Economic Development

Annexation Incentive Program

Want to become part of Eustis City limits and possibly save money too? The City of Eustis has established an annexation incentive program to help property owners bring their land into the City limits! Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or developer, this program will waive all application fees associated with voluntary annexation requests submitted between March 21, 2020 and April 30, 2024. 

Qualifying property owners who participate will save $1,225 to $1,450 in application fees by applying during this fee-free annexation incentive period.

Not only will you save application fees, you will: See a 25% reduction in your monthly water, sewer, and reclaimed waste service rate; Receive fire protection services from the ISO class 2 rated Eustis Fire Department (which could possibly lower your homeowner’s insurance); Receive law enforcement services from the accredited Eustis Police Department; Gain access to the Eustis Memorial Library for all their services; Participate in resident Parks & Recreation Programs; and Last, but not least, if the property annexed is your residence, you will have the ability to vote in city elections and qualify to serve on a volunteer board and/or city commission.  

Development Services will send individual notification letters to owners of enclave properties (enclaves are those surrounded by the city limits). These letters include an authorization form, a statement of annexation benefits, and a tax assessment comparison. Some property owners, depending on assessed taxable value and exemptions, may even see a decrease in their property tax!    There has never been a better time to become part of the City of Eustis and benefit from City services. Help us become “One Eustis,” because Eustis is all of us! 

For more information, please call Development Services at 352-483-5460 or email Developmentservices@eustis.org

Learn more about our CRA. 

Purpose

To promote new development that increases the value of property within the City and provides additional economic development opportunities. 

Eligibility

New construction projects for multi-family, mixed use, and/or non-residential developments with a construction value of $500,000 or more are eligible for the incentive vouchers. 

Program

The City has established a fund for vouchers that can be used for impact fees, building permit, and other City fees associated with new construction of eligible projects. The voucher amount is 2% of the construction cost, up to a maximum of $30,000. An eligible project within designated Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) can receive an additional 2% of the construction cost, up to a maximum of $30,000 for a maximum amount of $60,000. 

Vouchers are awarded on a first come/first served basis and applications shall be processed through the Building Department. 

Limitations

In addition to the maximum threshold established above, no voucher can exceed the actual fee amount (impact fees, plan review, building permit, etc.) required at time of building permit. The vouchers are also limited by the budgeted fund amount. When the funds are expended for the fiscal year, no more vouchers will be issued unless the City Commission amends the budget accordingly. 

Payments

The Finance Department will use the incentive fund account to provide the voucher funds to the appropriate City accounts for impact fees, building permits, etc. in accordance with the application of the voucher. 

For more information, please contact the Economic Development at (352) 483-5430.

List of current developments under review and under construction. 

Purpose

The purpose of the Gateway Corridor Improvement Matching Grant Program is to improve the appearance of the major gateway into the City and encourage economic development and business investment within the City of Eustis. 

Eligibility

Area 1: Properties fronting State Road 19 (Bay St. and portions of Grove St.) from US 441 to County Road 452. 
Area 2: Properties fronting County Road 44 (Orange Ave.) within the City of Eustis.
Area 3: Properties fronting US 441 within the City of Eustis
Area 4: Properties within the Entertainment District - beginning at the eastern boundary, those city blocks west of Grove Street to Lake Eustis, from Orange Ave. to Clifford Ave., and those city blocks west of Bay St. to Lake Eustis from Clifford Ave. to Park Ave., and those city blocks west of Eustis St. between Citrus Ave. (to the railroad tracks on Lakeshore Dr.) and W. Orange Ave. It shall also include the Eustis Lake Walk and Ferran Park excluding any pool, playground, or water park area. 

Eligibility Boundaries Street List(PDF, 85KB)

Eligible Expenditures

• Exterior Painting
• Facade Improvements
• Exterior Lighting
• Removal of non-conforming signage
• Signage improvements or installation (consistent with City codes)
• Parking Lot Resurfacing
• Irrigation
• Landscaping (not to exceed $1,125 match)
  
  

Program Guidelines

1. Funds shall be allocated on a first-come/first-serve basis until the fiscal year allocation is fully expended. 
2. All color schemes shall accent the structures and be in harmony with adjacent structures. City staff must approve paint colors. 
3. The City will reimburse the applicant for 50% of qualifying expenditures, not to exceed a total grant amount of $7,500.
4. The City will not provide reimbursement for any expenditures completed prior to grant application and approval. 
5. City staff must verify improvement costs as consistent with industry standards.
6. Grantee must complete improvements and submit payment receipts in order to collect reimbursement.
   
   

Gateway Grant Application(PDF, 272KB)

Final Draft of the Downtown Master Plan(PDF, 55MB)

Master Plan Appendix(PDF, 21MB)