Purpose

To assist in the identification, excavation, protection, and rehabilitation of historic and archaeological sites in Florida; to provide public information about these important resources; and to encourage historic preservation in smaller cities through the Florida Main Street program.

Examples of Projects

Types of historic preservation projects that can be funded include Acquisition and Development projects (including excavation of archaeological sites and building rehabilitation, stabilization or planning for such activities); Survey and Planning activities (including surveying for historic properties, preparing National Register nominations, and preparing ordinances or preservation plans); and Community Education projects (such as walking tour brochures, educational programs for school children, videos illustrating historic preservation principles, and Florida Historical Markers).

Who Can Apply

Departments or agencies of the state (including universities), cities, counties and other units of local government, and not-for-profit organizations.

Schedule

The application period begins on October 1 and ends December 15. Applications must be postmarked by the deadline. Funds are available after July 1.

Review Process

All applications are evaluated in the spring on a competitive basis by Grant Review Panels appointed by the Secretary of State. The applications are evaluated on historic significance, endangerment, appropriateness of the preservation treatment proposed, administrative capability of the organization, adequacy of technical and financial resources, educational potential, economic benefits, and public good resulting from the project.
Panelist Nominations

Amount of Typical Grant Award/Requirements for Match

The maximum matching grant award is $50,000. The grantee will be required to provide a matching share equal to the Grant Award in cash or in-kind services.

Note: Under the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI), certain rural or economically distressed counties or communities have been designated as REDI qualified pursuant to Section 288.0656, F.S.

Applicants for projects within a REDI qualified area, as of the application deadline, are eligible to receive a complete waiver of match requirements. In order to receive a waiver, each application submitted must include a letter from the designated county or community requesting such a waiver pursuant to Section 288.06561, F.S.

The REDI program is administered through the Governor's Office of Trade, Tourism, and Economic Development. The list of counties and communities eligible for financial match waivers is reviewed annually and is available at the following location:

Rural Communities List.