Florida Main Street Celebrates 40 years

Fifty-four communities and counting

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –

Secretary of State Cord Byrd recognizes the impact of Florida’s Main Street Program which began 40 years ago this month.  The program helps revitalize the state’s historic downtowns encouraging economic development along with historic preservation. 

“Main Street Programs help drive prosperity and job creation strengthening downtowns and creating thriving communities,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd.  “Leveraging the power of local history and cultural preservation, this program enriches people’s lives and highlights the special one-of-a-kind nature of their community.”

Florida Main Street began in 1985, and since that time, local communities have reported nearly $7 billion in investments, more than 51,000 completed projects and 11,000 new or expanded businesses.  The program has helped to create more than 35,000 new jobs.

Today, Florida Main Street serves more than 50 communities across the state by providing technical assistance and encouraging economic development in Florida’s historic districts.

For more information, visit the Florida Main Street Program website, https://dos.fl.gov/historical/preservation/florida-main-street/.

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About Florida Main Street

Florida Main Street is a program administered by the Division of Historical Resources under the Florida Department of State, which currently oversees 54 communities throughout the state. By implementing the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach, Florida Main Street encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation through the revitalization of Florida’s downtowns – the community’s heart and soul.