Looking to Invest in Commercial real estate in Orlando, Florida? Discover the Incentives the City Offers—and See How They Could Help Launch Your New Restaurant.
City of Orlando
Orlando is one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida, known not only for its world-famous attractions but also for its vibrant business environment. If you’re considering investing in commercial real estate or starting a business here, you’ll be excited to know that the City of Orlando offers a variety of incentives and assistance programs to help you succeed.
In this article, we’ll explore the main support programs available and give you a real-life example of how these incentives can benefit you—specifically if you’re interested in opening a restaurant in Downtown Orlando.
Why Choose Orlando for Your Investment? | Looking to Invest in Commercial real estate in Orlando, Florida? Discover the Incentives the City Offers—and See How They Could Help Launch Your New Restaurant.
Orlando’s commercial real estate market is booming. According to the Downtown Orlando Partnership, more than 10,000 apartment units are now part of the downtown area, creating a dense and dynamic residential base that supports retail, office, and dining spaces. With a population growth of 2% annually and a metro GDP of over $142 billion (source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis), Orlando offers strong economic fundamentals.
The city’s proactive government, combined with its strategic location, makes it one of the best places in Florida to launch or expand your business.
Read also: 6 Reasons to Invest in real state in Central Florida
What Incentives Does the City of Orlando Offer? | Looking to Invest in Commercial real estate in Orlando, Florida? Discover the Incentives the City Offers—and See How They Could Help Launch Your New Restaurant.
The City of Orlando provides multiple programs designed to encourage business development, enhance property values, and foster community revitalization. Below, we detail these programs with practical examples and cite official sources.
1. Business Assistance Program (BAP)
This program provides matching funds up to $20,000 to help businesses with expenses related to exterior improvements, infrastructure, and code compliance. For example, if you’re opening a restaurant and need to upgrade your outdoor dining space, install ADA-compliant ramps, or improve signage, this program is ideal.
Source: City of Orlando Business Assistance Program
2. Small Business Facade Program
Aimed at beautifying Orlando’s commercial corridors, this program offers grants for improving building exteriors. Eligible expenses include:
- New signage
- Façade painting
- Window and door replacements
- Landscaping
- Outdoor lighting
These enhancements not only make your business more attractive but also contribute to overall neighborhood revitalization.
Source: Orlando Main Streets
3. Impact Fee Assistance Program
Opening a new restaurant often comes with hefty impact fees for water, sewer, transportation, and parks. The City of Orlando offers assistance through reductions or waivers, especially for businesses contributing to job creation or revitalizing key areas.
Source: Orlando Impact Fees
4. Downtown Orlando Development Incentives
Downtown businesses benefit from:
- Expedited permitting
- Infrastructure grants
- Tax credits
This program ensures that your project moves quickly through the permitting process, helping you avoid delays and allowing you to open your doors faster.
Source: Downtown Orlando CRA
5. Green Building Incentives
Orlando’s Green Building Incentive Program supports sustainable development by offering rebates and discounts on permitting fees for projects that achieve LEED certification or similar green standards.
Source: Green Works Orlando
A Real Example: Opening a Restaurant at 250 N Orange Ave | Looking to Invest in Commercial real estate in Orlando, Florida? Discover the Incentives the City Offers—and See How They Could Help Launch Your New Restaurant.
Let’s bring all these incentives to life with a practical example. There’s an exceptional restaurant/retail space available right now in Downtown Orlando:
Downtown Location
Interior view
Front Exterior View
Orlando Central Business District
250 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Property Highlights:
- ±1,864 SF of restaurant/retail space available immediately
- Prime corner location at Orange and Robinson
- Spacious outdoor seating/patio area
- Surrounded by high-rise office and residential buildings
- Neighbors: Seacoast Bank and MMA Robinson (369 units)
- Over 10,943 apartment units in Downtown Orlando
- Easy access to Interstate-4, SR 50, and SR 441
- Generous tenant improvement package available
How Could City Incentives Help Set Up This Restaurant? | Looking to Invest in Commercial real estate in Orlando, Florida? Discover the Incentives the City Offers—and See How They Could Help Launch Your New Restaurant.
Imagine you’re planning to open a Mediterranean bistro, Lebanese or latin food at this location. Here’s how Orlando’s incentives can make your project more feasible:
- Business Assistance Program: Get matching funds for new patio furniture, fencing, and stylish signage that enhance curb appeal.
- Facade Program: Apply for a grant to upgrade storefront windows, repaint the exterior, and install chic outdoor lighting.
- Impact Fee Assistance: Save thousands of dollars by qualifying for impact fee reductions or waivers.
- Downtown Incentives: Enjoy faster permit approvals and potentially apply for additional infrastructure grants to expand your kitchen.
Why This Location Makes Business Sense | Looking to Invest in Commercial real estate in Orlando, Florida? Discover the Incentives the City Offers—and See How They Could Help Launch Your New Restaurant.
- Strong Demand: Thousands of office workers and residents need new dining options within walking distance.
- Prime Visibility: Located on a bustling corner, your restaurant would catch the eye of daily commuters, tourists, and locals.
- Outdoor Space Advantage: Post-COVID, outdoor dining is more popular than ever, making your patio seating a major draw.
- Transportation Links: Proximity to major highways increases your reach beyond just Downtown Orlando.
Orlando’s Thriving Food Scene: Why Your Restaurant Can Succeed | Looking to Invest in Commercial real estate in Orlando, Florida? Discover the Incentives the City Offers—and See How They Could Help Launch Your New Restaurant.
Floor Plan
Orlando isn’t just a tourist destination—it’s evolving into a culinary hotspot. According to the Orlando Economic Partnership, the city’s food and beverage industry has grown by over 25% in the last five years, with new restaurants opening monthly to meet rising demand. The surge in residential development downtown means more foot traffic and lunchtime crowds, creating perfect conditions for restaurant success.
A 2023 report by Visit Orlando highlighted that locals and tourists alike seek authentic dining experiences, and many neighborhoods—including Downtown—are underserved in niche cuisines like vegan, farm-to-table, and international street food. This presents an exciting gap in the market for savvy investors.
Building Long-Term Success in Downtown Orlando
Investing in a restaurant at 250 N Orange Ave offers not only immediate benefits but also long-term potential. The City of Orlando’s 2040 Vision Plan projects significant downtown expansion, with new office towers, mixed-use developments, and infrastructure improvements. This means your business will benefit from ongoing growth and revitalization.
For sustained success, consider:
- Hosting community events to build brand loyalty.
- Partnering with nearby businesses and residential complexes for exclusive promotions.
- Leveraging the outdoor seating to create a unique, Instagram-worthy dining experience.
With proper planning, you won’t just open a restaurant—you’ll establish a landmark destination.
Tips to Maximize Incentives
- Apply Early: Many programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Collaborate with Experts: Work with real estate professionals—like our team at BBDRE—to ensure your project qualifies for as many incentives as possible.
- Stay Compliant: Maintain open communication with city officials to meet all compliance requirements and maximize funding.
How Can BBDRE Help You?
At BBDRE, we specialize in connecting tenants/users and business owners with prime commercial spaces across Central Florida. Our team—Mike Beale, Buffy Gillette, Nelson Guzman—is here to help you identify opportunities, navigate incentive programs, and secure the best lease or purchase terms.
Interested in learning more about this Downtown Orlando space or similar properties?
Contact us today for a consultation and private tour.
Final Thoughts
Orlando’s incentives make it one of the most attractive cities for business investment in Florida. Whether you’re opening a restaurant, retail shop, or another commercial venture, programs like the Business Assistance Program, Facade Program, and Downtown Incentives can make your vision a reality faster and more affordably.
By combining these city resources with a prime location like 250 N Orange Ave, you’re setting your business up for success from day one.
Contact Nelson Guzman and Mike Beale today:
📧 mike@bbdre.com
📧 nelson@bbdre.com
🌐 www.bbdre.com
🌐 www.commercialrealestate.estate