Hillsborough County Enters Race for 1M-Sq.-Ft. Amazon Facility

By Georgiana Mihaila, Associate Editor

Amazon’s plan of expanding in Florida—and of adding 3,000 permanent jobs in the process—might bring an assembly and distribution center to Hillsborough County.

According to a recent announcement made by Gov. Rick Scott, the online retail giant has already signed a deal that calls for a $300 million investment in the state of Florida, but did not disclose the exact location.

Nevertheless, Hillsborough County officials said that Amazon is looking into the possibility of developing a 1 million-square-foot facility in the South Shore Corporate Park located at Interstate 75 and State Rd 674.

While Amazon has not made any official announcement, nor has it hinted at a specific date when it will make its decision, the company qualifies for an incentive package. While the property tax break is reportedly worth approximately $910,000 a year for the following seven years, commissioners will vote on that during their July 17 meeting, reports The Tampa Tribune.

Amazon’s presence on the Florida market could bring many jobs and an investment of up to $200 million, but it would also mean that its Florida customers will have to start paying taxes on their Internet purchases. Current regulation states that the collection of sale taxes following online purchase is only possible if a company has a physical presence in a state.