Subject:
Title
Ordinance amending the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption process by amending Sections 118-181 to 118-191.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Conduct a public hearing and adopt a proposed ordinance, following public comment, amending the Pinellas County Code Sections 118-181 to 118-191.
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Strategic Plan:
Foster continual economic growth and vitality
4.1 Proactively attract and retain businesses with targeted jobs to the county and the region.
Summary:
This proposed ordinance will reflect amendments made by the Florida Legislature to Section 196.1995, Florida Statutes authorizing an increase in the length of an economic development ad valorem tax exemptions for Data Centers and eliminating references to Enterprise Zones. It also formalizes the process to obtain an exemption resolution prior to adoption of an exemption ordinance, and provides for small clerical changes.
Background Information:
The State of Florida provides for the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption program pursuant to Article VII, Section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Florida and Section 196.1995, Florida Statutes, upon the successful passage of a referendum. In a referendum held on August 26, 2014, the electors of Pinellas County authorized the granting of ad valorem tax exemptions. Subsequent to the referendum Pinellas County amended its Code by creating new sections 118-181 through 118-190 under Chapter 118 Article VI known as the “Pinellas County Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Ordinance Process.” The Florida Legislature has since amended Florida Statutes 196.1995 authorizing an increase in the length of an economic development ad valorem tax exemptions for Data Centers and eliminating references to Enterprise Zones. The Enterprise Zone program was sunset on December 31, 2015.
The request for authority to advertise this proposed amendment was approved by the Board on December 12, 2017.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no direct fiscal impact to the County associated with consideration and enactment of the proposed ordinance. However, as required by Section 196.1995, Florida Statutes and the proposed ordinance, each project considered for an exemption is required to be approved by an ordinance. At that time a fiscal impact will be provided regarding the individual project exemption.
Staff Member Responsible:
Mike Meidel, Director, Economic Development
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance - Clean
Proposed Ordinance - Redline
Affidavit of Publication - Notice of Public Hearing