Melbourne, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his commitment to working with the Trump administration to further promote opportunity zones in the Melbourne area. The Governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) President and CEO Jamal Sowell and Space Florida President and CEO Frank Dibello.

“I enjoyed participating in the opportunity zone forum today,” said Governor DeSantis. “With the fast growth of the commercial space industry, we are witnessing the beginning of an exciting renaissance in Florida’s Space Coast, and opportunity zones are poised to play a big role in the region’s future success. I look forward to working with the Trump administration to promote investment in opportunity zones here and throughout the state to create more opportunities for Floridians.”

Photo Credit: Governor’s Press Office

“Opportunity Zones are a great solution to help drive robust growth to economically distressed areas,” said Lieutenant Governor Nuñez. “The program provides the tools to leverage private sector financial investments and is a win-win for a region’s economic development and its residents.”

“Space Florida is honored to help host the Opportunity Zone Forum as a way to help further economic and community development in distressed and disadvantaged communities,” said Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello. “Working with our Federal, State and Local partners, we can help assure all of Florida grows and prospers.”

“Here in Florida, we have perfectly positioned ourselves to facilitate Opportunity Zone investment,” said EFI President and CEO Jamal Sowell. “At Enterprise Florida, we are gearing our efforts toward putting resources in front of investors, and helping communities position their Opportunity Zone assets.”

The Governor’s Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget recommendations to the Florida Legislature includes $250,000 to market and highlight Florida’s more than 427 Opportunity Zones, with 9 being located in Brevard County.

Governor DeSantis also prioritized the relaunch and expansion of Enterprise Florida’s commercial property locator for private businesses, which is called “Find it Florida”, to include opportunity zones. Any business owner or entrepreneur can click the Find it Florida tab on Enterprise Florida’s website to view commercially available land and buildings to see whether the property is located within an opportunity zone.

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