Funding Resources

State Funding Opportunities

Florida Highway Beautification Council Grant Program

The Florida Highway Beautification Council through the Department of Transportation provides funds for landscape beautification projects on Florida’s roadways. The funding is a matching grant of 50 percent. For more information, please contact the Staff Coordinator at (850) 922-7210 or https://www.fdot.gov/designsupport/highwaybeautification/grants.shtm.

Adopt-a-Highway Program

The Florida Department of Transportation sponsors this program in an effort to keep Florida’s state highway system litter free. Citizen groups may adopt a section of a state highway with a two year commitment of keeping their section free of litter. For more information, please contact the Adopt-a-Highway Coordinator (850) 414-0482 or (800) BAN LITTER (226-5488) or http://www.fdot.gov/maintenance/aah.shtm

Rural Development Program

The funds provided under this program work on a 75/25 cost share basis. This program is designed to address the environmental, economic and social needs of rural communities by identifying, utilizing and conserving the natural resources of rural areas. These funds are provided for the purpose of stimulating local economies and generating jobs. For more information, please contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at (850) 414-9955 or http://www.freshfromflorida.com/.

Historic Preservation Grants

The Division of Historical Resources under the Department of State provides funding not to exceed 50 percent with matching 50 percent coming from local funds or donated materials and services with a specific cost value. These funds should be used to assist in the identification and preservation of Florida’s historic resources. The types of projects eligible for funding fall into three general categories: Acquisition and Development, Survey and Planning, and Community Education. For more information, please contact the Bureau of Historic Preservation at (850) 245-6333 or http://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/.

Historical Museums Grants-in-Aid

The Division of Historical Resources under the Department of State provides funding not to exceed 50 percent of the cost of an eligible project or category with matching 50 percent coming from local funds or donated materials and services with a specific cash value. These funds should be used to provide matching support for the development of exhibits on Florida history, as well as for operating costs of Florida history museums. Funding is provided for two categories: general operating support and public educational exhibit projects. For more information, please contact the Grants Manager at (850) 487-1902 or http://dos.myflorida.com/historical/grants/.

Historic Special Categories Grants

The Division of Historical Resources under the Department of State provides funding not to exceed 50 percent with matching 50 percent coming from local sources. These funds should be used for major historic building restoration, archeological excavations, and museum exhibit projects involving the development and presentation of information on the history of Florida. For more information, please contact the Grants and Education Section of the Bureau of Historic Preservation at (850) 245-6333 or http://dos.myflorida.com/historical/grants/.

Cultural Grants Program

The Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State provides grants of varying amounts to non-profit organizations and political subdivisions engaged in cultural programming. The cultural disciplines include dance, folk arts, theater, visual arts, literature and media arts. The applicant is required to match the grant from local funds, a portion of which may be donated materials or services with a specific cost value. Additionally, the Cultural Facilities Program provides financial support for the renovation of cultural buildings such as museums, performing arts centers and theaters. For more information regarding Cultural Grants Programs, please contact the Bureau of Grants Services of the Division of Cultural Affairs at (850) 487-2980 or http://dos.myflorida.com/cultural/grants/.

Coastal Management Grants Program

The Florida Coastal Management Program in the Department of Community Affairs provides grants with 100 percent match required for local governments in 35 coastal counties which are designated coastal by the Department of Community Affairs. These grants shall be used to accomplish innovative projects which will implement the priority issues of the current applicable Florida Coastal Action Plan. Such projects include protection and management of coastal resources; improvements in water quality and natural resource protection through coastal non-point pollution controls; management of coastal development and redevelopment; and improved public beach access and hazard mitigation. For more information, please contact the Florida Coastal Management Program at (850) 922-5438 or http://www.dep.state.fl.us/cmp/grants/.

Florida Main Street Program

The Division of Historical Resources under the Department of State provides a $10,000 seed money grant and technical assistance for eligible communities. The Program encourages the revitalization of traditional downtown commercial districts through a community-based comprehensive approach. The applicant is not required to match the grant, but must provide a guaranteed one-year funding support for a Main Street manager. For more information, please contact the Florida Main Street Coordinator at (850) 487-2333 or myflorida.com…main-street-program/.

Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant

Neighborhood Revitalization – The Department of Community Affairs provides grants for local governments. Use of these grants is limited to the provision of infrastructure and facilities in low to moderate income neighborhoods. Eligible projects include water lines, sewer lines, fire protection, recreation, neighborhood centers, and other eligible public facilities. For more information, please contact the Community Development Block Grant Program Administrator at the Florida Department of Community Affairs at (850) 487-3644 or https://floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-development/programs/community-planning-table-of-contents/technical-assistance/community-planning-technical-assistance-grant.

Small Cities Community Development Block Grant

Commercial Revitalization – The Department of Community Affairs provides grants to eligible jurisdictions to assist in revitalizing downtown areas. Eligible projects include rehabilitation of privately owned building facades, modifications for handicapped access, sidewalks, landscaping, streets, drainage and parks. For more information, please contact the Community Development Block Grant Program Administrator of the Florida Department of Community Affairs of the Bureau of Community Development at (850) 487-3644 or https://floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-development/programs/community-planning-table-of-contents/technical-assistance/community-planning-technical-assistance-grant.

Florida Communities Trust Land Acquisition Grants, Loans and Matching Grants

The Florida Communities Trust as part of the Department of Community Affairs provides incentives to local governments to protect resources identified in their local government comprehensive plans. This protection involves the conservation of natural resources and resolving land-use issues by implementing conservation, recreation, open space, and coastal management elements. For more information, please contact the Florida Communities Trust of the Florida Department of Community Affairs at (850) 922-2207 or dep.state.fl.us/lands…ParkDevelopmentFunds.htm.

Florida Recreation and Development Assistance Grant Program

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection provides funds for the above program by the following breakdown of costs: no match for the first $50,000 of program costs; 25 percent match for $50,000 – $150,000 of program costs; and 50 percent match for program costs over $150,000. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/oirs/default.htm.

Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection provides funds for the above program with a 50 percent match.

Florida Boating Improvement Program

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection provides funds for the above program requiring no match.

Pollution Recovery Program

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection provides funds for the above program with no match required.

Coastal Protection Restoration Program

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection provides funds for the above program with no match required.

For more information regarding the grants listed above, please contact the Division of Recreation and Parks of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at (850) 488-3539 or http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/.

Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Implementation (Storm Water Management)

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection provides funds for the above program with a 40 percent non-Federal match required. For more information, please contact the Nonpoint Source Management and Water Quality Standards Section of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at (850) 488-3605 or http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/monitoring/index.htm.

Greenways and Rails-to-Trails Program

The Office of Greenways and Trails in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive plan for a statewide system of greenways and trails. It also implements concepts of ecosystem management in creating multi-use recreational facilities where appropriate. Other activities include conducting activities enhanced by partnerships with local governments, citizen groups, and other agencies administering the Florida Rails-to-Trails Acquisition Program; and administering the Statewide Florida Recreational Trails System.

It is possible these Rails-to-Trails corridors can be considered as recreational resources for a scenic corridor. If a scenic corridor is adjacent and accessible to a greenway trail, a partnership between the CAG and the Office of Greenways and Trails could be arranged. This partnership may be able to coordinate funding as well as other plans for the two corridors, such as enhancements, promotion or maintenance. Proposed scenic corridors adjacent to a greenway or Rails-to-Trails corridor should contact the agency listed below when seeking eligibility and designation as a Florida Scenic Highway.

For more information regarding Greenways and Rails-to-Trails Programs, please contact the Office of Greenways and Trails of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at (850) 488-3701 or http://dep.state.fl.us/gwt/.

Aquatic Preserves, National Marine Sanctuaries and National Estuarine Research Reserves

The Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas as part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection administers all State Aquatic Preserves, National Marine Sanctuaries and National Estuarine Research Reserves. For more information, please contact the Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at (850) 488-3456 or http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/.

Technical Assistance For Community-Based Organizations

The Enterprise Florida, Inc. provides technical assistance to community-based organizations in an effort to strengthen and diversify local economies. Technical assistance includes helping form an organization, and identifying community development strategies, and identifying financial resources for community development projects and referring to other responsible agencies. For more information, please contact Enterprise Florida at (407) 316-4600 or https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/.

Rural Job Tax Credit Program

The Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development provides incentives for eligible businesses located within one of 15 designated rural counties to create new jobs. For more information, please contact the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development of the Executive Office of the Governor (850) 487-2568 or visit the web site.

Urban Job Tax Credit Program

The Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development provides incentives for eligible businesses located within one of 15 designated urban counties to create new jobs. For more information, please contact the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development of the Executive Office of the Governor at (850) 487-2568 or http://floridarevenue.com/pages/default.aspx.

Economic Analysis

Enterprise Florida, Inc., a public/private organization, provides information, research, and planning for economic development efforts in Florida. For more information, please contact Enterprise Florida at (407) 316-4600 or https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/.

Advertising Match Grant

The Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, a public/private organization, provides matching grants up to $2,500 to fund projects which contribute directly or indirectly to the promotion of tourism, industrial or agricultural advantages within Florida. For more information, see visitflorida.org/resources…advertising-matching-grants-program/.

Federal Programs that Can Support Heritage Tourism

Visit the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation for information on various grants to support Heritage Tourism.

https://www.achp.gov/preserve-america

Land and Water Conservation Fund

The National Park Service through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection provides a maximum of $150,000 with 50% matching funds from other agencies for the enhancement of outdoor recreation opportunities. These funds may be used for the acquisition of real property and the construction, expansion, renovation/repair and installation of primary and support facilities. For more information, please contact Department of Environmental Protection of the Division of Recreation & Parks at (850) 488-7896 or http://www.lwcfcoalition.org/.

South Florida Ecosystem Program

For recipients in the southern portion of the State and/or Indian River Lagoon, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides funding for projects such as restoring and enhancing degraded coastal uplands and estuarine wetlands, removing exotic vegetation and promoting public awareness. For more information, please contact the Florida Inland Navigation District at (561) 627-3386 or https://evergladesrestoration.gov/.