Grants, tax incentives, contacts, and guidance for owners of historic properties in Springfield — because preserving these homes is both a labor of love and a financially smart decision.
The most significant financial incentive available for historic property owners. The Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HRTC) offers a 20% federal income tax credit on qualified rehabilitation expenses for income-producing historic structures. Administered jointly by the IRS and National Park Service, all work must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
A 10% credit may be available for non-historic commercial buildings constructed before 1936. Springfield's income-producing properties — including multi-unit residences — are frequently eligible.
The City of Jacksonville offers a reimbursement grant program for eligible historic commercial buildings, providing up to $100,000 toward rehabilitation costs. Properties must be architecturally or historically significant and qualify as a designated local landmark or contributing structure in a designated historic district — which all Springfield Historic District properties do.
Contact the Historic Preservation Section for current program requirements and application windows.
Jacksonville provides a partial ad valorem tax exemption for owners of locally designated historic properties who complete approved rehabilitation projects. The exemption applies to the added value created by the improvement — meaning your renovations won't immediately increase your City of Jacksonville tax bill. This is a meaningful long-term incentive for Springfield homeowners undertaking significant restorations.
Projects must be reviewed by the City's Planning Department before work begins, and approval requires Jacksonville City Council sign-off.
Florida offers a 10-year property assessment freeze for qualifying historic rehabilitations — one of the most generous state-level preservation incentives in the country. When combined with the federal tax credit and Jacksonville's local exemption, the financial case for restoring a Springfield home becomes significantly more compelling than it might appear at first glance.
Properties must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and be certified through the Florida Division of Historical Resources.
Begin with a thorough assessment of your property's condition. Identify historic fabric worth preserving and elements requiring repair or replacement. Consult SPAR and the City's Historic Preservation Section early.
Verify your property's designation status with the City. Contributing structures within the Springfield Historic District are eligible for most programs. Contact HistoricPreservation@coj.net for guidance.
Submit applications and receive approvals before beginning work. The tax exemption and many grant programs require pre-approval — retroactive applications are not accepted. This is the most common and costly mistake owners make.
Keep thorough records of all work, expenses, and correspondence. Tax credits and reimbursement grants require detailed documentation. Photograph before, during, and after each phase of work.
Springfield Preservation & Revitalization Council — your first call for neighborhood-specific guidance, contractor referrals, and community resources.
sparcouncil.org ↗For grant applications, tax exemption pre-approvals, landmark designations, and Certificate of Appropriateness applications for exterior work.
HistoricPreservation@coj.net ↗State-level administration of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit and Florida Historic Preservation Grant programs.
dos.fl.gov/historical ↗Nonprofit advocacy and grant programs supporting historic preservation statewide, including the 11 to Save Grant Fund for threatened structures.
floridatrust.org ↗Research support, archival resources, and historical documentation assistance for property owners seeking to understand their home's full history.
jaxhistory.org ↗Thomas Love can connect you with vetted Springfield contractors, navigate the purchase of historic properties, and advise on restoration value and investment potential.
Contact Thomas →Jacksonville benefits from a framework of incentives — federal tax credits, a 10-year state assessment freeze, local matching grants — that make historic preservation financially practical.
— Jacksonville Review, 2025
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