Opportunity Florida Redesignated as Serving RACEC

Opportunity Florida has announced that Governor Charlie Crist recently signed an Executive Order redesignating the eight county region it serves as a Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern (RACEC).

The designation, which must be re-submitted and re-approved every five years, offers many advantages for the counties that unite to form Opportunity Florida.

The eight counties, Gulf, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty and Washington and the city of Freeport are able to use the designation to help them compete for jobs and other quality of life enhancements on a more level playing field with the larger, more populated counties.

The Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern designation enhances the ability for counties to receive special tax incentives and infrastructure grants which will assist with the retention of existing businesses, while also better enabling the county to compete for new businesses.

“The Boards of County Commissioners from all our counties and several of our municipalities helped with this effort by enacting resolutions in support of Opportunity Florida and its efforts to renew the designation,” said Johnny Eubanks, Chairman of Opportunity Florida, “We are extremely grateful to them for their assistance.”

For further information, please contact Susan Estes at the Opportunity Florida office at 850-718-0453.