DATE: December 4, 2015
CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
PHONE: 954-357-8053
kmaroe@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Commissioners have approved incentive funds that will create an estimated 725 high paying jobs and bring $150 million in capital investments. The approved funds act as an incentive to attract targeted businesses to Broward County or to encourage expansion of existing businesses. The name of the company is being kept confidential for competitive reasons and until final decisions are in place. The company, identified as Project Blaze, has been located in Deerfield Beach since 2010 and is a software development company specializing in augmented reality products.
"We're trying very hard to get these high paying jobs to Broward County. This company will attract billions of dollars in venture capital. This is a large company that is very important for job growth here," said Commissioner Tim Ryan.
Under the terms described in Project Blaze, the company would receive $1,007,500 from Broward County beginning next year through 2024 if they deliver 725 jobs paying an average of $100,000 annually. Company officials propose renovation of an existing office in Dania Beach and expansion of its operations to a manufacturing space in Plantation. Incentive funds from the state, City of Plantation and Broward County total $9,075,000. In order to accommodate the incentive request, Commissioners voted to lift a previous cap on direct cash incentive awards.
"Our whole community will benefit as a result," said Commissioner Lois Wexler.
"This is job well done. As we pursue these opportunities, I think we ought to develop a structured and systematic process in place to ensure that communities in Broward with high unemployment rates are not left behind," noted Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness.
Project Blaze employs 363 people globally, including 217 employees in Florida. This is a Phase Two expansion project and the expansion jobs are at critical risk of being located in a different state. California and Texas are also under consideration for the project.
Broward County's Office of Economic and Small Business Development recommended approval of the project under the State of Florida Qualified Targeted Industry Tax Refund and Broward County Direct Cash/Job Creation Incentive Programs. These programs are available to companies on a performance-driven basis that create high wage jobs in targeted, high value-added industries.
The project is supported through the partnership of Broward County, the State of Florida, the City of Plantation and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.
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