Façade Grant Program

The City of Jacksonville Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is happy to announce the FY2026 Downtown Façade Beautification Grant Program, designed to enhance the exterior appearance of commercial buildings within the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). This program provides financial assistance to eligible business and property owners who invest in improving and maintaining their building façades, helping strengthen the visual identity and economic vitality of Downtown Jacksonville Beach.

Purpose

To provide up to $50,000 in matching funds, with a 2:1 funding ratio, for commercial property or business owners wishing to renovate or improve the exterior of existing commercial buildings within the Central Business District of the Downtown CRA.

Description

Establishes a funding pool to incentivize exterior renovations that produce noticeable visual enhancements, increase property values, and contribute to a more cohesive and attractive downtown environment. Beginning in FY2026 (October 1, 2025), façade grant applications will be reviewed quarterly by CRA staff and presented to the CRA Board for approval.

Eligible Applicants

Owners or tenants of commercial property located within the Downtown CRA boundaries:

• North: 6th Avenue North
• South: 2nd Avenue South
• East: Atlantic Ocean
• West: 3rd Street (S.R. A1A)

Applicants must be in good standing with the CRA and the City of Jacksonville Beach, demonstrating timely permit acquisition, project compliance, and positive engagement in previous projects.

Maximum Grant Amount

Up to 2:1 ratio of total project costs, not to exceed $50,000 in CRA funding.

Improvements Allowed

Eligible exterior improvements may include:

•  Painting and cleaning
•  Repair, replacement, or installation of awnings, doors, windows, or decorative details
•  Masonry and staining repairs
•  Code-compliant signage
•  Decorative fencing (not chain link)
• Landscaping, exterior lighting, or public art (murals)

All work must comply with CRA design guidelines and be performed by vendors in good standing with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Application Requirements

Submittal of a complete application including:

•  Written project summary and timeline
•  Color photos of existing conditions
•  Sketch plans, design samples, and specifications
•  Two itemized quotes from different vendors for each category of work (required)
•  Proof of property owner authorization (if tenant applicant)

Once submitted, quotes may not be modified.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed quarterly and evaluated using a Return on Investment (ROI) scoring system that considers:

• Visual and economic impact
• Design quality and compatibility
• Public benefit and community activation
• Previous investment in the property

Grants will no longer be awarded on a rolling basis. Instead, all complete applications will be reviewed quarterly on the following dates: January 26, 2026; April 27, 2026; July 27, 2026; and September 28, 2026. Please make sure to have the completed application package to staff no less than TWO WEEKS prior to the date of the meeting. If you are late, you will be bumped to the next round. If staff deems the application insufficient you will be bumped to the next round. No applications will be reviewed outside of these scheduled dates unless specifically voted on and directed by the CRA. NO exceptions will be made. Each application will be evaluated using new Return on Investment criteria found here Version OptionsFaçade Grant ProgramHeadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the sheet thoroughly prior to submission.

Projects scoring 18 or higher (out of 25) receive priority funding. Final approval rests with the CRA Board.

Budget

Funding is contingent on annual TIF appropriations and subject to available resources for each fiscal year.