Questions About Florida Brownfield Tax Breaks

'Brownfield' companies get tax break without proof of pollution

By Sandra Pedicini
Orlando Sentinel (FL)
August 18, 2012

A state program created to redevelop polluted areas is doling out tax
breaks for companies that lease offices in downtown high-rises, build
on pastureland and open restaurants on busy highways, even when there
is no proof they are on contaminated land.

 From January 2011 through April 2012 alone, about $11 million in tax
refunds have been approved for dozens of businesses, according to a
database accidentally released in June by the state Department of
Economic Opportunity. In some instances local governments would not
contribute their share, which means the overall total could be lower.

The companies range from Orlando startup video-game developer Row
Sham Bow to Fortune 500 corporations including Darden Restaurants and
Publix Super Markets.
Many businesses can receive up to $2,500 per job during several years
when they open or expand in so-called "brownfields," defined as
properties underdeveloped because of actual or perceived
environmental pollution.

Companies are getting the breaks largely because Florida's brownfield
initiative has a major loophole, critics say. To be eligible, there
is no need to prove that anything needs cleaning up. The perception
alone of contamination is enough under the vaguely written law.

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For the entire article, see
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-18/business/os-florida- brownfield-tax-breaks-20120818_1_brownfield-areas-brownfield-program- polluted-areas
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