FloridaCommerce Announces $20 Million Available for Florida’s Rural Communities Through the Rural Infrastructure Fund

~ Eligible local governments can now apply for funding to strengthen rural economies. ~

Tallahassee, FL - Today, FloridaCommerce announced that $20 million in funding is available for Florida rural communities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF). The program facilitates the planning, preparation, and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities to encourage job creation, capital investment, and strengthening rural economies. Since 2019, more than $87 million for 121 projects has been awarded through the Rural Infrastructure Fund, supporting successful rural communities.

Governor DeSantis' 2024-2025 Focus on Florida's Future budget included $15 million for RIF statewide funding and $5 million dedicated to Panhandle counties continuing to recover following Hurricane Michael. These include Calhoun, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington Counties.

Eligible projects include improvements to public infrastructure for industrial or commercial sites, upgrades to or development of public tourism infrastructure, and improvements to inadequate infrastructure that has resulted in regulatory action prohibiting economic or community growth.

Applications will be accepted through Monday,September 16, 2024. Click here for more information. Additionally, FloridaCommerce is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 10 a.m., Eastern Time, to provide technical assistance and an overview of the application process. To register, click here.