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 meets corporate goals and deadlines. This time frame is usually shorter than working through the system without special assistance. The SMART program doesn’t eliminate or circumvent existing land use regulations or construction standards; it accelerates 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 export-oriented as identified by the Sarasota County Economic Development Plan. See the program guidelines for a list of qualified business types.

 • 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 $36,676).

• If the company is relocating to Sarasota County, then at least 10 new jobs must be created.

• The company must have a critical timing need that would jeopardize the project if fast-track permitting were not used.

Download the program guidelines and application here.