Brownfield 101
Brownfield Site- Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial properties where expansion, reuse, or redevelopment may be complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.
Brownfield Area- A contiguous area of one or more Brownfield sites, some of which may not be contaminated, that has been designated as such by a local government through resolution.
Florida Statutes
In order to be designated Brownfield sites and/or areas need to go through the process of obtaining a resolution from their local government.
Florida Statutes: Title XII, Chapter 166.041 for municipalities; and Title XI, Chapter 125.66 defines the parameters for municipalities and counties issuing brownfield resolutions.
History of Brownfields for Redevelopment
In 1997, the State of Florida passed the Brownfields Redevelopment Act. It was drafted based off of the same format as the federal act but included additional language, including Statutes that would allow the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to oversee the state Brownfields program, while continuing to enforce the environmental laws the state had in place.
For more information about Brownfields programs in the State of Florida, see https://floridadep.gov/waste/waste-cleanup/content/brownfields-program
Benefits & Incentives
Benefits:
- Economic Development
- Environmental Assessment of Properties
- Remediation and Reuse Planning
- Public Outreach & Education
- Community Involvement
- $2,500 Job Bonus Refund for each new job created in a brownfield area by an eligible business
- Highly attractive business locations with existing infrastructure
- Voluntary cleanup tax credits
- Cleanup liability protection
- Low-interest loans for assessment and cleanup
- Brownfield properties are often located within enterprise zones that provide additional financial incentives
- Increased State Loan Guarantee can improve lending opportunities
- Expedited Permitting for Brownfield projects
Contact
Josh Ellis, Brownfields Coordinator
813-348-1158 / [email protected]
Dan Fahey, Engineer II Supervisory
813-348-1094 / [email protected]