Carvana is setting up shop in Polk County with a 200,000 sq. ft. facility at $46.8 million, which will include inspection, reconditioning, and a photography process with high-definition cameras to take photos of inventory. The facility will be near Bannon Island Rd. + County Rd. 544 in Haines City on 82 acres of undeveloped land.
Carvana Car Vending Machine | Image via GIPHY
The online used-car retailer, based in Tempe, Arizona, is primarily known for its glass-towered car vending machines. They have been building centers across the U.S. to meet demand for online car purchases. This location will add 400 jobs, of which ~150 will be higher-paying with a $47,204 annual wage.
Carvana has filed an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption with Polk County and an application in the Southwest Florida Water Management District for an industrial project.
They are seeking a tax exemption for 10 years at 75%, and in order to qualify, the facility will have to maintain a sales factor of less than 50% for each year of the 10-year exemption period (meaning that their sales in Florida must not account for 50% or more of total sales each year).
On Sept. 17, Polk County commissioners will approve a performance agreement and adopt an ordinance that grants an Economic Development Tax Exemption to Carvana.