Tax Abatement Program

The tax exemption policy and redevelopment zones were established in coordination with the Cities of Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead, and Waveland to promote private investment and growth in specific areas throughout Hancock County. If qualified, the exemption will allow for up to 100% abatement of city and county ad valorem taxes (excluding school taxes, road and bridge taxes, and community college taxes designated by state law) for businesses including new structures in any of the proposed commercial development zones.

 Program Description:

1.     The exemption may be granted up to 100% abatement on a graduated scale for city and county ad valorem taxes on the structure and last up to seven years per state law.

2.     The business investment or development must be located within one of the adopted commercial development zones. See Exhibit A which displays the legal descriptions and Exhibit B which shows the target zones.

3.     The minimum business investment must be $500,000 in a new commercial construction project.

4.     The tax exemption is transferable to new owners following the terms of the original exemption.

5.     The city and county elected officials retain complete discretion in issuing exemptions. In no way does this program require the elected officials to issue an exemption in part or full.

6.     This exemption ordinance will not cover casino gaming or any other gambling related business activities in any of the proposed incentive zones.