Four Opportunity Zones have been designated in Highlands County. These zones include Census Tract 9603 (Avon Park), Tract 9601.03 (Spanning Avon Park and Sebring), Tract 9612 (Sebring), and Tract 9617 (Lake Placid). The IRS is still currently working on guidance under IRC 1400Z-2 (including the certification of Qualified Opportunity Funds and eligible investments in Qualified Opportunity Zones).
According to a press release from Florida Governor Rick Scott, "Low Tax Opportunity Zones, as established in the federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, encourage long-term investment and job creation in targeted communities by reducing taxes for many job creators. Low Tax Opportunity Zones enhance local communities’ ability to attract businesses, developers and financial institutions to invest in targeted areas by allowing investors to defer capital gains taxes through investments in federally established Opportunity Funds." Additional details are available here.
Search for available sites within Highlands County's Opportunity Zones via our online Sites & Buildings database and view other incentive support programs available for business development in Highlands County, FL.