Empower Okaloosa County's Future
Vote Yes for Economic Growth on November 5th
Vote Yes to allow temporary economic development property tax exemptions to businesses that create new jobs.
Join us in supporting the Okaloosa County Referendum, and reauthorize a tried and true performance-based incentive designed to create high-paying jobs and foster business expansion in Okaloosa County. Your vote can make a significant difference in our community’s economic development.
Why Vote Yes for the Okaloosa County Referendum?
Job Creation
This program incentivizes businesses to create high-wage jobs, boosting the local economy and providing more opportunities for residents.
Business Expansion
Supports local businesses in their growth by providing temporary tax exemptions, enabling them to invest in new facilities and equipment.
Community Development
By attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, this valuable tool helps diversify and strengthen our community’s economic base.
The November 5, 2024 General Election ballot will include an important Okaloosa County Referendum question – specifically, the opportunity to renew Okaloosa County’s tried and true economic development property tax exemption program for companies committing to the creation of higher wage jobs in our community. Watch to learn more about this vital tool and why it matters!
Testimonials From Local Job Creators
Positioned for Continued Growth
“GS Gelato has been proud to call Okaloosa County home since 1996, and today we employ over 180 dedicated individuals manufacturing authentic Italian gelato for major customers located around the country. The County’s EDATE incentive was instrumental in GS Gelato’s recent decision to invest $5.5 million in constructing a new, state-of-the-art dry and cold storage facility that has us positioned for continued growth.”
Simona Faroni, Co-Founder of GS Gelato
Grown to Over 230 Employees
“One Okaloosa has been a great partner for Beast Code’s growth! With help from the EDATE program, the company has grown to over 230 employees in the last few years. We’re proud to be associated with One Okaloosa and are continuing to grow Beast Code as a global organization with our headquarters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.”
Matt Zimmermann, CEO of Beast Code
EDATE Program was instrumental
“Gulf Air Group has called Okaloosa County home for over 35 years. The continued support of the County Commissioners, One Okaloosa, and the Airport Board remains invaluable to our success. The EDATE Program was instrumental in our decision process to relocate jobs, pursue expansion, and sustain Okaloosa County as home for the future.”
Tim Rhyne, President / CEO of Gulf Air Group, Inc.
Exponentially Assisted with Our Growth
“Props Craft Brewery started in Okaloosa County in 2011 as a small brewpub. Today we’re a thriving veteran-owned small business with two locations and a third in planning. Props applied for Okaloosa County’s EDATE program in 2016 when we opened our distribution brewery in Fort Walton Beach. The EDATE program was integral to our success and has exponentially assisted with our growth, allowing us to better serve the people of the Florida Panhandle.”
Michael Kee & Nathan Vannatter, Co-Owners of Props Craft Brewery
Strengthened Our Commitment
“Boeing prides itself on being a cornerstone to the Okaloosa County community. This is due in large part to our participation in the EDATE program, which has provided Boeing a vehicle for growing its presence in Fort Walton Beach. This program has strengthened our commitment to Okaloosa County and enabled us to expand our capacity to support our customers.”
Michael J. Ferro, Senior Manager, Government Operations of The Boeing Company
Positioned for Continued Growth
“GS Gelato has been proud to call Okaloosa County home since 1996, and today we employ over 180 dedicated individuals manufacturing authentic Italian gelato for major customers located around the country. The County’s EDATE incentive was instrumental in GS Gelato’s recent decision to invest $5.5 million in constructing a new, state-of-the-art dry and cold storage facility that has us positioned for continued growth.”
Simona Faroni, Co-Founder of GS Gelato
EDATE Program was instrumental
“Gulf Air Group has called Okaloosa County home for over 35 years. The continued support of the County Commissioners, One Okaloosa, and the Airport Board remains invaluable to our success. The EDATE Program was instrumental in our decision process to relocate jobs, pursue expansion, and sustain Okaloosa County as home for the future.”
Tim Rhyne, President / CEO of Gulf Air Group, Inc.
Vehicle for Growing its Presence
“Boeing prides itself on being a cornerstone to the Okaloosa County community. This is due in large part to our participation in the EDATE program, which has provided Boeing a vehicle for growing its presence in Fort Walton Beach. This program has strengthened our commitment to Okaloosa County and enabled us to expand our capacity to support our customers.”
Michael J. Ferro, Senior Manager, Government Operations of The Boeing Company
Grown to Over 230 Employees
“One Okaloosa has been a great partner for Beast Code’s growth! With help from the EDATE program, the company has grown to over 230 employees in the last few years. We’re proud to be associated with One Okaloosa and are continuing to grow Beast Code as a global organization with our headquarters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.”
Matt Zimmermann, CEO of Beast Code
Exponentially Assisted with Our Growth
“Props Craft Brewery started in Okaloosa County in 2011 as a small brewpub. Today we’re a thriving veteran-owned small business with two locations and a third in planning. Props applied for Okaloosa County’s EDATE program in 2016 when we opened our distribution brewery in Fort Walton Beach. The EDATE program was integral to our success and has exponentially assisted with our growth, allowing us to better serve the people of the Florida Panhandle.”
Michael Kee & Nathan Vannatter, Co-Owners of Props Craft Brewery
These businesses utilized the EDATE program to support local expansions
EDATE is Endorsed By
Support Okaloosa County's Future
Join us in making a positive impact on Okaloosa County's economic future. By voting in favor of renewing EDATE on November 5 and allowing our county to remain competitive with our neighboring counties, you will help create higher-paying jobs and attract new businesses to our community. Your vote is crucial in ensuring that Okaloosa County continues to thrive. Stand with us and vote yes for EDATE!