Rapid Permitting Program

A fast track permitting system, the Sarasota Means Action Response Team (SMART) program will allow targeted industry companies wishing to expand or relocate in Sarasota County to develop a facility within a time frame that will meet their corporate goals and/or deadlines. This time frame will typically be shorter than the time it would take the project to work through the system without special assistance. It is not the objective of the fast track permitting system to eliminate or circumvent existing land use regulations or construction standards. It is simply an effort to accelerate the process by making certain determinations and decisions about the development of the land and facilities in a more expeditious manner.

The company can be either an existing business wishing to relocate or expand, or a business new to the Sarasota County area. The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County will determine the eligibility of a company. Once all information has been submitted, it takes only 25 working days to obtain a construction permit.  In order to qualify for the fast track permitting process, a company must meet the following criteria:

• The company must be exported-oriented as identified by the Sarasota County Economic Development Plan. A list of those types of businesses is attached to these guidelines can be found here
• The company must have an average company wage that equals or exceeds the Annual Average Wage for all industries in Sarasota County, as published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the Annual ES-202 report of Employment and Wages covered by the Florida Unemployment Compensation Law (current average wage is $32,673).
• If the company is relocating to Sarasota County, then at least ten (10) new jobs must be created.
• The company must have a critical timing need that would jeopardize the project if fast track permitting is not utilized.