Search
Close this search box.

7 business organizations endorse Okaloosa tax exemption renewal ahead of November vote

Seven prominent business organizations in Okaloosa County have joined forces to support the renewal of an economic development incentive program set to appear on the November 5 general election ballot. The coalition backing the initiative includes the:Building Industry Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, chambers of commerce from Crestview, […]

Nathan Sparks announced Central Moloney Inc.'s move to Okaloosa County

Seven prominent business organizations in Okaloosa County have joined forces to support the renewal of an economic development incentive program set to appear on the November 5 general election ballot.

  • The Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDATE) program, which provides temporary property tax exemptions to eligible businesses, will be up for reauthorization by county voters. The program, initially adopted in 1981, requires voter approval every 10 years under Florida law.

The coalition backing the initiative includes the:Building Industry Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, chambers of commerce from Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville Valparaiso, as well as One Okaloosa Economic Development Council.

Nathan Sparks, Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC, emphasized the importance of the program for the county’s competitiveness.

  • “Quality jobs are foundational to a healthy economy, and with our neighboring counties offering an EDATE incentive to facilitate new employment opportunities, we have to do everything we can to ensure that we remain competitive,” Sparks said.

The EDATE program offers tax exemptions to new and existing businesses that invest in facility improvements or equipment while creating jobs with wages at least 110% of the county’s average.

According to a University of West Florida Haas Center report, the program has generated 317 jobs and $19.1 million in local payroll over the past decade, with a 663% return on investment for the county.

Local businesses have attested to the program’s impact. Simona Faroni, Co-Founder of GS Gelato, credited the EDATE incentive for the company’s recent $5.5 million investment in a new warehouse facility.

  • Similarly, Michael Kee and Nathan Vannatter, Co-Owners of Props Craft Brewery, stated that the program was “integral to our success” when they opened their distribution brewery in 2016.

However, the program has faced some scrutiny. In an August 2024 county commission meeting, Commissioner Nathan Boyles voted against placing the referendum on the ballot, questioning the program’s effectiveness and suggesting alternative economic development approaches.

  • Despite this, the commission voted 4-1 to let voters decide on the program’s fate. Commission Chairman Paul Mixon acknowledged the concerns but supported putting the decision to voters, noting the program’s importance in keeping Okaloosa County competitive with neighboring areas.

The seven organizations plan to educate voters about the EDATE program through social media and community events leading up to the November 5 referendum.

More information about the initiative is available at www.jobsforokaloosa.com.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“85 north was a mess. I left Wright at 6:15 pm going up Lewis Turner. Traffic started backing up about 1 mile before the intersection with 85, so I got...”
Respond
“Was this foul play? Cause of death? Didn't sound like he was dressed to go for a swim when last seen so I wonder why and how did he end...”
Respond
“This sounds like damage control right off??”
Respond
“FWB is dying and it brought it upon itself. The good ol boy system is still in place. We are nothing but a pass thru city. What a joke, these...”
Respond
“You forgot to add tattoo shops, thai restraunts, and smoke shops.”
Respond
“What is the update on this facility?”
Respond
“Another gas station. Just what this crappy city needs. Who is on charge of zoning this crap? All fwb is now is self storage, gas stations, and car washes, and...”
Respond
“It is my understanding that the Earnhardt foundation may be trying to push that track to NASCAR. Right now it features “ car-dominimums” and purchased lot of 440 acres”
Respond
“I want some public pools in Ft. Walton for citizens only. I want more shopping in Ft Walton. The mall may as well be closed, they all moved out to...”
Respond
“Great idea!”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.