A $40 million state grant program buried in Florida's budget could help fund expansion projects—but only if you know it exists.
Most Florida restaurant owners have never heard of the $40 million Job Growth Grant Fund, even though it could directly support their expansion or relocation plans. The program was appropriated in H5001, the state's General Appropriations Act, but it remains largely unknown outside development and commerce circles.
The Job Growth Grant Fund awards grants for two specific categories of projects: public infrastructure improvements and workforce training programs. The key requirement is that these projects must directly support a business's decision to locate or expand in Florida.
For restaurants, this could mean grants supporting infrastructure tied to a new location—parking, utilities, site preparation—or workforce training programs that help you staff a new location or expanded kitchen. The grants come from $40 million in nonrecurring General Revenue funds allocated to the Department of Commerce.
This is different from typical small-business loans. These are grants, meaning you don't repay them. They're designed to offset the upfront costs of expansion or relocation that might otherwise make a project financially unfeasible.
The program becomes effective July 1, 2026. However, the $40 million is split into two phases:
Immediate availability: $20 million is available right away after July 1, 2026.
Reserved funds: The remaining $20 million is held in reserve and becomes available after January 5, 2027.
This staggered release means early applicants will compete for the first $20 million, while additional funds unlock later in the fiscal year. If you're planning an expansion or relocation, timing your application could matter.
The fund targets small businesses—which includes most independent and regional restaurant groups. If you're considering opening a second location, relocating to a better site, or expanding your current footprint, you should understand this program exists.
The infrastructure and training components are particularly relevant to food service. Infrastructure grants could support site development costs; workforce training grants could fund kitchen staff training, food safety certification programs, or management development tied to your expansion.
The Department of Commerce will manage applications and awards. As of now, specific application procedures and deadlines haven't been widely publicized. Restaurant owners should:
Monitor the Florida Department of Commerce website starting in mid-2026 for application details and deadlines. If you're planning an expansion or relocation, document how infrastructure or workforce training costs factor into your project budget. Consider consulting with a business advisor or your local economic development office about eligibility and the application process.
This fund won't replace traditional financing, but for projects where upfront infrastructure or training costs are barriers, it could be a meaningful source of nonrecurring support.
Source: H5001, General Appropriations Act, Specific Appropriation 2415, page 393. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and local chambers of commerce have additional resources on state business funding programs.