About

What is a Community Redevelopment Agency?

A Florida CRA is a special governmental entity established under Florida Statute Chapter 163, Part III, to revitalize areas suffering from blight, economic distress, or underdevelopment.

The Haines City CRA

The City of Haines City's Community Redevelopment Agency was enacted by Ordinance No. 770 on April 19, 1990, and amended by Resolution No. 558 on April 4, 1991. The redevelopment trust fund, referred to as the "CRA Fund," was established that same year.

In 2001, the CRA was significantly expanded to its current size to keep up with growth and development in neighboring communities. Today, the Haines City CRA covers approximately 8 square miles and is identified by two districts: District 327 (formerly District 47) and District 328 (formerly District 46).

The CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Tax Increment Funds are derived from Ad Valorem property taxes. The CRA is not a taxing authority, nor does it set millage rates or assess property values. Tax increment funds come through existing taxing entities including the City of Haines City and Polk County.

Our Mission

The Haines City CRA is dedicated to preserving, unifying, and nurturing the heart of Florida by providing visionary leadership and inspiration for the revitalization within the designated CRA districts. Through the strategic use of tax increment financing and other available resources, we aim to eliminate slum and blight while fostering economic growth, community development, and vibrant public spaces.

1990

Established

2001

Expanded

CRA Objectives

Re-establish the downtown as a regional destination for commercial activity and entertainment.

Improve the physical appearance of the downtown to stimulate private investment.

Improve access and visibility for the downtown.

Provide recreational opportunities for citizens that are readily accessible and improve quality of life. Preserve land for public parks and open space.

Improve Haines City's competitive position in the regional market.

Encourage growth and development in the commercial and industrial sectors of the local economy.

Provide necessary public facilities at acceptable levels of service to accommodate existing needs and new demands.

Create a safe, efficient traffic circulation system that provides sufficient access by all modes of transportation between activity centers within the redevelopment area and the balance of the community.

Establish the administrative, financial and programmatic mechanism necessary to achieve the goals and objectives of the Haines City Redevelopment Plan.

Devise planning strategies and develop an effective regulatory framework to ensure well managed growth throughout the City while accomplishing redevelopment program directives.

Provide for the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the community.

CRA Districts

The Haines City CRA operates across two districts covering approximately 8 square miles within the city:

District 327 (CRA I)

Formerly District 47

Base Year Taxable Value (2001): $10,947,110

Current Year Taxable Value (2025): $37,231,563

District 328 (CRA II)

Formerly District 46

Base Year Taxable Value (2001): $170,233,292

Current Year Taxable Value (2025): $960,232,543

CRA Board

The Haines City CRA operates under the guidance of a seven-member board consisting of five City Commissioners and two board-elected members who either live or conduct business within the CRA districts. All members serve four-year staggered terms.