Getting Started
Main Street Application Process
Local Programs are added to the Florida Main Street network on an annual basis through a competitive process. A predetermined number of applicants found to be qualified and to have scored highly in the established evaluation criteria are eligible for designation each year. Once designated, intensive training and technical assistance will be provided to the Local Program over a three-year period.
Interested in reorganizing an old program? No problem. Contact the Florida Main Street office to learn about the steps to reorganization.
Who Can Apply to Main Street?
- Small Cities (less than 5,000 in population)
- Mid-sized Cities (5,000 - 50,000 in population)
- Large Cities (more than 50,000 in population)
- Urban Districts (traditional neighborhood commercial districts within a city with a population greater than 50,000)
- County-wide, Regional, or Unincorporated Community Programs (with one or more traditional commercial districts -- such regions may include groups of smaller communities connected by a waterway or roadway)
What are the Benefits?
- Technical Assistance and on-site visits to monitor the Active Local Program and assist with work plan and board development. On-site visits shall be consistent with available resources.
- Promotion of local Main Street areas and events on Florida Main Street social media and website
- Grant opportunities through National Main Street and other organizations.
- Statewide Main Street Basic Training that includes the Main Street Four-Point Approach™ and historic preservation training for all Executive Directors, board members and volunteers.
- Florida Main Street Annual Conference is a multi-day conference that focuses on current downtown revitalization and preservation issues, and includes plenary sessions, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. Presenters include regional and national professionals
- Secretary of State’s Florida Main Street Awards Program that Local Programs are eligible to annually submit and be recognized for outstanding achievement at the Secretary of State’s Florida Main Street Awards Banquet.
- National Main Street Accreditation to Local Programs that meet the National Main Street Performance Standards. To be designated as “Accredited signifies commitment to comprehensive revitalization, community engagement, and rigorous outcome measurement.” Accredited Main Street Program designation includes a press release from National Main Street, a certificate, and the use of the “Accredited” branding logo.
- Networking and peer assistance points for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Florida Communities Trust application scoring.
Please contact FloridaMainStreet@dos.myflorida.com for more information!
