Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Use of Enterprise Zone Incentives Has Increased, But Challenges Continue

Report 99-43, March 2000




Report Summary

  • The Enterprise Zone Program seeks to improve general social and economic conditionswithin small distressed local areas. However, there is insufficient information to assess changes in thezones' socio-economic conditions because 2000 census data is unavailable and theformer Department of Commerce and the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade, andEconomic Development did not prepare the research design required by state law.
  • More businesses are using enterprise zone incentives since the Legislature revisedthe program in 1994. However, the rate of small businesses using incentives hasnot increased since our 1993 review. Businesses have made very limited use of incentives in rural and netban-affected zones.
  • To boost the use of incentives, the Legislature should consider two approaches forenhancing local administrative resources for rural and net ban-affected areas:providing state assistance for program administration, and directing the Officeof Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to mesh zone incentives with otherstate and local economic development initiatives. The Legislature should directthe Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to report legalrestrictions that are impeding zone potential.


Related Reports
  1. Few Businesses Take Advantage of Enterprise Zone Benefits; the Legislature Could Consider Several Options to Modify the Program
    Report 11-01 January 2011
  2. Legislature May Wish to Consider Options for Enhancing Florida's Recreational Marine Industry
    Report 07-48 December 2007
  3. The Legislature Has Several Options Available for Enhancing Rural Enterprise Zones
    Report 05-54 November 2005
  4. Locals Find State Urban Revitalization Programs Useful; More Centralized Program Information Would Be Helpful
    Report 05-32 May 2005
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
economic development, labor, Enterprise zones, economic development, distressed communities