the sponsorship process while providing guidelines and an application procedure for those seeking awards.
As proposed, organizations planning events that will provide businesses and business owners with information and/or assistance may apply bi-annually. Awards are limited to a maximum of $4,000 per event. Sponsorship funds must be used for expenses directly related to the business event, and Lake County must be a recognized sponsor. (Lake County’s logo must appear on all electronic and printed material marketing the event. Lake County must also be granted booth/table access for marketing of County programs (if desired).
Download Business Association Sponsorship Program Application Form
Lake County Enterprise Zones
The Florida Enterprise Zone Program offers a number of tax incentives to businesses located within geographically-designated areas. Lake County's Enterprise Zone consists of areas of unincorporated Lake County and within the cities of Eustis, Leesburg and Mascotte that are targeted for community redevelopment and economic revitalization.
These incentives help facilitate the growth and redevelopment of businesses, while also creating additional employment opportunities for residents within the respective areas.
