Give Your Business an Edge

Local support and competitive incentives create a business-friendly environment in Indian River County, where companies benefit from a strategic location, highly skilled workforce, competitive operating costs, and a strong network of public and private sector partners. Here, commerce, culture, and coast come together, creating an exceptional place to invest, grow, and attract talent.

Guiding this momentum is Indian River County's recently adopted Treasured Tomorrow Strategic Action Plan, a forward-looking vision that supports targeted industry growth, workforce development, site readiness, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic prosperity while preserving the community's unique character.

Local Incentive Programs for Jobs and Training

Indian River County Local Jobs Grant Program

Indian River County offers a business environment that combines growth opportunity, workforce quality, and exceptional livability. To support business expansion and job creation, the County has established the Local Jobs Grant Program (LJGP), a performance-based incentive that rewards companies for creating new high-quality jobs. The program is designed to attract new businesses, support expansions by existing companies, and encourage long-term investment in Indian River County.

Program Highlights

Up to $1.5 million in total grant funding per project
Up to $500,000 in reimbursements annually
Up to a three-year job creation period
Performance-based reimbursement after jobs are verified
Available to both new and expanding businesses

Eligible Applicants

New Businesses

Companies establishing operations in Indian River County and creating new full-time jobs

Expanding Businesses

Existing Florida businesses expanding in Indian River County and creating additional employment opportunities

Minimum Requirements

Create at least 5 new full-time jobs during the first year
Jobs must be located at the Indian River County facility identified in the application
Company must remain current on taxes and free of outstanding liens, judgments, or code violations
Incentives must be approved before eligible jobs are created

Incentives That Reward High-Wage Jobs

The Local Jobs Grant Program is specifically designed to encourage the creation of higher-paying careers.

Wage Level	Incentive
100% to under 150% of County Average Wage	One-time grant equal to 20% of the County Average Wage for each eligible new job
150%+ of County Average Wage	One-time grant equal to 25% of 150% of the County Average Wage for each eligible new job

Target Industries

Indian River County encourages companies that support strategic economic growth and workforce opportunities. Target industries include:

Aviation & Aerospace
Advanced Manufacturing
Life Sciences
Healthcare & Medical Technology
Marine & Ocean Technologies
Corporate & Regional Headquarters
Logistics & Distribution
Information Technology
Professional & Technical Services
Research & Development Operations

Industry eligibility is evaluated based on County strategic priorities, the County Comprehensive Plan, and FloridaCommerce targeted industry classifications.

How the Program Works

1. Initial Consultation

Meet with the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development, and/or Indian River County Economic Development staff to discuss the project and determine eligibility.

2. Application Submission

Provide information regarding operations, employment projections, wages, and investment plans.

3. Due Diligence & Impact Analysis

County staff and Chamber economic development professionals review the project and evaluate economic impact.

4. Economic Development Council Review

Qualified projects are reviewed and considered for recommendation.

5. County Commission Approval

The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners has final authority to approve, modify, or deny grant applications.

6. Job Creation & Reimbursement

After approval:

Jobs are created
Annual reports are submitted
Employment and wage levels are verified
Eligible grant reimbursements are paid to the business

Why Companies Choose Indian River County

Commerce: A business-friendly environment supported by leaders committed to economic development and responsible growth.

Culture: A nationally recognized arts, education, and nonprofit community that helps attract and retain talent.

Coast: Beautiful beaches, outdoor recreation, and an exceptional quality of life for employees and families.

Without the Crowds: Indian River County provides Florida's advantages while avoiding many of the congestion, overdevelopment, and quality-of-life challenges facing larger metropolitan areas. Businesses can expand operations, recruit talent, and invest confidently in a community that continues to grow strategically and sustainably.

Business Investment. Community Impact.

The Local Jobs Grant Program is more than a financial incentive. It is a partnership that supports:

High-quality employment opportunities
Private-sector investment
Economic diversification
Workforce development
Long-term community prosperity

Every grant dollar is tied directly to verified job creation and measurable economic outcomes.

Let's Talk About Your Project

772-567-3491 Ext. 121
brian@indianrivered.com

Commerce. Culture. Coast...Without the Crowds.

County Commission Incentives and Tax Exemptions

Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption

Qualifying new and expanding businesses may be eligible for an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption on certain real and tangible personal property improvements. Approved projects may receive partial property tax relief for up to ten years, based on factors such as job creation, wages, capital investment, and overall economic impact. Final approval is granted by the Board of County Commissioners. This program is administered by the Indian River County Economic Development Division.

Projects of Significant Impact

Catalytic projects that create significant economic benefits for Indian River County may be considered for specialized County support. Projects are evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on factors such as capital investment, job creation, wages, tax base impact, and alignment with community economic development goals.

Other Local Assistance and Incentives

Expedited Permitting Initiative – Indian River County is developing an expedited permitting initiative designed to accelerate review timelines for qualifying economic development and affordable housing projects. The proposed program is expected to be considered by the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners in Fall 2026 and is intended to help reduce development timelines, improve project certainty, and bring investment and housing opportunities online more quickly.

State and Federal Incentives

Florida's pro-business climate includes no personal state income tax, competitive corporate tax policies, workforce training incentives, manufacturing equipment sales tax exemptions, research and development tax credits, and other industry-specific programs administered through FloridaCommerce. Additional international trade and export assistance programs are available through SelectFlorida.

Federal incentives may also be available. Significant portions of western Indian River County are located within designated Opportunity Zones, providing potential tax advantages for qualified investments. Businesses involved in international trade may also benefit from the County's participation in Foreign Trade Zone #218, which can provide advantages related to duties, tariffs, and customs procedures.