A "Brownfield site" as stated in Florida Statutes (376.79, F.S.) is “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by actual or perceived environmental contamination.” A “Brownfield area” means a “contiguous area of one or more brownfield sites, some of which may or may not be contaminated, and which has been designated by a local government by resolution.” Brownfield areas may include all or portions of community redevelopment areas, enterprise zones, empowerment zones, other such designated economically deprived communities and areas, and Environmental Protection Agency - designated brownfield pilot projects.
The Objective of the Broward County Brownfield Program
Broward County has been delegated the authority to administer the Brownfield Redevelopment Program from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The objective of the Brownfield Program is to encourage the clean-up and redevelopment of environmentally contaminated or potentially contaminated industrial or commercial properties that are abandoned, idle, or underused.
Brownfield Areas within Broward County
As of May 1, 2023, there are 45 Brownfield areas within Broward County, encompassing approximately 6,999 acres (10.94 square miles)
View the Map of Brownfield Areas
View the Interactive Map of Brownfield Areas
View the GIS Storymap for an interactive look at Broward County Brownfield Sites and Areas
How does Brownfields Redevelopment benefit communities?
- Encourages further redevelopment and reinvestment in inner city areas
- Increases local employment opportunities
- Increases overall neighborhood quality of life by replacing brownfields with sustainable development
- Increases city tax base
- Reduces suburban sprawl
- Protects human health and the environment
How does Brownfields Redevelopment benefit business?
- Provides degree of certainty and finality to the environmental cleanup process
- Provides access to liability protection provisions and creative insurance programs
- Provides access to economic incentives
- Provides assistance in obtaining public/private loan and fund programs
- Provides assistance and guidance in workforce training programs
Contaminated Sites and the Brownfield Program
A site does not have to be contaminated in order for a municipality to designate it as a Brownfield area; however, if a site is contaminated, then the Person Responsible for Brownfield Site Rehabilitation may be able to execute a Brownfield Site Rehabilitation Agreement (BSRA) with Broward County. The BSRA is the legal vehicle to do a number of things, including making the site eligible for Voluntary Cleanup Tax Credits, making the technical aspects of contamination cleanup subject to the requirements of Chapter 62-785, Florida Administrative Code, and providing for certain liability protections. A BSRA may also be executed to seek Voluntary Cleanup Tax Credits associated with solid waste removal. Voluntary Cleanup Tax Credits are applied against Florida Corporate Income Tax and are awarded annually in an amount up to 50 percent of incurred costs for eligible site rehabilitation or solid waste removal work. Additional credits may be available at the time a Site Rehabilitation Completion Order is issued, or if affordable housing is involved.
For more information:
If you have questions or need further information, you may contact the Environmental Permitting Division at: 954-519-1483.
