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.