A new study reveals that historic preservation efforts generate Florida tourism dollars, state and local taxes, create jobs, and improve property values.

[ By Timothy McLendon and JoAnn Klein, Photography courtesy Visit Florida ]

Historic preservation activities contribute some $4.2 billion to Florida annually, according to a recently released report of the Florida Department of State. These impacts include the creation of jobs, generated income, increased gross state product and local tax collections, and increased in-state wealth. The study, a Congressionally funded grant through the Historic Preservation Fund, administered through the Department of the Interior, National Parks Service, was conducted by the Center for Governmental Responsibility at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and the Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University, in cooperation with the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Inc.

Economic Impacts of Historic Preservation in Florida, represents Florida's first comprehensive effort to examine the value of maintaining and renovating historic properties and sites and legislatively funded grants-in-aid to private and public projects.

The study examines direct and multiplier effects from public and private investments in historic preservation throughout the state in activities such as the rehabilitation of all types of historic properties, heritage tourism, Florida Main Street Program investment, grants programs, tax incentives, and museum operation. The final report was prepared with input from 60 local government officials and individuals involved in historic preservation, representing more than 30 Florida communities.

The 34-page, full-color report features a chapter on the economic impacts of each of the following: historic rehabilitation; heritage tourism; the Florida Main Street program; historical museums, parks and sites; historic resources grants-in-aid program and rehabilitation tax incentives; and property values. Each chapter presents findings relating to the economic impact of the featured category of historic preservation. Graphs and charts interpret the findings.

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