Signal · Development

Orlando just put a tax credit behind saving downtown's historic buildings

noted Aug 27, 2026

City commissioners voted 6-1 this month to approve a Downtown Historic Redevelopment incentive program — a tax credit for anyone investing $5 million or more into a contributing or landmark building in the Downtown Historic District, provided the historic elements are preserved. It pairs with a new 36-month process shifting redevelopment review from the Historic Preservation Board to the Appearance Review Board, meant to speed projects along. Commissioner Patty Sheehan cast the lone no vote, saying the $5 million bar is too high to truly encourage preservation. Meanwhile, the $500M Westcourt district by Kia Center marches on with Turner Construction aboard, projected to open late 2028.

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