By Jim Carchidi
July 27, 2026
A plan to encourage private investments in Orlando’s Downtown Historic District is moving forward after approval from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Board.
Incentive overview
According to city documents, the DTO Historic Redevelopment Incentive Program will offer tax rebates for the renovation and restoration of eligible properties within the Downtown Historic District. Projects must provide an economically viable reuse “while preserving historically or architecturally significant features of the building."
A city map shows the borders of the Downtown Historic District and features some of its well-known properties.
Downtown is one of Orlando’s six historic preservation districts and the only one eligible for the proposed incentives. The eight-block zone includes more than 90 buildings constructed between the 1880s and early 1940s.
Requirements
To qualify, a redevelopment proposal must target a property within the historic district borders. The property must be designated as a historic landmark or as a contributing structure (a building with historic significance but without landmark designation). And there must be an approved renovation plan with a minimum $5 million investment that preserves historically significant elements of the street-facing facade.
The incentive is tied to the ordinance providing for a three-year moratorium on Historic Preservation Board construction standards within the Downtown Historic District. Under the ordinance, all project proposals will go through the city’s Appearance Review Board and city commission would retain final say on approvals. Building demolition would not be allowed without approved plans for replacement.
Tax rebates
The moratorium and incentives are meant to reinvigorate vacant areas in the downtown core, such as Church Street. Photos by Jim Carchidi
Designated landmarks would receive a 10-year, 75% rebate of the ad valorem taxes generated by post-development property value. Properties designated as contributing structures would receive a 10-year, 50% rebate of the same taxes. And the incentive is transferable to future property owners in the event of a sale.
What's next
The Orlando Real reported the CRA is currently seeking a partnership in the revitalization of the 102-year-old State Bank of Orlando and Trust Co. building at 1 N. Orange Ave. A city representative said the project could qualify for the incentives and a decision would be made once a development proposal is selected.
City council members will vote on the incentive proposal at their next meeting on Aug. 10; the same day the three-year moratorium is expected to take effect after a planned review by the Florida Division of Historic Resources.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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