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04-14-2026 - 2nd Revised Final Packet
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOCC Informal Meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2026 9:00 AM Commission Chambers 2300 Virginia Avenue 3rd Floor of Roger Poitras Building Fort Pierce, FL 34982 BOARD MEMBERS District No. 4, Chair JAMIE FOWLER District No. 2, Vice-Chair LARRY LEET District No. 1 JAMES CLASBY District No. 3 ERIN LOWRY District No. 5 CATHY TOWNSEND Mission Statement Committed To Service, Focused On Our Future, Grounded By Tradition *2nd Revised Final on 4/14 Page 1 of 130 BOCC Informal Meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2026 9:00 AM 2 | P a g e 1. CALL TO ORDER - JAMIE FOWLER, CHAIR BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. St. Lucie Woods Sensory-Friendly Preserve B. Non-Conforming Lot Discussion C. SLC Economic Incentive Program Draft Revisions D. Budget Discussion - ADD ON - ATTACHMENT AMENDED 4. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS 5. ADJOURNMENT NOTICE: All Proceedings before this Board are electronically recorded. Any person who decides to appeal any action taken by the Board at these meetings will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made. Upon the request of any party to the proceedings, individuals testifying during a hearing will be sworn in. Any party to the proceedings will be granted the opportunity to cross-examine any individual testifying during a hearing upon request. Anyone with a disability requiring accommodation to attend this meeting should contact the St. Lucie County Human Resources Department at (772) 462-1546, humanresources@stlucieco.org or TDD (772) 462-1428 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. Page 2 of 130 INFORMAL ITEM REQUEST DATE: 4/14/2026 TO: Board of County Commissioners PRESENTED BY: Amy Griffin, Environmental Resources Director SUBJECT: St. Lucie Woods Sensory-Friendly Preserve BACKGROUND: The St. Lucie Woods Preserve encompasses a 33-acre property in St. Lucie County for an interactive nature preserve designed to accommodate the needs of sensory-challenged individuals, including those with Autism- Spectrum Disorder, as well as the public. Purchased by the County in 2018, the property is located west of Oleander Avenue, north of Prima Vista Boulevard, and south of Midway Road, along the eastern banks of the St. Lucie River just east of the Oxbow Eco-Center & Preserve. Through an extensive public engagement effort facilitated by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the County has gathered input from a diverse range of partner agencies, industry professionals, and the public to inform the concept plan and program. Through careful programming and management, St. Lucie Woods will allow users to experience nature, learn about natural systems, and enjoy “walk in the woods” in a safe, supportive, and engaging manner. The Concept Plan integrates prior County plans, public input, and best practices to provide a development program that protects and celebrates the site’s environmental resources and identifies locations for various improvements to provide an educational, enriching experience for individuals of all abilities. The Plan includes a welcome center and education building, an “infinity loop trail” with active and passive activities, staff accommodations, and various boardwalk and trail connections to waterfront facilities along the St. Lucie River. PREVIOUS ACTION: N/A FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A BOARD DIRECTION: No direction being sought. Page 3 of 130 4ST. LUCIE W DS PRESERVE PROGRAMMING CONCEPT PLAN II. PROGRAMMING SAFETY PLAN DRAFT REVISED 3/25/2026 © 2025 Microsoft Corporation © 2025 Maxar ©CNES (2025) Distribution Airbus DS SCALE 1'' : 200' Concept © 2025 Microsoft Corporation © 2025 Maxar ©CNES (2025) Distribution Airbus DS SCALE 1'' : 200' Concept © 2025 Microsoft Corporation © 2025 Maxar ©CNES (2025) Distribution Airbus DS SCALE 1'' : 200' Concept © 2025 Microsoft Corporation © 2025 Maxar ©CNES (2025) Distribution Airbus DS SCALE 1'' : 200' Concept © 2025 Microsoft Corporation © 2025 Maxar ©CNES (2025) Distribution Airbus DS SCALE 1'' : 200' Concept © 2025 Microsoft Corporation © 2025 Maxar ©CNES (2025) Distribution Airbus DS SCALE 1'' : 200' Concept SCALE 1'' : 200' Concept WOODLANDS DRIVE Programming Safety Plan with Environmental Features WOODLANDS DRIVE KITTERMAN ROAD OL E A N D E R A V E N U E N O R T H F O R K S T . L U C I E R I V E R A B K C FE G H J I CONCEPT PLAN KEY A. Entryway B. Driveway & Parking Area C. Welcome Area D. Magic Meadow E. Infinity Trail West - Noisy Zone F. Infinity Trail East - Quiet Zone G. Boardwalk (ADA - Compliant) H. Kayak Landing I. Observation Deck J. Wilderness Boardwalk & Trail K. On-site Preserve Ranger BuildingD LEGEND Boundary Flood Zone X Flood Zone AE Wetland Waterway New Building Interactive Station Saw Palmetto Barrier Magic Meadow Fencing Safety Gate SCALE 1'' : 200' Concept St. Lucie Woods Preserve The St. Lucie Woods Preserve is a County- led initiative to develop an interactive nature preserve expressly designed to accommodate the needs of sensory- challenged individuals, including those with Autism-Spectrum Disorder, as well as the general public. Purchased in 2018, the County has undertaken an extensive public engagement effort, facilitated by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, with a diverse range of partner agencies, industry professionals, and the public to inform the concept plan and program for the 33-acre site. St. Lucie Woods Preserve will allow users to experience nature, learn about natural systems, and enjoy a “walk in the woods” in a safe, supportive, and engaging manner. Infinity Trail & Interactive Exhibits Welcome Center & Communication Interface Kayak Landing & Observation Deck Magic Meadow Programming Concept Plan A St. Lucie County project in partnership with: Savannah’s Preserve Oxbow Eco-Center St. Lucie Woods US - 1 Prima Vista Blvd Ol e a n d e r A v e Project website Accessible Nature • Environmental Education • Intentional Exploration DRAFT (April 2026) Page 4 of 130 ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APRIL 14, 2026 PROJECT FACILITATED BY TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL ON BEHALF OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT ST. LUCIE WOODS: A SENSORY-FRIENDLY PRESERVE Page 5 of 130 St. Lucie County Environmental Lands & Greenways/Trails Network St. Lucie Woods property Page 6 of 130 North Fork of the St. Lucie River Preserves Page 7 of 130 Page 8 of 130 Myers Stickle Preserve for Persons with Autism & Unique Abilities Page 9 of 130 Page 10 of 130 Location Map US - 1 N OL E A N D E R A V E N U E NW S T J A M E S D R I V E ST. LUCIE WOODS PROPERTY Page 11 of 130 Location Map OL E A N D E R A V E N U E US - 1 N KITTERMAN ROAD ST. LUCIE WOODS PROPERTY Page 12 of 130 •Local Governments & Agencies •Public Educational Institutions •St. Lucie County School Board •Indian River State College •Florida Atlantic University CARD •Private Schools & Foundations •ASD Professionals & Support Groups •Parents, Caregivers & Preserve Users •And the General Public State of Florida funding: FDEP Florida Communities Trust (acquisition) & Legislative Appropriation (design & construction) Broad Stakeholder Engagement Page 13 of 130 Broad Stakeholder Engagement •Steering Committee Meetings •Two Focus Groups •Public Workshop •Staff Design Session •Agency Coordination Page 14 of 130 Big Takeaways •The County’s sensory-focused needs are significant … growing demand for “Accessible Nature.” •Accessibility benefits all County residents … with & without challenges; singles, families & seniors. •St. Lucie Woods is a preserve, not a playground … emphasis on conservation & enhancement. •Opportunity for “nature classroom” and partnership with St. Lucie County School District. •Many partners to engage … for programming, materials, continued input, and funding. WHEN WE DESIGN FOR DIFFERENT ABILITIES … … WE MAKE THINGS BETTER FOR EVERYONE * Page 15 of 130 Programming Concept Plan Page 16 of 130 Page 17 of 130 Page 18 of 130 Page 19 of 130 Page 20 of 130 Page 21 of 130 Interactive Exhibits Page 22 of 130 Overall Theme of elements will connect to nature Focusing on Adaptations Characteristics that make an organism unique is what helps them survive •Music Creation •Experience Sound •Climbable •Balance & Movement •Focus •Tactile/Sensory •Maze/Puzzle •Buildable •Art Interactive Exhibits Page 23 of 130 Music Creation Climbable Balance & Movement Focus Tactile Experience Sound Maze Puzzle Page 24 of 130 Balance Art Buildable Art Expression Climbable Tactile Photo Op Page 25 of 130 Fun Facts •https://www.pulsedesign.com/ada-tactile-signs •https://shop.thevisitorexperience.org/products/rai nbow-nature Bold imagery Diversity of interpretation Inclusive Fun Informative Accurate Page 26 of 130 Welcome Area Page 27 of 130 Magic Meadow Page 28 of 130 Infinity Trail Page 29 of 130 Kayak Landing Page 30 of 130 Due Diligence & Advance Work COMPLETED Programming Concept Planning COMPLETED Stakeholder Engagement UNDERWAY Web Interface UNDERWAY Programming & Curriculum Development UNDERWAY BOCC Workshop Presentation TODAY Project Schedule Page 31 of 130 Site Improvements – Phase 1A •Entry, Fencing, Driveway & Parking •Ranger Location & Infrastructure •Welcome Pavilion & Restrooms •Boardwalk & Trail UNDERWAY Site Improvements – Phase 1B •Infinity Loop Trail & Magic Meadow •Interactive Stations & Communication Boards •Kayak Landing & Observation Deck PENDING Establish Foundation PENDING Improvements – Future Phases •Interactive Stations (additional) •Communication Boards (additional) •Sponsor Recognition •Solar Recharging, Wi-Fi • Other as identified TBD Project Schedule Page 32 of 130 Stakeholder Comments Page 33 of 130 FRIENDLY REMINDER! Page 34 of 130 PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION Kim DeLaney, Ph.D. Director of Strategic Development & Policy Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council 772.708.8471 kdelaney@tcrpc.org THANK YOU! Amy Griffin, M.P.A. Environmental Resources Director St. Lucie County 772.462.2531 Amy.Griffin@stlucieco.gov Page 35 of 130 INFORMAL ITEM REQUEST DATE: 4/14/2026 TO: Board of County Commissioners PRESENTED BY: Benjamin Balcer, Planning & Development Services Director Kori Benton, Planning & Zoning Manager SUBJECT: Non-Conforming Lot Discussion BACKGROUND: In 1961, St. Lucie County adopted its first set of land development regulations that set minimum requirements for buildable lots, such as lot size, width, and road frontage. Since then, amendments in 1984 and 1990 have updated those standards. As a result, some lots that were once conforming no longer meet current requirements for lot area, width, or minimum road frontage or sometimes a combination of the 3. A nonconforming lot may still be considered buildable if it was under separate ownership as of July 1, 1984. The key date here is July 1, 1984, which is when the current Land Development Code zoning regulations were adopted. If, on that date, the same owner held two or more adjoining lots, those parcels are treated as a single combined buildable lot and must remain together. But, if a lot was under separate ownership on July 1, 1984, it may still qualify as buildable—even if it doesn’t meet today’s standards. Lots that don’t conform to the zoning code but are still buildable are called non- conforming lots of record. A nonconforming lot of record (NCLOR) was created if the lot was in existence before the passage of the zoning ordinance or ordinance amendment, and now it fails to comply with related dimensional standards such as minimum lot area, width, or road frontage. PREVIOUS ACTION: This item was last discussed by the BOCC at the September 9, 2025 Informal Meeting. FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A BOARD DIRECTION: Staff recommends the Board ask questions of staff and provide input on non-conforming lots. Page 36 of 130 1 Nonconforming Lots Board of County Commissioners Informal Meeting April 14, 2026 Planning & Development Services Ben Balcer, AICP, PDS Director Kori Benton, AICP, Planning & Zoning Manager Page 37 of 130 2 Nonconforming Lots •Due to a change in the zoning classification or zoning code, certain properties have been rendered nonconforming. •For example: Lots are designated in a zoning district which required a 1-acre minimum lot size and 100ft of road frontage. The land is later rezoned to another zoning district which requires 2.5 acres minimum lot size and 150ft of road frontage. •Lots are now nonconforming to land area and road frontage Re z o n i n g Lots are 2 acres in sizeOriginal zoning category = requires 1-acre lot size & 100 ft frontage New zoning category = requires 2.5-acre lot size & 150 ft frontage Page 38 of 130 Nonconforming Lots •There are situations in which an underlying plat predates the adoption of the zoning code. These properties may now be nonconforming. •One example is: Lands are platted with a certain sizes lot in the 1920’s, then the County adopts a zoning code (1960’s). •Lots become nonconforming because do not meet the dimensional standards of the zoning district. 1 1925 plat Lots are approx. 50’x150’ Lots created before zoning 2 1961 code adopted Requires Lot width of 75’ All lots nonconforming to width 1984 code adopted Requires Lot width of 100’ All lots remain nonconforming to width Need to combine two 50’ wide lots to construct a house 3 Page 39 of 130 Code has included that nonconforming lots be in separate ownership and called for eliminating or reducing the frequency of nonconformities since 1961 September 11, 1961 St. Lucie County Zoning Resolution Page 40 of 130 Nonconforming Lots Example: A single lot of record existing before July 1, 1984, can build a house even if the parcel does not meet required lot width Contiguous lots that were of single ownership on July 1, 1984, and conformed to the newly adopted Code must remain contiguous as one lot of record or lots need to be recombined to build a house Page 41 of 130 Nonconforming Lots Example: Example – no road frontage & do not meet 1 acre min lot size Research needed to determine if in common ownership in 1984. Unrecorded plat of “Colonial Acres Location Map B” Page 42 of 130 Nonconforming Lots Example: Example – does not meet 10,000 sq. ft. min lot size and required 75’ lot width. The 2 lots were in the same ownership as of July 1, 1984. Therefore, they are considered an undivided parcel. Page 43 of 130 Nonconforming Lots Example: Example – Lots do not have adequate road frontage . Lots 1, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 under same ownership as of July 1, 1984, and are viewed as an undivided parcel. Page 44 of 130 Nonconforming Lots Example: Example – This parcel was in common ownership on July 1, 1984. It was illegally split into four lots and had to be recombined in 2000 to allow for one buildable NCLOR. This parcel may not be subdivided. Page 45 of 130 Nonconforming Lots Example: Highway One Estates – Unrecorded Plat Example – parcels meet 1 acre min lot size but no road frontage (private easement recorded in public records) Single nonconforming lot of record – may build a SFR without road frontage Example – 3 parcels in yellow in common ownership in July 1984, considered an undivided parcel. Need to recombine 3 parcels to build a SFR or create a road paved to County standards. Page 46 of 130 Nonconforming Lots Like the prior example, the parcel with the blue X was two separate parcels in common ownership and needed to be combined before the existing home was constructed. Page 47 of 130 ❖Determination: Allow property owners to re-configure nonconforming parcels to not exceed the nonconformity created in 1984 and record a deed restriction limiting any future subdivision. Example: Nonconforming Lots Page 48 of 130 This issue is not unique to St. Lucie County •Martin County – “When two or more contiguous unimproved, vacant, nonconforming lots are in single ownership as of the date upon which such lots became nonconforming due to changes in the zoning regulations, such lots must be combined to make them conforming” •Okeechobee County – “If two or more lots or combinations of lots and portions of lots which are contiguous to other lots in single ownership are of record on July 23, 1979, and if all or part of the lots do not meet the requirements established for lot width and area or frontage, the lands involved shall be considered to be an undivided parcel for the purposes of this Code.” •Alachua County – “Where two (2) or more contiguous lots are under the same ownership as of October 2, 1991, the adoption date of the 1991 Comprehensive Plan, and one or more of those lots is nonconforming, such lot or lots shall be combined to form one or more building sites meeting the lot requirements of the zoning district” •Brevard County – “If two or more lots or a combination of lots and portions of lots with contiguous frontage in single ownership are of record, and if all or part of the lots do not meet the requirements for lot width, lot area and lot depth as established in this section, the lands involved shall be considered to be an undivided parcel for the purposes of this chapter.” •Volusia County – “If two or more lots and/or combinations of lots and/or portions of lots that abut in single ownership existed on the effective date of adoption or amendment of this article, or if such lots and/or portions thereof are subsequently combined in single ownership with other adjoining lots, and if all or part of the lots do not meet the requirements established for lot width or lot area, then the lands involved shall be considered to be an undivided lot for the purposes of this article unless lawfully created in accordance with the subdivision regulations that existed on the effective date or amendment of this article, is not substandard, and is developed with a permitted dwelling unit.” Nonconforming Lots Page 49 of 130 Nonconforming Lots •County has an application to determine if parcel is a nonconforming lot: •Research abutting parcels for prior ownership dating back to July 1, 1984. •Research prior deeds, property appraiser information, and legal descriptions to determination ownership. •Verify legal access, if no legal access, request easement/license or other document providing legal access. •Provide ingress/egress docs to County Attorney’s Office for review. •If no common ownership prior to July 1984 and legal access, then single NCLOR. $300.00 Page 50 of 130 15 Nonconforming Lots Board of County Commissioners Informal Meeting April 14, 2026 Planning & Development Services Ben Balcer, AICP, PDS Director Kori Benton, AICP, Planning & Zoning Manager Page 51 of 130 16 10.00.04. - Nonconforming Lots of Record. A. Lots of Record Created Prior to July 1, 1984. 1. In any district, principal permitted structures and customary accessory buildings may be erected on any single lot of record existing before July 1, 1984, notwithstanding limitations imposed by other provisions of this Code. Such lot must be in separate ownership and not contiguous to other lots in the same ownership. This provision shall apply even though such lot fails to meet the requirements for area, or width, or frontage or any combination of the three (3) that are generally applicable in the district, provided that yard dimensions and requirements other than those applying to area, or width, or frontage of the lot shall conform to the regulations for the district in which such lot is located. Variance of yard dimensions and requirements other than those applying to area, width, and frontage shall be obtained only through action of the Board of Adjustment. If however, the lot has no frontage as defined in Chapter II, then proof of recorded legal ingress and egress acceptable to the County Attorney must be furnished before a building permit will be issued except for nonresidential accessory structures in AR-1, AG-1, AG- 2.5 and AG-5 zoning districts. 2. If two (2) or more lots or combinations of lots and portions of lots which are contiguous to other lots were of single ownership and were of record on July 1, 1984, and if all or part of the lots do not meet the requirements established for lot width and area or frontage, the lands involved shall be considered to be an undivided parcel for the purposes of this Code provided however, that lots separated by an ingress/egress, access or roadway easement that was of record on July 1, 1984, but specifically excluding any easement limited to utilities, drainage or other non-access purpose, shall not be considered an undivided parcel for the purpose of this section. Potential relief provided for certain circumstances Page 52 of 130 17 Page 53 of 130 INFORMAL ITEM REQUEST DATE: 4/14/2026 TO: Board of County Commissioners PRESENTED BY: Benjamin Balcer, Planning & Development Services Director SUBJECT: SLC Economic Incentive Program Draft Revisions BACKGROUND: St. Lucie County currently administers several economic incentive programs, including Ad Valorem Tax Abatements (AVTA), the Job Growth Investment Grant (JGIG), and Impact Fee Mitigation (IFM), to encourage targeted industry recruitment, job creation, and capital investment within the County. While these programs have been effective in supporting economic development, the existing evaluation framework relies largely on case-by-case analysis and negotiated terms, which can result in inconsistencies in how incentives are awarded and limited transparency in the decision-making process. PDS and the EDC previously presented an overview of the County's Economic Incentive Program to the Board, who directed staff to conduct a comprehensive review of the County’s incentive structure to modernize the program and better align incentives with measurable economic outcomes. The proposed updates establish a standardized, points-based scoring system that evaluates projects based on objective criteria, including job creation, wage levels, capital investment, and industry alignment. This scoring framework is intended to serve as the primary basis for determining both eligibility and the level of incentive awarded across all programs. The revised program also strengthens accountability by directly tying incentive awards to verified performance and establishing clear compliance thresholds. Under the proposed framework, incentive payments are contingent upon the applicant achieving defined performance obligations, with provisions allowing for prorated payments in cases where substantial, but not full, compliance is demonstrated, subject to Board approval. Additionally, the updates align and integrate the County’s incentive programs under a unified structure, improve administrative consistency, and ensure that incentive levels are commensurate with the economic benefit provided to the County. The proposed changes are intended to enhance transparency, improve return on investment, and provide the Board of County Commissioners with a more predictable and defensible framework for evaluating incentive requests. Key Revisions to Economic Incentive Program • Establishes a standardized, points-based scoring system to evaluate all incentive applications • Defines the scoring matrix as the primary basis for determining eligibility and maximum incentive levels • Replaces case-by-case negotiation with a consistent, transparent evaluation framework Page 54 of 130 • Ties incentive awards directly to measurable performance metrics, including job creation, wage levels, and capital investment • Introduces a tiered incentive structure based on total score achieved • Aligns all programs (AVTA, JGIG, and Impact Fee Mitigation) under a unified evaluation methodology • Strengthens compliance and reporting requirements, including annual verification of performance obligations • Establishes clear performance thresholds for payment eligibility • Allows for prorated incentive payments when at least 70% of required performance is achieved, subject to Board approval • Clarifies that failure to meet minimum performance thresholds may result in forfeiture of incentive payments for the applicable period • Clearly states that the Board has full discretion to approve, deny or modify incentive agreements and award amounts and may terminate or modify any incentive or exemption in the event of noncompliance • Updates and modernizes the Job Growth Investment Grant (JGIG) structure, including alignment of award amounts with scoring outcomes (and cap increase) • Refines the Ad Valorem Tax Abatement (AVTA) structure, including alignment of exemption duration and value with project score • Formalizes a two-phase AVTA process (preliminary support and final approval by ordinance) • Improves administrative consistency and predictability in evaluating incentive requests • Enhances the County’s ability to ensure a measurable return on investment (ROI) for awarded incentives PREVIOUS ACTION: The BOCC previously directed staff to draft revisions to the County's Economic Incentive Program, including new criteria for JGIG Agreements, Impact Fee Mitigation, and Ad Valorem Tax Abatement. FINANCIAL IMPACT: BOARD DIRECTION: Staff recommends the Board provide input and policy direction on the County's Economic Incentive Programs. Page 55 of 130 1 RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, REVISING AND CONSOLIDATING THE COUNTY’S ECONOMIC INCENTIVE PROGRAM; ADOPTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY ECONOMIC INCENTIVE SCORING MATRIX; ADOPTING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY ECONOMIC INCENTIVE APPLICATION; REPEALING OR SUPERSEDING PRIOR RESOLUTIONS; ESTABLISHING A PERFORMANCE- BASED INCENTIVE FRAMEWORK; PROVIDING FOR ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE AGREEMENTS AND RECAPTURE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the following determinations: 1. St. Lucie County supports economic development and the creation of new employment opportunities as part of an overall strategy for sustainability and quality of life; and 2. On August 23, 1994, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 94- 168, which created and approved the Job Growth Investment Grant (JGIG) Program Process and Criteria to encourage economic development, job creation, and capital investment within St. Lucie County; and 3. The Board of County Commissioners amended the JGIG guidelines in 1998, 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2009; and 4. On March 31, 2015, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 15-042, which refined the JGIG Program to allow participation by locally owned and operated businesses; and 5. The Board of County Commissioners finds that it is in the best interest of public health, safety, and welfare to revise such programs to ensure that incentives are directly tied to measurable economic benefits, including high-wage job creation and capital investment; and 6. The Board of County Commissioners desires to establish a uniform, transparent, and performance-based framework for awarding economic incentives; and 7. The Board of County Commissioners further finds that incentives should only be provided upon demonstration of measurable public benefit and should include enforceable provisions for recapture in the event of nonperformance or relocation; and 6. This Resolution is intended to amend, consolidate, and supersede prior resolutions or policies inconsistent herewith to the extent of such inconsistency. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida: SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND INTENT. This Resolution establishes a revised Economic Incentive Program designed to promote high-wage job creation, capital investment, and long-term economic benefit within St. Lucie Page 56 of 130 2 County. All incentives shall be performance-based and contingent upon compliance with executed agreements. SECTION 2. ADOPTION OF SCORING MATRIX. The St. Lucie County Economic Incentive Scoring Matrix, attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, is hereby adopted. SECTION 3. APPLICABILITY. The scoring matrix shall be used to evaluate economic development projects for eligibility and award determinations under County incentive programs, including but not limited to: • Impact Fee Mitigation; • Job Growth Investment Grant; • Ad Valorem Tax Abatement; and • Any other County-administered economic development incentives, as may be established or amended by the Board of County Commissioners SECTION 4. ELIGIBILITY. Eligibility for incentives shall be limited to Qualified Target Industry businesses, as defined by applicable County ordinances and policies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, locally owned and operated businesses may be eligible for participation in the Job Growth Investment Grant (JGIG) program, as determined by the Board of County Commissioners. Eligibility and award levels shall be determined based on: • The total score achieved under the scoring matrix; and • Compliance with program-specific requirements SECTION 5. COMMENCEMENT AND EXPIRATION OF INCENTIVE APPROVAL. Any approved incentive agreement shall expire if the applicant fails to commence construction or operations within twenty-four (24) months of approval, unless extended by the Board of County Commissioners for good cause shown. For purposes of this section, “commencement” shall mean the initiation of vertical construction, site development activity, or business operations, as applicable, as determined by the County Administrator or designee. SECTION 6. SCORING AND AWARD OF INCENTIVES. The scoring matrix set forth in Exhibit “A” shall serve as the primary basis for determining eligibility and the maximum allowable incentive under each County economic development program. Nothing in this Resolution shall be construed to create any right or entitlement to incentives. All incentives shall be subject to Board approval, available funding, and project- specific considerations. The Board retains full discretion to award less than the maximum permitted by the scoring matrix. SECTION 7. JOB GROWTH INVESTMENT GRANT (JGIG) PROGRAM AMENDMENT. The Job Growth Investment Grant (JGIG) Program established pursuant to Resolution No. 94-168, as amended by Resolution No. 15-042, is hereby amended and incorporated into the County’s Economic Incentive Program as follows: A. The JGIG program shall remain in effect as a performance-based incentive providing grants based on job creation and wage thresholds. Page 57 of 130 3 B. All JGIG applications shall be evaluated using the Economic Incentive Scoring Matrix set forth in Exhibit “A”. C. For purposes of this section, the “eligible grant amount” shall mean the total amount calculated based on the number of qualifying Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs multiplied by the applicable per-job grant value, as established herein. D. Per-job grant enhancements within the same category shall not be cumulative across tiers. The base per-job grant value shall be $1,500 per qualifying Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) job. The per-job grant value may be increased through performance-based enhancements based on project characteristics, including wage levels, capital investment, local workforce participation, and utilization of local contractors, as further described below. In no event shall the total per-job grant value exceed $2,500 per qualifying Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) job. E. Per-job grant enhancements may include: 1. Wage-Based Enhancements (non-cumulative) – Per-job enhancements shall be awarded based on the highest applicable wage threshold. Wage-based enhancements shall not be cumulative across tiers. a) +$250 per job for average wages greater than or equal to 120% of the County average wage; b) +$500 per job for average wages greater than or equal to 135% of the County average wage; c) +$750 per job for average wages greater than or equal to 150% of the County average wage. 2. Capital Investment Enhancements (non-cumulative) – Per-job enhancements shall be awarded based on the highest applicable capital investment threshold achieved. Capital-based enhancements shall not be cumulative across tiers. a) +$125 per job for capital investment greater than or equal to $100,000,000; b) +$250 per job for capital investment greater than or equal to $300,000,000. F. Local Economic Participation Enhancements: 1. +$125 per job where at least ninety percent (90%) of new full-time employees are residents of St. Lucie County (“local hires”); and 2. +$125 per job where at least seventy-five percent (75%) of total construction costs are performed by contractors or subcontractors with a physical business location in St. Lucie County (“local contractors”). Eligibility for these enhancements shall be subject to documentation and verification requirements established by the County. G. The total eligible grant amount shall be calculated as the number of qualifying jobs multiplied by the applicable per-job grant value, inclusive of any applicable enhancements, prior to application of the score-based award percentage set forth in subsection (H). Per-job grant enhancements shall be applied prior to application of the score-based award percentage. H. The maximum JGIG award for any individual project is $2,500,000 inclusive of all amounts awarded under the JGIG program, unless a higher amount is approved by a supermajority vote of the Board. I. The following score-based scale shall apply to JGIG awards: Score Range Maximum JGIG Award (% of Eligible Amount) 50 – 64 Points Up to 50% of the eligible grant amount 65 – 79 Points Up to 75% of the eligible grant amount Page 58 of 130 4 80 – 94 Points Up to 90% of the eligible grant amount 95 – 109 Points Up to 95% of the eligible grant amount 110 - 145 Points Up to 100% of the eligible grant amount J. The Board of County Commissioners retains full discretion to approve, deny, or award an amount less than the maximum allowable grant based on available funding, fiscal impact, and project-specific considerations. K. Awards within the 110 – 145 point range are intended to be limited to projects demonstrating exceptional economic impact and shall be approved on a case-by-case basis. L. JGIG awards shall be disbursed on a performance based, reimbursement basis over a period of years as established in the approved incentive agreement, not to exceed ten (10) years. Annual payments shall be calculated based on the number of verified full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs created and maintained during the applicable reporting period, multiplied by the approved per-job grant value. Unless otherwise determined by the Board of County Commissioners, grant awards shall be phased as follows: 1. For total grant awards of $100,000 or less, payments may be distributed over a two (2) year period, with up to fifty percent (50%) of the total award eligible for payment in each year, subject to performance verification; 2. For total grant awards exceeding $100,000, annual payments shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total approved grant award per year. Payment schedules shall reflect the anticipated job creation ramp-up as set forth in the approved performance agreement. No payment shall be made for any reporting period in which the applicant fails to meet required performance thresholds, unless otherwise approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Incentive payments may be prorated based on actual performance achieved, provided the applicant achieves at least seventy percent (70%) of required performance obligations for the applicable reporting period. All payments shall be made within forty-five (45) days following March 31 of each year, after receipt and verification of the applicant’s annual report demonstrating compliance with the terms of the agreement. The total amount of payments disbursed shall not exceed the maximum award approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The Board of County Commissioners may approve alternative payment schedules based on project- specific considerations, including job creation ramp-up, capital investment timing, and fiscal impact. SECTION 8. APPLICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE AGREEMENTS. The Planning and Development Services Department, in coordination with the County Attorney’s Office, shall administer the County’s economic incentive programs. The Planning and Development Services Department shall maintain incentive program forms, including applications, scoring sheets, agreement templates, reporting forms and requirements for applicants and any other related documentation. The Planning and Development Services Department shall monitor the applicants and provide updates and reports to the Board of County Commissioners. All incentives shall be memorialized in a written agreement in a form approved by the Page 59 of 130 5 County Attorney and approved by the Board. Such agreements shall include, at a minimum, job creation schedules, wage requirements, capital investment commitments, reporting requirements, and enforcement provisions. SECTION 9. COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING. All incentives shall be subject to annual certification of compliance by the County prior to continuation of any incentive payment or benefit. Recipients shall provide documentation sufficient to verify compliance, including but not limited to state wage and employment records, as required by the County. Failure to meet required thresholds shall constitute noncompliance, subject to the provisions herein and in the applicable agreement. SECTION 10. CLAWBACK AND RECAPTURE. The Board of County Commissioners retains full discretion to approve, deny or modify incentive agreements and award amounts at its sole discretion. Further, the Board of County Commissioners reserves the right to terminate or modify any incentive or exemption in the event of noncompliance. The County shall retain the right to require repayment of incentives in full or on a prorated basis for failure to meet performance obligations. Repayment obligations shall survive termination or expiration of any incentive agreement. Incentive payments shall be proportionate to the level of performance achieved, subject to a minimum performance threshold of seventy percent (70%). No incentive payment shall be made for any reporting period in which performance falls below seventy percent (70%), unless otherwise approved by the Board of County Commissioners. In the event of relocation outside the County or cessation of operations, the County shall require full repayment of all incentives received, pursuant to a recorded repayment agreement or other enforceable mechanism. SECTION 11. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY. The County Administrator or designee is authorized to administer this program, including coordination with the Property Appraiser, review and verification of annual reports, and administration of compliance and enforcement provisions consistent with approved agreements. SECTION 12. REPEALER. This Resolution is intended to amend and supersede any prior resolutions or policies inconsistent herewith, including Resolution No. 94-168 and Resolution No. 15-042, to the extent of such inconsistency. In the event of any conflict between this Resolution, the Impact Fee Mitigation Ordinance, and the Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Resolution, the provisions of the applicable ordinance shall control, and the Economic Incentive Scoring Matrix shall control for purposes of evaluation and award determination. SECTION 13. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Resolution is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions. Page 60 of 130 6 SECTION 14. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. After motion and second, the vote on this Resolution was as follows: Commissioner Jamie Fowler, Chair XX Commissioner Larry Leet, Vice Chair XX Commissioner James Clasby XX Commissioner Erin Lowry XX Commissioner Cathy Townsend XX PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this day of , 2026. ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA _____________________________ BY: ____________________________________ DEPUTY CLERK CHAIR APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM AND CORRECTNESS: ____________________________________ COUNTY ATTORNEY Page 61 of 130 7 EXHIBIT A St. Lucie County Economic Incentive Scoring Matrix Scoring Note: The scoring matrix shall serve as the primary basis for determining eligibility and the maximum allowable incentive under all County economic development programs. Points are not cumulative across tiers within each category. Each project shall receive points corresponding only to the single highest applicable tier within each category. This scoring system is intended to ensure that economic incentives are directly proportional to demonstrated public benefit. Minimum Incentive Eligibility Threshold: 50 Points Eligibility is limited to Qualified Target Industry businesses as defined by applicable County ordinances and policies. TOTAL BASE POINTS: 105 (+ BONUS = MAXIMUM SCORE OF 145) Bonus points are additive to the total score and may increase the overall project score above the base maximum. 1. JOB CREATION (MAXIMUM: 35 POINTS) FTE Jobs Created Points 10 – 24 5 25 – 74 10 75 - 149 20 150 - 299 25 300 – 499 30 500 or more 35 FTE Jobs – Includes salaried and hourly employees and shall be calculated by total payroll hours per year divided by 1,820 (which represents 52 weeks multiplied by 35 hours). 2. WAGE LEVEL (MAXIMUM: 35 POINTS) Annual Average Wage (% of County Average Wage) Points 115% - 119% 5 120% – 124% 10 125% - 134% 20 135% - 149% 25 150% or greater 35 Annual Average Hourly Wage – Is determined by the State of Florida Department of Commerce, Labor Market Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program. The annual average hourly wage shall include the hourly cost of gross wages, bonuses, and commissions, but does not include benefits. The top two (2) executive salaries shall not be included in the average hourly wage calculation. For purposes of calculating Annual Average Hourly Wage, gross wages shall include those gross wages as reported on the State of Florida’s Employer’s Quarterly Report (Form RT-6). 3. CAPITAL INVESTMENT (MAXIMUM: 35 POINTS) Capital Investment Points $10,000,000 – $49,999,999 5 $50,000,000 – $99,999,999 10 $100,000,000 – $199,999,999 20 $200,000,000 – $299,999,999 25 $300,000,000 or greater 35 Page 62 of 130 8 4. BONUS CRITERIA (UP TO +40 POINTS) Criteria Points Catalytic Project Designation (as defined in Section 24-1 of the St. Lucie County Code of Ordinances) +15 800+ jobs +25 SCORING SUMMARY Total Score Classification Below 50 points Not Eligible 50 – 64 points Eligible – Base Impact 65 – 79 points High Impact 80 – 94 points Very High Impact 95 – 109 points Strategic Impact 110 – 145 points Exceptional Impact Projects scoring within the 110 - 145 point range are expected to demonstrate exceptional economic impact, including but not limited to high-wage job creation, significant capital investment, and alignment with the County’s strategic economic development objectives. NOTES: 1. Eligibility for incentives is limited to Qualified Target Industry businesses as defined by applicable County ordinances and policies. 2. The scoring matrix is used to evaluate and rank eligible projects and does not confer any right or entitlement to incentives. 3. The Board of County Commissioners retains full discretion in awarding incentives and may consider additional qualitative factors in determining the final award. 4. “Catalytic Project” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 24-1 of the St. Lucie County Code of Ordinances. Page 63 of 130 9 EXHIBIT B ST. LUCIE COUNTY ECONOMIC INCENTIVE APPLICATION This application is used to evaluate requests for economic incentives from St. Lucie County, including Ad Valorem Tax Abatement (AVTA), Job Growth Investment Grant (JGIG), and Impact Fee Mitigation (IFM). AVTA is structured as a two-phased process: • Phase 1 – Preliminary Evaluation (this application) • Phase 2 – Final AVTA Application (post construction, DR-418 required) Submission of this application does not guarantee approval. All incentives are awarded at the sole discretion of the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). A. APPLICATION INFORMATION Company or Project Name: _________________________________________________ Business Address: ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Primary Contact Name & Title: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Email: _____________________________ B. PROJECT OVERVIEW Project Type (New, Expansion, Relocation):_________________________________ Project Description: ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Proposed Timeline: ______________________________________________________________________ C. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION Total number of full-time employees (new and existing) expected during the term of the incentive agreement(s): ________________________________________________ New, full-time employees expected during the term of the incentive agreement(s): _________ Average wage of new jobs (excluding benefits & top two executive salaries): _____________ Average Wage as % of St. Lucie County Average Wage: _________% Job Creation Schedule: ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Page 64 of 130 10 D. CAPITAL INVESTMENT Building Investment: ____________________________________________________ Equipment Investment: __________________________________________________ Total Capital Investment: ________________________________________________ E. TARGET INDUSTRY & ELIGIBILITY Target Industry: _________________________________________________________ But-for Statement (Explain why incentives are necessary): ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ F. PROPERTY INFORMATION Project Address: ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Parcel(s) ID: ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Jurisdiction: _____________________________ Impact Fee Zone: _________________________ G. PROGRAM SELECTION ☐ Ad Valorem Tax Abatement (AVTA) ☐ Job Growth Investment Grant (JGIG) ☐ Impact Fee Mitigation (IFM) H. BONUS / CATALYTIC CONSIDERATION Is the project requesting Catalytic Project designation? ☐ Yes ☐ No If yes, provide justification demonstrating qualification under County criteria: ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ APPLICANTS REQUESTING AVTA MUST COMPLETE THE AVTA ADDENDUM BELOW I. AVTA ADDENDUM (If Applicable) ☐ Phase 1 – Preliminary Evaluation ☐ Phase 2 – Final AVTA Application Page 65 of 130 11 • Phase 1 provides a non-binding preliminary evaluation based on projected data. Any preliminary indication of support for an Ad Valorem Tax Abatement shall not constitute approval, shall not create any vested rights, shall not be relied upon by any applicant, and shall be subject to final verification of project data and adoption of a separate exemption ordinance. • Phase 2 requires submission of Form DR-418 in accordance with Section 196.1995, F.S., Property Appraiser review, and verified project data. Describe real property improvements: ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Describe tangible personal property: ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ J. IMPACT FEE ADDENDUM (If Applicable) In accordance with St. Lucie County Code of Ordinances Sec. 24-1 (f) any applicant seeking an economic development impact fee waiver shall file an application for waiver with the County Administrator prior to the issuance of the building permit for the subject capital facilities impact construction. Road Impact Fee Zone (Unincorporated, City of Ft. Pierce, City of Port St. Lucie, North Island, FP Island, South Island): ____________________________ Legal Description: Please provide an electronic copy of the subject property’s legal description K. CERTIFICATION Submission of this request does not constitute the granting of approval. All application requirements must be met prior to this project being presented for approval to the appropriate authority. St. Lucie County reserves the right to request additional information to ensure a complete review of this project. I acknowledge that all incentives are subject to performance-based compliance requirements, including annual reporting, minimum performance thresholds, and potential reduction, suspension, or recapture of incentives for failure to meet such requirements. OWNER’S AFFDAVIT I affirm, all necessary supporting evidence is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, all requirements of section 24-1 (e) of the St. Lucie County, FL Code of Ordinances will be met within one year of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, and all other necessary information as determined by the County Administrator has been provided and approved. This term may be extended by the Board of County Commissioners upon good cause shown. Page 66 of 130 12 I agree to furnish such other necessary information as the Board of County Commissioners and / or the County Administrator of St. Lucie County, Florida may request regarding this impact fee mitigation application. I hereby certify that the information and valuation stated on the attached application by me is true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief (If prepared by someone other than the owner, his/her declaration is attested on information of which the owner has knowledge). I acknowledge that should I seek the immediate issuance of a building permit, prior to action on the application, the impact fees imposed herein shall be paid prior to the release of said permit. Should the Board of County Commissioners approve and accept the mitigation application, the mitigation amount will be refunded. I acknowledge that St. Lucie County’s Economic Incentive program not an entitlement program and that all incentives are based on continued program compliance. I further acknowledge that because this program is not an entitlement program, the Board may reject the request for economic incentives without cause and any fees waived shall not be recoupable by current or future applicants. Property Owner Information If more than one owner, please submit additional pages. This application and any supplemental application a part hereto shall not be considered complete without the notarized signature of all property owners of record, which shall serve as an acknowledgment of the submittal of this application for approval. The property owner’s signature(s) shall also serve as authorization for the above applicant or agent to act on behalf of said property owner.. Property Owner’s Signature Property Owner’s Name (Printed) Mailing Address Phone Number Email Address Fax Number STATE OF , COUNTY OF The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of , 20 by who is personally known to me or who has produced as identification. Signature of Notary Type or Print Name of Notary Commission Number (Seal) Page 67 of 130 Page 1 of 7 ORDINANCE No. 2026-XX AN ORDINANCE BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 24 (IMPACT FEES), ARTICLE I (IN GENERAL), OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING SECTION 24-1 (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE MITIGATION PROGRAM); PROVIDING FOR A SCORING-BASED MITIGATION SYSTEM; ESTABLISHING WAGE TIERS; DEFINING CATALYTIC PROJECTS; PROVIDING FISCAL SAFEGUARDS; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF A SCORING MATRIX BY RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION. ___________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners previously established an Economic Development Impact Fee Mitigation Program to encourage job creation and capital investment within the County; and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds that the existing structure relies on rigid thresholds that limit flexibility and the County’s ability to compete for high-impact economic development projects; and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners desires to modernize the program by implementing a scoring-based system that evaluates overall economic benefit, including wages, job creation, and capital investment; and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners further finds that establishing enhanced wage thresholds and defining catalytic projects will promote higher quality jobs and transformative economic investment; and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds it necessary to maintain fiscal safeguards and preserve discretion in awarding incentives. WHEREAS, on April 16, 2026, the Local Planning Agency/Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed ordinance after publishing notice in the St. Lucie News Tribune at least 10 days prior to the hearing and recommend the proposed ordinance be approved/denied. WHEREAS, on May XX, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing, of which due notice was placed in the St. Lucie News Tribune and approved/denied the ordinance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, that the St. Lucie County Code of Ordinances is amended as set forth in the following amendments, as shown in strikethrough and underline format. Page 68 of 130 Page 2 of 7 PART A. Section 24-1 (Economic Development Impact Fee Mitigation) of Article I (In General) of Chapter 24 (Impact Fees) of the Code of Ordinances of St. Lucie County is amended as follows: Sec. 24-1. Economic development impact fee mitigation program. (a) For the purpose of this section, the term "qualified target industry business" shall mean a new or expanding business in the county that has a positive economic and fiscal impact on the county and meets the requirements of F.S. § 288.106, or its statutory successor in function, as a qualified target industry business. For the purpose of this section, the term "applicant" shall include any person, company, research institute or business park developer that will house qualified target industry businesses. (b) For the purpose of this section, the term “catalytic project” shall mean a project that meets at least two (2) of the following criteria and is designated as such by the Board of County Commissioners: (1) Capital investment of $200,000,000 or greater; (2) Creation of 500 or more new full-time jobs; (3) Average wages of at least 135% of the annual County average wage; (4) Demonstrates significant regional or industry-wide economic impact as determined by the Board of County Commissioners. (bc) For the purposes of this section, the term "locally owned and operated small business" shall mean a target industry continually operated in St. Lucie County for at least three years which is owned and operated by a St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River or Okeechobee County resident whose homestead is located in St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee County, and which employs 50 or fewer employees. (cd) Because the imposition of the impact fees herein may place the county in a non-competitive position with other local governments that have chosen not to require growth to pay its fair share of needed capital facilities, thus hindering efforts by the county and the community to encourage economic development opportunities within the county and to create permanent employment expansion opportunities for the county's citizens, there is hereby created an economic development impact fee mitigation program for certain qualified target industry businesses to mitigate any real or perceived disadvantage occurring from the imposition of the impact fees. (de) This program is not intended as an entitlement program. The program is intended to provide the Board of County Commissioners the opportunity, in its sole discretion, to grant impact fee mitigation to qualified target industry businesses. (ef) To be eligible for an economic development impact fee waiver, an applicant must meet the following requirements: (1) Qualify as a qualified target industry business and create a minimum of ten new jobs or a ten percent increase in existing employment (whichever is greater) with an average private sector wage (excluding benefits) of at least 107 percent of the county's average private sector wage (excluding the top two executive salaries) and provide a benefit package that includes health insurance and remain in the county for a minimum of ten years; or Page 69 of 130 Page 3 of 7 (2) Qualify as a qualified target industry business and create a minimum of ten new jobs or a ten percent increase in existing employment (whichever is greater) with an average private sector wage (excluding benefits) of 100 percent of the county's average private sector wage (excluding the top two executive salaries) and make a capital investment in the county of $10,000,000.00 or greater in construction, renovations, equipment purchases, or other major capital investment items and remain in the county for a minimum of ten years; or (3) Qualify as a locally owned and operated small business and create a minimum of ten new jobs with an average private sector wage (excluding benefits) of 100 percent of the county's average private sector wage (excluding the top two executive salaries) and provide a benefit package that includes health insurance and remain in the county for a minimum of ten years; and (4) Enter into an agreement with the county wherein the applicant agrees to locate or expand its business operations to/within the county for a period of at least ten years. The agreement will also require the applicant to provide the county with the applicant's quarterly report (UCT-6) and all other documentation to demonstrate that the job creation and salary level commitments were achieved. (1) Qualify as a qualified target industry business or locally owned and operated small business; and (2) Enter into an agreement with the County wherein the applicant agrees to locate or expand its business operations to/within the County for a period of ten (10) years; and (3) Achieve a minimum of fifty (50) points under the St. Lucie County Economic Development Incentive Scoring Matrix, as adopted by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners; and (4) Provide documentation annually on a form acceptable to the County to verify job creation, wage levels, and capital investment. (fg) Any applicant seeking an economic development impact fee waiver shall file an application for waiver with the county administrator prior to the issuance of the building permit for the subject capital facilities impact construction. The application shall contain: (1) A designation of the capital facilities impact construction for which the application is being submitted, including a current and complete legal description of the property upon which the qualified target industry business is proposed to be located A description of the proposed development project for which impact fee mitigation is requested, including a current legal description of the subject property; (2) The name and address of the owner of the property upon which the qualified target industry business is proposed to be located; (3) Proof that the capital facilities impact construction will be a qualified target industry business Documentation demonstrating that the proposed business qualifies as a qualified targeted industry business; (4) A notarized affidavit and all necessary supporting evidence affirming that the applicable requirements of subsection (ef) of this section will be met within one year of the date the certificate of occupancy is issued which term may be extended by the board of county commissioners upon good cause shown; and (5) Other necessary information as determined by the county administrator. (gh) Any applicant who submits an application for economic development impact fee mitigation pursuant to this section and desires the immediate issuance of a building permit prior to approval of the application shall pay the impact fees imposed herein. Should the board of county Page 70 of 130 Page 4 of 7 commissioners approve and accept the mitigation application, the mitigation amount shall be refunded to the applicant or owner. (hi) If the applicant meets the eligibility requirements provided above, for mitigation, the applicant shall may be eligible for the following impact fee mitigation as determined by the Board of County Commissioners. Impact fee mitigation shall be awarded based on the total score achieved as follows: (1) If the applicant qualifies under subsection (e)(1) of this section, it shall be eligible to receive an economic development impact fee mitigation in the following amounts; provided, however, that the board may increase these waiver amounts in the event the applicant exceeds these requirements: Number of Jobs Created Percent of Average Private Sector Wage Waiver Amount Minimum of 10 107% plus benefits $3,500.00 per job created Minimum of 10 150% plus benefits $5,000.00 per job created Minimum of 10 200% plus benefits $7,500.00 per job created (2) If the applicant qualifies under subsection (e)(2) of this section, it shall be eligible to receive an economic development impact fee mitigation in the following amounts; provided, however, that the board may increase these mitigation amounts in the event the applicant exceeds these requirements: Number of Jobs Created Total Capital Investment Waiver Amount Minimum of 10 $10,000,000.00 to $14,999,999.99 40% of total county impact fees Minimum of 10 $15,000,000.00 to $19,999,999.99 50% of total county impact fees Minimum of 10 $20,000,000.00 or more 60% of total county impact fees (3) If the applicant qualifies under subsection (e)(3) of this section, it shall be eligible to receive an economic development impact fee mitigation in the following amounts; provided, however, that the board may increase these waiver amounts in the event the applicant exceeds these requirements: Number of Jobs Created Percent of Average Private Sector Wage Waiver Amount Minimum of 10 100% plus benefits $3,500.00 per job created Minimum of 10 140% plus benefits $5,000.00 per job created Minimum of 10 185% plus benefits $7,500.00 per job created (4) Each applicant shall only be eligible for mitigation under either subsection (e)(1), (e)(2) or (e)(3), but not in combination. Score Range Maximum Mitigation 50 – 64 Points (Base Impact) Up to 40% 65 – 79 Points (High Impact) Up to 60% 80 – 94 Points (Very High Impact) Up to 80% Page 71 of 130 Page 5 of 7 95 - 109 Points (Strategic Impact) Up to 90% 110 - 145 Points (Exceptional Impact) Up to 100% • The Board of County Commissioners retains full discretion to award less than the maximum allowable mitigation amount. Nothing herein shall be construed to create a right to impact fee mitigation. • Projects designated as Catalytic Projects may be considered for maximum mitigation and additional incentives, as determined by the Board. (j) Total mitigation awarded under this program shall be subject to annual budgeted appropriations or other legally available funds as determined by the Board of County Commissioners. The Board reserves the right to: • Limit, defer, or deny any application • Consider cumulative fiscal impacts • Prioritize projects based on public benefit (k) All impact fee mitigation awarded pursuant to this section shall be conditioned upon the applicant’s compliance with the terms of the approved incentive agreement, including but not limited to job creation, wage levels, and capital investment. The County shall verify compliance prior to disbursement of any mitigation funds. No reimbursement or mitigation payment shall be made for any reporting period in which the applicant fails to meet the required performance thresholds, unless otherwise approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Incentive payments may be prorated based on the level of performance achieved, provided the applicant achieves at least seventy percent (70%) of their required performance obligations for the applicable reporting period. In the event that mitigation funds have been disbursed and the applicant subsequently fails to meet required performance obligations, relocates outside the County, or ceases operations, the County shall require repayment of all or a prorated portion of the mitigation amount, as determined by the Board of County Commissioners. Repayment obligations shall survive termination or expiration of any incentive agreement. (l) The Economic Development Incentive Scoring Matrix shall be adopted and periodically updated by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners. The Economic Incentive Scoring Matrix shall serve as the primary basis for determining both eligibility and maximum allowable mitigation under this section. (im) If the county administrator or designee finds that the applicant meets the requirements provided herein for mitigation, the county administrator or designee shall agenda an impact fee mitigation agreement before the board of county commissioners, which shall contain, but not be limited to, the county impact fee mitigation application for qualified target industries and any other documents as requested by the county administrator or designee. Because this program is not an entitlement program, the board may reject the request for mitigation without cause. (jn) Any incentive approved pursuant to the economic development impact fee mitigation program shall be paid from other legally available funds (other than impact fees). Page 72 of 130 Page 6 of 7 (ko) Any request for economic development impact fee mitigation must be submitted to the county by the applicant prior to the applicant deciding whether or not they will expand or locate in the county. * * * * * PART B. SEVERABILITY AND APPLICABILITY. If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance for any reason is held or declared to be unconstitutional, inoperative, or void, such holding shall not affect the remaining portions of this ordinance. If this ordinance or any provision thereof shall be held to be inapplicable to any person, property, or circumstance, such holding shall not affect its applicability to any other person, property, or circumstance. PART C. FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE. The Clerk is hereby directed forthwith to send a certified copy of this ordinance to the Department of State. PART D. EFFECTIVE DATE. A certified copy of this ordinance shall be filed with the Department of State by the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County within ten days after enactment by the Board, and this ordinance shall take effect upon filing with the Department of State. PART E. ADOPTION. After motion and second, the vote on this ordinance was as follows: Jamie Fowler, Chair XX Larry Leet, Vice Chair XX James Clasby, Commissioner XX Erin Lowry, Commissioner XX Cathy Townsend, Commissioner XX PART F. CODIFICATION. Provisions of this ordinance shall be incorporated in the Code of Ordinances of St. Lucie County, Florida, and the word “ordinance” may be changed to “section”, “article”, or other appropriate word, and the sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or re- lettered to accomplish such intention; provided, however, that Parts B through F shall not be codified. PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this day of , 2026. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ATTEST: ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA _________________________ BY: _____________________________ Deputy Clerk Chair APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: Page 73 of 130 Page 7 of 7 BY: _____________________________ County Attorney Page 74 of 130 1 RESOLUTION No. 2026-XX A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 03-258; ESTABLISHING UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION PROGRAM; ALIGNING THE PROGRAM WITH THE COUNTY’S ECONOMIC INCENTIVE SCORING MATRIX; PROVIDING FOR PERFORMANCE- BASED EXEMPTIONS, AGREEMENTS, AND RECAPTURE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the following determinations: 1. On October 6, 1992, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance No 92-24 which amended Chapter 1-19.3 (TAXATION) of the Code of Ordinances of St Lucie County Florida, by creating Article V - Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption. Section 1-19.3-59 (Eligibility Business or Industry) of Ordinance No 92-24 provides for the formulation of criteria for determining the length of an exemption and the percentage amount of an exemption pursuant to resolution of this Board; and 2. On October 28, 2003, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 03-258 establishing guidelines for the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program; and 3. The Board of County Commissioners has determined that the existing guidelines rely on outdated scoring methodologies and do not reflect current economic development priorities; and 4. The Board of County Commissioners has adopted an Economic Incentive Program utilizing a performance-based scoring matrix to evaluate job creation, wage levels, and capital investment; and 5. The Board of County Commissioners finds that aligning the Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program with the County’s current incentive framework will promote transparency, consistency, and accountability; and 6. The Board of County Commissioners further finds that economic incentives must be conditioned upon measurable public benefit and include enforceable recapture provisions in the event of nonperformance or relocation; and 7. The Board of County Commissioners desires to rescind Resolution No. 03-258 and adopt updated guidelines consistent with current policy objectives and legal standards. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida: SECTION 1. RESCISSION. Resolution No. 03-258 is hereby rescinded in its entirety. SECTION 2. PURPOSE AND INTENT. This Resolution establishes updated administrative guidelines for the Economic Development Ad Page 75 of 130 2 Valorem Tax Exemption Program pursuant to Section 196.1995, Florida Statutes, and Ordinance No. 92- 24, as amended. The program is intended to promote high-wage job creation, encourage significant capital investment, support long-term economic growth, and ensure accountability through performance-based incentives. SECTION 3. APPLICABILITY. These guidelines shall apply to all applications for Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions considered by the Board. Nothing herein shall be construed to create any right or entitlement to an exemption, nor shall any preliminary evaluation, scoring outcome, or staff recommendation be deemed binding upon the Board of County Commissioners. SECTION 4. SCORING AND EVALUATION Eligibility and exemption levels shall be determined based on the St. Lucie County Economic Incentive Scoring Matrix and information submitted through the County’s Economic Incentive Application, as adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. The evaluation of an application pursuant to the County’s Economic Incentive Scoring Matrix may include preliminary consideration of a proposed Ad Valorem Tax Exemption based on projected job creation, wage levels, and capital investment. Any such preliminary evaluation is advisory in nature and intended solely to inform the Board of County Commissioners during its consideration of economic incentive requests. Any preliminary indication of support for an Ad Valorem Tax Exemption shall not constitute approval, shall not create any vested rights, and shall be subject to final verification of project data, submission of a complete application pursuant to Section 196.1995, Florida Statutes, including Form DR-418, and adoption of a separate exemption ordinance by the Board of County Commissioners. SECTION 5. EXEMPTION STRUCTURE AND DURATION. The total score achieved under the Economic Incentive Scoring Matrix shall determine both the maximum exemption percentage (intensity) and the maximum duration of the exemption. The Economic Incentive Scoring Matrix shall serve as the primary basis for determining eligibility and the maximum allowable exemption under this program. A. Maximum Exemption (Intensity Cap) Score Range Maximum Exemption 50 – 64 points (Base Impact) Up to 50% 65 – 79 points (High Impact) Up to 75% 80 – 94 points (Very High Impact) Up to 80% 95 – 109 points (Strategic Impact) Up to 90% 110 – 145 points (Exceptional Impact) Up to 100% Awards within the highest scoring tier (110 - 145 points) are intended to be limited to projects demonstrating exceptional economic impact and shall be awarded at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners. B. Default Duration and Declining Schedule Nothing herein shall be construed as creating an entitlement to any exemption level, duration, or schedule. The duration and structure of exemptions shall be based on a declining schedule, not to exceed ten (10) years, as follows: Page 76 of 130 3 110 - 145 Points (Exceptional Impact) • Up to 10 years • Recommended schedule: o Years 1 – 5: up to 100% o Year 6: up to 90% o Year 7: up to 80% o Year 8: up to 60% o Year 9: up to 40% o Year 10: up to 20% 95 - 109 Points (Strategic Impact) • Up to 8 years • Recommended schedule: o Years 1 – 4: up to 90% o Year 5: up to 75% o Year 6: up to 60% o Year 7: up to 40% o Year 8: up to 20% 80 – 94 Points (Very High Impact) • Up to 8 years • Recommended schedule: o Years 1 – 4: up to 80% o Year 5: up to 60% o Year 6: up to 50% o Year 7: up to 40% o Year 8: up to 20% 65 – 79 Points (High Impact) • Up to 6 years • Recommended schedule: o Years 1 – 3: up to 75% o Year 4: up to 60% o Year 5: up to 40% o Year 6: up to 20% 50 – 64 Points (Base Impact) • Up to 5 years • Recommended schedule: o Years 1 – 2: up to 50% o Year 3: up to 40% o Year 4: up to 25% o Year 5: up to 10% C. Board Discretion. The Board retains full discretion to award less than the maximum allowable exemption. The duration of any exemption shall not exceed ten (10) years, consistent with Florida law. SECTION 6. PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT REQUIREMENT Any Ad Valorem Tax Exemption shall be granted only by separate ordinance adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in accordance with Section 196.1995, Florida Statutes. No exemption Page 77 of 130 4 shall take effect unless and until such ordinance is adopted. In addition, all approved exemptions shall be memorialized in a written agreement approved by the Board and in a form approved by the County Attorney. Such agreement shall include, at a minimum: • Job creation commitments and schedule • Wage requirements • Capital investment commitments • Reporting requirements • Compliance verification procedures • Clawback and recapture provisions SECTION 7. COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING. Recipients shall provide documentation sufficient to verify compliance, including but not limited to wage and employment records, as required by the County. Failure to meet required thresholds shall constitute noncompliance, subject to the provisions herein and in the applicable agreement. All exemptions shall be subject to annual certification of compliance by the County and the Property Appraiser, as applicable, prior to continuation of the exemption for each subsequent tax year. SECTION 8. PARTIAL PERFORMANCE. In the event a recipient achieves at least seventy percent (70%) of its required performance obligations for a given reporting period, the County may authorize a prorated exemption based on actual performance, as determined by the Board of County Commissioners. Failure to achieve at least seventy percent (70%) of required performance obligations for a given reporting period shall result in the forfeiture of incentives for that year. SECTION 9. CLAWBACK AND RECAPTURE. The Board of County Commissioners reserves the right to terminate or modify any exemption in the event of non-compliance. The County shall retain the right to require repayment of incentives in full or on a prorated basis for failure to meet performance obligations. In the event of relocation outside the County, cessation of operations, or material breach of agreement, the County shall require full repayment of all incentives received, pursuant to a recorded repayment agreement or other enforceable mechanism, as approved by the County Attorney. Repayment obligations shall survive termination or expiration of the incentive agreement. SECTION 10. COMMENCEMENT AND SUNSET PROVISION. Any approved Ad Valorem Tax Exemption agreement shall expire if the applicant fails to commence construction within twenty-four (24) months of approval, unless extended by the Board for good cause shown. Any preliminary evaluation or indication of support provided prior to adoption of an exemption ordinance shall expire concurrently with the expiration of the underlying application unless otherwise extended by the Board. SECTION 11. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY. Page 78 of 130 5 The County Administrator or designee is authorized to administer this program, including review of applications, application of the Economic Incentive Scoring Matrix, verify compliance and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, including coordination with the Property Appraiser, review and verification of annual reports, and administration of compliance and enforcement provisions consistent with approved agreements. SECTION 12. CONSISTENCY WITH LAW. This Resolution is intended to be consistent with §196.1995, F.S. and Ordinance No. 92-24, as amended. In the event of a conflict, applicable law shall control. SECTION 13. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Resolution is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions. SECTION 14. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. After motion and second, the vote on this Resolution was as follows: Commissioner Jamie Fowler, Chair XX Commissioner Larry Leet, Vice Chair XX Commissioner James Clasby XX Commissioner Erin Lowry XX Commissioner Cathy Townsend XX PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this day of , 2026. ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA _____________________________ BY: ____________________________________ DEPUTY CLERK CHAIR APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM AND CORRECTNESS: ____________________________________ COUNTY ATTORNEY Page 79 of 130 Project name Total score Qualifying FTE jobs created 0 Eligibility Annual average wage (% of county avg.)0 Impact tier Capital investment ($)$0 Max JGIG award Catalytic project designation?No Max AVTA exemption Local hire share (%)0 Max IF mitigation Local contractor share (%)0 Board note Job creation points 0 Wage bonus / job Wage level points 0 Capital bonus / job Capital investment points 0 Local hire bonus / job Catalytic bonus points 0 Local contractor bonus / job 800+ jobs bonus points 0 Eligible per-job value Total score 0 Eligible grant amount Eligibility status Not eligible Maximum award % from score Impact tier Below threshold Maximum JGIG award (capped) Award per job after cap Maximum exemption Maximum mitigation Default duration (years)Funding note Recommended schedule Timing note Phase 1 note Catalytic note Final action note Local participation note Eligibility flag Jobs threshold flag Wage input check Top-tier note General note Below threshold $0 $0 Below the 50-point minimum threshold. 0% $0 Preliminary evaluation only; not eligible under the current score. Flags & Board Notes No local participation bonuses are triggered. 0% 0% No catalytic designation applied. Enter as a whole number: 50 = 50% of construction costs are local contractor costs. St. Lucie County Incentive Scoring Calculator AVTA Output Impact Fee Mitigation Output $0 0% Minimum scoring threshold begins at 10 qualifying FTE jobs. $0 Not eligible $0 Qualifying capital investment used for the score and JGIG enhancements. 0% Enter as a whole number: 135 = 135% of County average wage. Project is not eligible under the adopted scoring matrix. Project Inputs Wage input is below the first scoring threshold of 115%. $0 JGIG Output Fewer than 10 qualifying FTE jobs; no score under the jobs category. Project or applicant name for staff review. $0 0 0 Below the 50-point minimum eligibility threshold. $1,500 Select Yes only if the project is designated catalytic. Board Summary Enter as a whole number: 90 90% of new hires are St. Lucie County residents. Not eligible under the scoring matrix.Application would not meet the current score threshold. No AVTA recommendation shown. No mitigation recommendation shown. Scoring Breakdown Page 80 of 130 Average Annual Wage1 Hourly Wage 115% of Avg Annual Wage Hourly Wage 150% of Avg Annual Wage Hourly Wage 200% of Avg Annual Wage Hourly Wage STATEWIDE $69,296 $33.32 $79,690 $38.31 $103,943 $49.97 $138,591 $66.63 Alachua $57,000 $27.40 $65,550 $31.51 $85,500 $41.11 $114,000 $54.81 Baker $42,369 $20.37 $48,724 $23.43 $63,553 $30.55 $84,738 $40.74 Bay $51,326 $24.68 $59,025 $28.38 $76,989 $37.01 $102,653 $49.35 Bradford $47,226 $22.70 $54,310 $26.11 $70,839 $34.06 $94,453 $45.41 Brevard $68,052 $32.72 $78,259 $37.62 $102,077 $49.08 $136,103 $65.43 Broward $70,781 $34.03 $81,399 $39.13 $106,172 $51.04 $141,563 $68.06 Calhoun $40,018 $19.24 $46,021 $22.13 $60,027 $28.86 $80,036 $38.48 Charlotte $52,853 $25.41 $60,781 $29.22 $79,280 $38.12 $105,707 $50.82 Citrus $48,739 $23.43 $56,050 $26.95 $73,108 $35.15 $97,478 $46.86 Clay $54,450 $26.18 $62,617 $30.10 $81,675 $39.27 $108,900 $52.36 Collier $67,563 $32.48 $77,698 $37.35 $101,345 $48.72 $135,127 $64.96 Columbia $48,488 $23.31 $55,761 $26.81 $72,732 $34.97 $96,975 $46.62 DeSoto $46,927 $22.56 $53,966 $25.95 $70,391 $33.84 $93,854 $45.12 Dixie $43,434 $20.88 $49,949 $24.01 $65,152 $31.32 $86,869 $41.76 Duval $71,573 $34.41 $82,309 $39.57 $107,360 $51.62 $143,147 $68.82 Escambia $60,221 $28.95 $69,254 $33.30 $90,332 $43.43 $120,442 $57.90 Flagler $49,346 $23.72 $56,748 $27.28 $74,019 $35.59 $98,692 $47.45 Franklin $42,353 $20.36 $48,706 $23.42 $63,530 $30.54 $84,707 $40.72 Gadsden $52,439 $25.21 $60,305 $28.99 $78,659 $37.82 $104,878 $50.42 Gilchrist $46,410 $22.31 $53,371 $25.66 $69,614 $33.47 $92,819 $44.62 Glades $57,364 $27.58 $65,969 $31.72 $86,046 $41.37 $114,728 $55.16 Gulf $50,338 $24.20 $57,888 $27.83 $75,507 $36.30 $100,675 $48.40 Hamilton $59,792 $28.75 $68,761 $33.06 $89,688 $43.12 $119,584 $57.49 Hardee $46,197 $22.21 $53,126 $25.54 $69,295 $33.31 $92,393 $44.42 Hendry $55,421 $26.64 $63,734 $30.64 $83,131 $39.97 $110,841 $53.29 Hernando $49,186 $23.65 $56,564 $27.19 $73,780 $35.47 $98,373 $47.29 Highlands $47,026 $22.61 $54,080 $26.00 $70,539 $33.91 $94,052 $45.22 Hillsborough $75,438 $36.27 $86,754 $41.71 $113,157 $54.40 $150,877 $72.54 Holmes $38,531 $18.52 $44,310 $21.30 $57,796 $27.79 $77,062 $37.05 Indian River $57,409 $27.60 $66,020 $31.74 $86,113 $41.40 $114,818 $55.20 STATE OF FLORIDA INCENTIVES AVERAGE WAGE REQUIREMENTS 2024 Private Average Annual County Wage Data Effective January 1, 2026* 1 Florida Department of Commerce, Labor Market Statistics Center, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All incentives applications received on or after January 1, 2026 will be subject to the new 2024 wages. Page 81 of 130 Average Annual Wage1 Hourly Wage 115% of Avg Annual Wage Hourly Wage 150% of Avg Annual Wage Hourly Wage 200% of Avg Annual Wage Hourly Wage Jackson $44,157 $21.23 $50,780 $24.41 $66,235 $31.84 $88,313 $42.46 Jefferson $47,249 $22.72 $54,337 $26.12 $70,874 $34.07 $94,499 $45.43 Lafayette $43,212 $20.78 $49,694 $23.89 $64,818 $31.16 $86,424 $41.55 Lake $52,817 $25.39 $60,739 $29.20 $79,225 $38.09 $105,634 $50.79 Lee $59,645 $28.68 $68,592 $32.98 $89,468 $43.01 $119,290 $57.35 Leon $60,725 $29.19 $69,833 $33.57 $91,087 $43.79 $121,449 $58.39 Levy $42,390 $20.38 $48,749 $23.44 $63,586 $30.57 $84,781 $40.76 Liberty $49,475 $23.79 $56,897 $27.35 $74,213 $35.68 $98,951 $47.57 Madison $42,777 $20.57 $49,194 $23.65 $64,166 $30.85 $85,554 $41.13 Manatee $60,329 $29.00 $69,378 $33.35 $90,493 $43.51 $120,657 $58.01 Marion $52,033 $25.02 $59,838 $28.77 $78,049 $37.52 $104,065 $50.03 Martin $58,821 $28.28 $67,645 $32.52 $88,232 $42.42 $117,643 $56.56 Miami-Dade $76,986 $37.01 $88,534 $42.56 $115,479 $55.52 $153,972 $74.02 Monroe $55,966 $26.91 $64,360 $30.94 $83,948 $40.36 $111,931 $53.81 Nassau $54,072 $26.00 $62,183 $29.90 $81,108 $38.99 $108,144 $51.99 Okaloosa $58,488 $28.12 $67,262 $32.34 $87,733 $42.18 $116,977 $56.24 Okeechobee $45,611 $21.93 $52,452 $25.22 $68,416 $32.89 $91,222 $43.86 Orange $67,605 $32.50 $77,746 $37.38 $101,407 $48.75 $135,210 $65.00 Osceola $51,600 $24.81 $59,341 $28.53 $77,401 $37.21 $103,201 $49.62 Palm Beach $76,839 $36.94 $88,365 $42.48 $115,258 $55.41 $153,678 $73.88 Pasco $54,511 $26.21 $62,688 $30.14 $81,767 $39.31 $109,023 $52.41 Pinellas $67,362 $32.39 $77,466 $37.24 $101,043 $48.58 $134,724 $64.77 Polk $55,633 $26.75 $63,977 $30.76 $83,449 $40.12 $111,265 $53.49 Putnam $49,263 $23.68 $56,652 $27.24 $73,894 $35.53 $98,526 $47.37 Santa Rosa $49,804 $23.94 $57,275 $27.54 $74,706 $35.92 $99,609 $47.89 Sarasota $64,592 $31.05 $74,281 $35.71 $96,888 $46.58 $129,184 $62.11 Seminole $65,954 $31.71 $75,848 $36.47 $98,932 $47.56 $131,909 $63.42 St. Johns $60,085 $28.89 $69,097 $33.22 $90,127 $43.33 $120,170 $57.77 St. Lucie $51,189 $24.61 $58,867 $28.30 $76,783 $36.92 $102,378 $49.22 Sumter $57,681 $27.73 $66,333 $31.89 $86,522 $41.60 $115,362 $55.46 Suwannee $46,026 $22.13 $52,929 $25.45 $69,038 $33.19 $92,051 $44.26 Taylor $46,133 $22.18 $53,053 $25.51 $69,200 $33.27 $92,266 $44.36 Union $49,534 $23.81 $56,964 $27.39 $74,301 $35.72 $99,068 $47.63 Volusia $53,373 $25.66 $61,379 $29.51 $80,059 $38.49 $106,745 $51.32 Wakulla $46,970 $22.58 $54,016 $25.97 $70,456 $33.87 $93,941 $45.16 Walton $55,054 $26.47 $63,312 $30.44 $82,581 $39.70 $110,109 $52.94 Washington $42,239 $20.31 $48,575 $23.35 $63,359 $30.46 $84,478 $40.61 * All incentives applications received on or after January 1, 2026 will be subject to the new 2024 wages. STATE OF FLORIDA INCENTIVES AVERAGE WAGE REQUIREMENTS 2024 Private Average Annual County Wage Data Effective January 1, 2026* 1 Florida Department of Commerce, Labor Market Statistics Center, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Page 82 of 130 Average Annual Wage1 Hourly Wage 115% of Avg Annual Wage Hourly Wage 150% of Avg Annual Wage Hourly Wage 200% of Avg Annual Wage Hourly Wage Cape Coral-Fort Myers MSA (Lee)$59,645 $28.68 $68,592 $32.98 $89,468 $43.01 $119,290 $57.35 Crestview-Ft. Walton Beach-Destin (Okaloosa, Walton)$57,464 $27.63 $66,084 $31.77 $86,196 $41.44 $114,928 $55.25 Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach MSA (Volusia, Flagler)$52,868 $25.42 $60,798 $29.23 $79,302 $38.13 $105,736 $50.83 Gainesville MSA (Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy)$55,816 $26.83 $64,188 $30.86 $83,724 $40.25 $111,632 $53.67 Homasassa Springs MSA (Citrus)$48,739 $23.43 $56,050 $26.95 $73,109 $35.15 $97,478 $46.86 Jacksonville MSA (Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns)$68,005 $32.69 $78,206 $37.60 $102,008 $49.04 $136,010 $65.39 Lakeland-Winter Haven MSA (Polk)$55,633 $26.75 $63,978 $30.76 $83,450 $40.12 $111,266 $53.49 Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach MSA (Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach $75,058 $36.09 $86,317 $41.50 $112,587 $54.13 $150,116 $72.17 Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Sunrise Metropolitan Division (Broward)$70,781 $34.03 $81,398 $39.13 $106,172 $51.04 $141,562 $68.06 Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall Metropolitan Division (Miami-Dade)$76,986 $37.01 $88,534 $42.56 $115,479 $55.52 $153,972 $74.03 West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Delray Beach Metropolitan Division (Palm Beach)$76,839 $36.94 $88,365 $42.48 $115,259 $55.41 $153,678 $73.88 Naples-Marco Island MSA (Collier)$67,563 $32.48 $77,697 $37.35 $101,345 $48.72 $135,126 $64.96 North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota MSA (Manatee, Sarasota)$62,769 $30.18 $72,184 $34.70 $94,154 $45.27 $125,538 $60.35 Ocala MSA (Marion) $52,033 $25.02 $59,838 $28.77 $78,050 $37.52 $104,066 $50.03 Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford MSA (Lake, Orange, Osceola,Seminole)$64,847 $31.18 $74,574 $35.85 $97,271 $46.76 $129,694 $62.35 Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville MSA (Brevard)$68,052 $32.72 $78,260 $37.62 $102,078 $49.08 $136,104 $65.43 Panama City-Panama City Beach MSA (Bay, Washington)$50,787 $24.42 $58,405 $28.08 $76,181 $36.63 $101,574 $48.83 Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent MSA (Escambia, Santa Rosa)$57,853 $27.81 $66,531 $31.99 $86,780 $41.72 $115,706 $55.63 Port St. Lucie MSA (Martin, St. Lucie)$54,857 $26.37 $63,086 $30.33 $82,286 $39.56 $109,714 $52.75 Punta Gorda MSA (Charlotte)$52,853 $25.41 $60,781 $29.22 $79,280 $38.12 $105,706 $50.82 Sebastian-Vero Beach MSA (Indian River)$57,409 $27.60 $66,020 $31.74 $86,114 $41.40 $114,818 $55.20 Sebring MSA (Highlands)$47,026 $22.61 $54,080 $26.00 $70,539 $33.91 $94,052 $45.22 Tallahassee MSA (Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Wakulla)$59,225 $28.47 $68,109 $32.74 $88,838 $42.71 $118,450 $56.95 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA (Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas)$69,901 $33.61 $80,386 $38.65 $104,852 $50.41 $139,802 $67.21 St. Petersburg-Clearwater-Largo Metropolitan Division (Pinellas)$67,362 $32.39 $77,466 $37.24 $101,043 $48.58 $134,724 $64.77 Tampa Metropolitan Division (Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco)$71,065 $34.17 $81,725 $39.29 $106,598 $51.25 $142,130 $68.33 Wildwood-The Villages MSA (Sumter)$57,681 $27.73 $66,333 $31.89 $86,522 $41.60 $115,362 $55.46 STATE OF FLORIDA INCENTIVES AVERAGE WAGE REQUIREMENTS 2024 Private Average Annual MSA Wage Data Effective January 1, 2026* 1 Florida Department of Commerce, Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All incentives applications received on or after January 1, 2026 will be subject to the new 2024 wages. Page 83 of 130 1 Economic Incentive Program Update Modernizing Criteria, Strengthening Accountability, and Aligning Incentives with Outcomes Board of County Commissioners Informal Meeting April 14, 2026 Planning & Development Services Ben Balcer, AICP, PDS Director St. Lucie EDC Page 84 of 130 2 Legal Framework for Economic Incentives Section 125.045 F.S. - County economic development powers. •Counties authorized to use incentives for public purpose Section 196.1995, F.S. - Economic development ad valorem tax exemption. •Ad Valorem Tax Abatement (AVTA) governed by State statute and voter approval Section 288.005, F.S. – Target Industry Business •Target Industries defined by wage, growth, and economic impact Page 85 of 130 3 Current Incentive Programs Performance Based Incentives: •Job Growth Investment Grant •Impact Fee Mitigation •Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Average Hr. Wage 107% of Avg. Hr. Wage 110% of Avg. Hr. Wage 115% of Avg. Hr. Wage 120% of Avg. Hr. Wage 150% of Avg. Hr. Wage $24.61 $26.33 $27.07 $28.30 $29.53 $36.92 Current Wage Threshold Requirements Page 86 of 130 4 Job Growth Investment Grant (JGIG) Program Per job incentive & tied to a wage threshold JGIG Eligibility •Any expansion or relocation of a targeted industry that creates 10 or more jobs, paying an average wage of at least 107% of St. Lucie County’s average wage. JGIG Grant Limits & Bonus Structure •Minimum of $1,500, with a maximum of $3,075, per job created. •% Bonus calculations based on the # of jobs created, average salary of 125% or 150% of SLC avg. wage, 90% or more of local hires, and use of local contractors for construction activity. Current Performance Based Model Page 87 of 130 5 Current Accountability Framework (JGIG) JGIG Annual Compliance Reporting Failure to Achieve Job Creation Goals •If 85% of the committed jobs for the year achieved, the JGIG amount is recalculated based on the actual job creation and reduced by 50%. •Failure to achieve 85% of the commitment results in forfeiture and elimination of that year’s grant funds Clawback & Forfeiture Provision •If the company relocates within 5 years of last JGIG payment, all grant funds must be returned to the County. Page 88 of 130 6 Impact Fee Mitigation –Current Structure Option #1: Option #2: Option #3: # of Jobs Created % of Avg. Wage IFM Waiver Amount Minimum of 10 107% plus benefits $3,500 per job created Minimum of 10 150% plus benefits $5,000 per job created Minimum of 10 200% plus benefits $7,500 per job created # of Jobs Created Total Capital Investment IFM Waiver Amount Minimum of 10 $10 – $15 million 40% of total county impact fees Minimum of 10 $15 - $20 million 50% of total county impact fees Minimum of 10 $20 + million 60% of total county impact fees # of Jobs Created % of Avg. Wage IFM Waiver Amount Minimum of 10 100% plus benefits $3,500 per job created Minimum of 10 140% plus benefits $5,000 per job created Minimum of 10 185% plus benefits $7,500 per job created Page 89 of 130 7 Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Local option tax incentive that exempts an expanding or relocating Targeted Industry from the St. Lucie County portion of the Ad Valorem millage Enactment Authority •Section 196.1995, F.S., - requires County voters to authorize exemptions •County voters authorized Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions in 1992, 2002, 2012, and 2022 •Only applies to taxes levied where SLC is the taxing authority Page 90 of 130 8 Current Tax Exemption Structure (Case-by-Case) Year 1 – 100% Year 2 – 100% Year 3 – 100% Year 4 – 100% Year 5 – 100% Year 6 – 90% Year 7 – 80% Year 8 – 60% Year 9 – 40% Year 10 – 20% *Each exemption requires annual reporting to the County and Property Appraiser Current Typical 10 Year Sliding Scale The economic development ad valorem tax exemption is a local option tax incentive for new or expanding business which may be granted or refused at the sole discretion of the board. Application shall be filed on or before March 1 of the year in which an exemption is requested. Page 91 of 130 9 2003 Scoring Approach (Limited Application) Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program Guidelines Number of Jobs Created Points 25-49 5 50-99 7 100-199 9 200+ 10 Average Hourly Wage Points 107% of Avg. 1 110% of Avg. 3 125% of Avg. 6 150% of Avg. 10 200% of Avg. 12 Capital Investment Points $150K - $1 million 2 $1 million - $5 million 4 $5 million and up 6 Page 92 of 130 10 Building On What We Have CURRENT •Scoring criteria (AV Tax Exemption) •Performance thresholds (JGIG) •Tiered incentives (AV Tax Exemption) •Compliance reporting (all incentives) •Clawback and non-performance provisions (JGIG and IFM) GAPS •Lack of consistent scoring system •Limited differentiation between projects •Inconsistent application across programs •Need for stronger compliance and enforcement tools Page 93 of 130 11 Program Structure: Old vs. New OLD: •Programs evaluated independently •Case-by-case decision making •No unified framework NEW: •One unified incentive program •Standardized scoring matrix applied to all incentive programs •Consistent across all incentive programs Page 94 of 130 12 How Incentives are Determined OLD: •Negotiated agreements – Not consistent •Typical AVTA schedules •Fixed JGIG structure NEW: •Scoring determines eligibility, incentive level and duration •Tired award schedule •% of JGIG eligible amount •% of AV Tax exemption •% of Impact Fee Mitigation •Direct link to positive economic impact Page 95 of 130 13 Performance Based Incentives & Accountability OLD: •Performance based, but limited enforcement mechanisms •Inconsistent across programs •No timeline to begin construction NEW: •Clear performance-based payments and enforcement mechanisms •70% minimum threshold for prorated payments o Below 70% → no payment •BOCC has direct clawback & repayment authority for all programs (survives agreement termination) Page 96 of 130 14 NEW - Evaluation Methodology Minimum Incentive Eligibility Threshold: 50 Points TOTAL BASE POINTS: 105 (+ BONUS = MAXIMUM SCORE OF 145) Bonus points are additive to the total score and may increase the overall project score above the base maximum. Page 97 of 130 15 •Board retains full discretion to approve, reduce or deny JGIG •Based on a per-job value of $1,500 per qualifying FTE •Bonuses based on wage levels, capital investment, local workforce participation, and utilizing local contractors •Total per-job grant value not to exceed $2,500 per qualifying FTE •Increase per project cap from $1.5M to $2.5M How Incentives are Awarded JGIG Aligns duration and value of AV Tax Exemption with Project Score Page 98 of 130 16 How Incentives are Awarded JGIG Bonus Criteria: Average Wage - •+$250 per job for avg. wage greater than 120% •+$500 per job for avg. wage greater than 135% •+$750 per job for avg. wage greater than 150% Capital Investment – •+$125 per job for investment greater than $100M •+$250 per job for investment greater than $300M Local Enhancements – •+$125 per job where at least 90% of new FTEs are County residents •+$125 per job where at least 75% of total construction costs are performed by local contractors JGIG Bonus Criteria •Annual reports to verify compliance, including wage and employment records •BOCC has right to require repayment of incentives for failure to meet obligations •Incentive payments proportionate to the level of performance achieved, subject to minimum threshold of 70% •No incentive payment made for any year where performance falls below 70% •In the event of relocation or cessation of operations, the County shall receive full repayment Compliance, Clawback and Recapture Page 99 of 130 17 How Incentives are Awarded Impact Fee Mitigation •Consistent 50 point minimum to be eligible •Board retains full discretion to award, reduce, or deny any application •Annual reports to verify compliance •Repayment of performance obligations aren’t met, relocation outside SLC, or ceases operation Compliance, Clawback and Recapture Aligns value of IFM with Project Score Page 100 of 130 18 How Incentives are Awarded Ad Valorem Tax Exemption 50 – 64 Points (Base Impact) •Up to 5 years •Recommended Schedule o Years 1 – 2: up to 50% o Year 3: up to 40% o Year 4: up to 25% o Year 5: up to 10% 65 – 79 Points (High Impact) •Up to 6 years •Recommended Schedule o Years 1 – 3: up to 75% o Year 4: up to 60% o Year 5: up to 40% o Year 6: up to 20% 80 – 94 Points (Very High Impact) •Up to 8 years •Recommended Schedule o Years 1 – 4: up to 80% o Year 5: up to 60% o Year 6: up to 50% o Year 7: up to 40% o Year 8: up to 20% 95 – 109 Points (Strategic Impact) •Up to 8 years •Recommended Schedule o Years 1 – 4: up to 90% o Year 5: up to 75% o Year 6: up to 60% o Year 7: up to 40% o Year 8: up to 20% 110 – 145 Points (Exceptional Impact) •Up to 10 years •Recommended Schedule o Years 1 – 5: up to 100% o Year 6: up to 90% o Year 7: up to 80% o Year 8: up to 60% o Year 9: up to 40% o Year 10: up to 20% Aligns duration and value of AV Tax Exemption with Project Score Page 101 of 130 19 How Incentives are Awarded Ad Valorem Tax Exemption •Board retains full discretion to award, reduce, or deny any application •Annual reports to verify compliance by the County & Property Appraiser, prior to continuation of the exemption for the subsequent tax year •In the event a recipient achieves at least 70% of performance obligations, the BOCC may authorize prorated exemption based on actual performance •Less than 70% results in forfeiture of incentive for that year •Repayment of performance obligations aren’t met, relocation outside SLC, or ceases operation Compliance, Clawback and Recapture Page 102 of 130 20 SLC Targeted Industry Incentives Incentive Program Improvements: •Increase the average hourly wage above the current 107% •Use a scoring matrix to allocate points based on desired outcomes (higher wages, # of jobs, capital investment) – creates minimum thresholds for incentives •Establish bonus for “Catalytic Projects” and large-scale job creators (800+ FTEs) •Establish sunset provisions and deadlines for construction of the project and creation of the committed jobs in the Job Growth Investment Grant (JGIG) (24- months) •Establish Compliance and Clawback provisions for all incentive programs Page 103 of 130 21 SLC Targeted Industry Incentives What this Means for SLC: •Incentives tied to measurable outcomes •Consistent evaluation across all incentive programs •Stronger protection of public funds •Clear expectations for all applicants Page 104 of 130 22 Targeted Industry Incentives Board of County Commissioners Informal Meeting April 15, 2025 Planning & Development Services Ben Balcer, AICP, PDS Director St. Lucie EDC Page 105 of 130 23 SLC Job Growth Investment Grant (JGIG) Program Annual JGIG Disbursements Page 106 of 130 24 Ad Valorem Tax Exemption $635,536 $654,234 $1,036,188 $1,193,881 $2,010,137 $- $500,000.00 $1,000,000.00 $1,500,000.00 $2,000,000.00 $2,500,000.00 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Annual Tax Amount Abated due to Exemption Year Page 107 of 130 25 Impact Fee Mitigation Impact Fee Mitigation Agreement •Request must be submitted prior to deciding to expand or locate in the County. •Impact fees must be paid by the County using other available funds other than impact fees. •Requires annual reporting. •Company must remain in County for 10 years. Page 108 of 130 26 Page 109 of 130 27 Page 110 of 130 1 Page 111 of 130 2 •Where the numbers came from? •What the numbers mean? •Do the numbers make sense? •Methodology •Capital/Infrastructure Investment examples CFO 6-year spending review presentation: Page 112 of 130 3 Base Year Budget x (Index Factor representing population growth and inflation) = “Acceptable Level” •Base Budget Year = FY 2020 Adopted Budget (adopted 10/1/2019) •Comparison Budget was FY 2026 Adopted Budget (adopted 10/1/2025) •Index Factors (5 Years) = •22.01% was used as the factor representing population growth (5 Years) •25.50% was used as the factor representing inflation (5 Years)* Page 113 of 130 4 Base Year Budget x (Index Factor representing population growth and inflation) = “Acceptable Level” -- Corrected values based on a 6-year review of FY 2026-- •Base Budget Year = FY 2020 Adopted Budget (adopted 10/1/2019) •Comparison Budget was FY 2026 Adopted Budget (adopted 10/1/2025) •Index Factors (6 Years ) = •27.38% was used as the factor representing population growth (6 Years ) •31.30% was used as the factor representing inflation (6 Years ) or •Alt of 27.32 factor of inflation utilizing the US Bureau of Labor Statistics data* Page 114 of 130 5 FY 2020 Budget (page 119 of 440 of PDF)FY 2026 Budget (page 116 of 424 of PDF) $162,006,140 = Total of General Fund + General Fund subfunds $285,146,261 = Total of General Fund + General Fund subfunds Page 115 of 130 6 FY 2020 Budget (page 111 of 440 of PDF) $154,932,962 = Total of General Fund $162,006,140 = Total of General Fund + General Fund subfunds FY 2026 Budget (page 110 of 424 of PDF) $263,723,697 = Total of General Fund $285,146,261 = Total of General Fund + General Fund subfunds Page 116 of 130 7 FY 20 Adopted Budget FY 26 Adopted Budget Increase % Change General Fund $154,932,962 $263,723,697 $108,790,735 70.22% General Fund Subfunds $7,073,178 $21,422,564 $14,349,386 202.87% Subtotal $ 162,006,140 $285,146,261 $123,140,121 76.01% Page 117 of 130 8 #1 - St. Lucie County’s General Fund Budget increased by $123,140,121 or 76.01% Response: St. Lucie County’s budget is set up using funds and subfunds. The figures used in the press conference included the General Fund with subfunds. The change in the General Fund (where property taxes are deposited) was $108,790,735 or 70.22%. Page 118 of 130 9 •22.01% was used as the factor representing population growth (5 Years) •25.50% was used as the factor representing inflation (5 Years) •The Florida DOGE Report on Local Government Spending (January 2026) cites the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) as the source for population growth and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as the source for Inflation. •Using same sources but for 6 years: •27.38% was used as the factor representing population growth (6 Years ) •31.30% was used as the factor representing inflation (6 Years ) or •Alt of 27.32 factor of inflation utilizing the US Bureau of Labor Statistics data* *CPI Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Series CUUR0300SA0 (All items in South urban, all urban consumers, not seasonally adjusted) September 2025 compared to September 2019. Population Data Source: BEBR April 1, 2019 estimate compared to April 1, 2025 estimate.Page 119 of 130 10 FY 20 Adopted Budget FY 26 Adopted Budget Increase % Change General Fund $154,932,962 $263,723,697 $108,790,735 70.22% General Fund Subfunds $7,073,178 $21,422,564 $14,349,386 202.87% Subtotal $ 162,006,140 $285,146,261 $123,140,121 76.01% Page 120 of 130 •Taking the CFO 6-year number of $123,140,121 applying his 5-year formula: FY20 $162,006,140 x (25.5% inflation + 22.01% population) = a target FY26 budget of $238,975,257. Target minus actual FY26 $285,146,261 equates to a difference of $46,171,004. •Taking the correct 6-year number of $108,790,735 applying the correct 6-year formula: FY20 $154,932,962 x (31.3% inflation + 27.38% population) = a target FY26 budget of $245,847,624. Target minus actual FY26 $263,723,697 equates to a difference of $17,876,073 or with the alternate inflation rate of 27.32, the alt difference equates to $24,042,405, or somewhere in between these values. 11 Page 121 of 130 12 #2 - St. Lucie County’s added 212 FTEs since FY 2020 Response: The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners Full Time Equivalent (FTEs) positions increased by 131.85 since FY 2020 as seen on page # xxxi of the FY 2026 Budget Book (page 35 of 424 of the PDF). Additionally, at 54 FTEs of the 131.85 are not from General Fund. The BOCC’s FTE count is 50.4 less than it was in 2007, while the population has grown more than 50% (by over 140,000) over that time. Page 122 of 130 13 Page 123 of 130 14 FY 2026 Budget (page 99 of 424 of PDF) FY 2020 Budget (page 101 of 440 of PDF) Page 124 of 130 15 #3 - At approx. 13:10 minute timestamp during press conference, the CFO references that the additional funds should have been used for infrastructure and capital. Response: The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners from FY24 through FY26 have invested over $49 million in infrastructure and capital due to growth. Page 125 of 130 16 Page 126 of 130 17 Page 127 of 130 Capital/Maintenance Transfer $5.3 million EOC Separation Project $1.8 million Roger Poitras Exterior Doors Retrofit $0.25 million Card Reader Upgrades $0.25 million Campus $3 Million Traffic calming/transportation safety $100,000 Infrastructure Surtax Sales Taxes Extension $100,000 New fuel truck and 2 fuel trailers $400,000 HANDS Clinic capital improvements $150,000 Facilities Master Plan Implementation $3 million Harbour Pointe $1 million Airport $1 million Animal Shelter Capital $1 million Jail Medical Facility $1 million Transit Facility $1 million 18 Page 128 of 130 Capital Maintenance Projects $2.0 million Campus $2.5 million Roads $1.0 million 911 Dispatch Consoles $1.5 million Jail 2 Cooler Tower Replacements $1 million Jail Roof Replacement $900k Jail Maintenance Shop $250k Computer Replacement Project $482k Network Infrastructure Replacement $1.470 million Morningside Branch Library Roof Replacement $1,800,000 Lakewood Park Library Roof Replacement $460,000 Clerk HVAC Floor Box Replacement $500,000 State Attorney Roof Replacement $400,000 19 Page 129 of 130 20 CFO 6-year spending review presentation: Actual 6-year spending review presentation: $17,876,073 $108,790,735 (70.22%) +84,675 Population Growth (27.38%) 132 FTE Add (54 from non-Ad Val.) 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