Florida’s Enterprise Zone Program

Corporate Income Tax Incentives

Enterprise Zone Jobs Credit

Qualifying enterprise zone businesses may take a credit against Florida corporate income tax when it hires employees who:

  • Reside in an enterprise zone or
  • Participate in a welfare transition program.

To qualify for the credit, the business must:

  • Show an increase in the number of full-time jobs over the average of the previous 12 months,
  • Employ eligible employees for at least 3 months,
  • Lease eligible employees for more than 6 months.

The credit may be claimed for up to 24 months.

Enterprise Zone Property Tax Credit

A business that is located in an enterprise zone and establishes a new business, expands an existing business, or rebuilds an existing business, may take a credit against Florida corporate income tax.

The credit may not exceed $25,000 annually, unless the number of full-time, permanent employees of the business who reside in an enterprise zone divided by the total number of full-time, permanent employees is 20 percent or greater. If the 20 percent employment requirement is met, the business may receive a credit up to $50,000.

If the credit granted exceeds the tax liability shown on the return, the balance of the credit may be carried forward for up to 5 years.

Community Contribution Tax Credit

A business that makes a donation of cash, property, or goods to an approved community-based organization or government agency may take a credit against Florida corporate income tax. The credit is equal to 50 percent of the value of the donation.

A business may receive no more than $200,000 in community contribution tax credits annually. Taxpayers who claim this credit against corporate income tax cannot claim the credit against sales tax or insurance premium tax.

If the credit granted exceeds the tax liability shown on the return, the balance of the credit may be carried forward for up to 5 years.

For more information about these corporate income tax incentives, contact us.