In 1969, Florida enacted legislation enabling local governments to create community redevelopment areas and community redevelopment agencies (CRAs) to oversee redevelopment activities in these areas. Under Florida law (Chapter 163, Part III), local governments are able to designate areas as Community Redevelopment Areas when certain conditions exist that meet the statutory definition of slum and blight. Examples of conditions that can support the creation of a Community Redevelopment Area include the presence of substandard or inadequate structures, a shortage of affordable housing, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient roadways, and inadequate parking. To document that the required conditions exist, the local government must survey the proposed redevelopment area and prepare a Finding of Necessity. If the Finding of Necessity determines that the required conditions exist, the local government may create a Community Redevelopment Area and appoint a board to oversee the activities of the Agency. As of 2016, there are 217 CRAs operating in Florida.

The Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was established in 1988 after a finding of necessity was adopted by the City Council for the Downtown Redevelopment Area.  The original purpose of the CRA was to create a redevelopment framework in which the Downtown district would evolve into a more dynamic mixed-use area with a variety of activities including dining, entertainment, retail, cultural, office, financial, residential, and governmental uses. The Ocala CRA now contains four (4) subareas as defined below.

1. Downtown Redevelopment Area was designated as part of the community redevelopment area pursuant to Resolution No. 88-52 adopted May 24, 1988.
2. North Magnolia Redevelopment Area was designated as part of the community redevelopment area pursuant toResolution No. 2000-07 adopted November 2, 1999.
3. West Ocala Redevelopment Area was designated as part of the community redevelopment area pursuant to Resolution No. 2016-10 adopted November 17, 2015.
4. East Ocala Redevelopment Area was designated as part of the community redevelopment area pursuant to Resolution No. 2016-32 adopted May 17, 2016.

Each of the four subareas of the Ocala CRA have their own separate trust fund. The money collected within the boundaries of each subarea is deposited into the associated trust fund. Expenditure of trust fund money must be done within the subarea from where it was generated.

Location and Boundaries of Ocala CRA Sub-areas

Citywide Map showing boundaries of all subareas

Ocala CRA Subareas with Acreage

Downtown CRA Map

North Magnolia CRA Map

West Ocala CRA Map

East Ocala CRA Map

On December 2, 2025, the Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board and the Ocala City Council approved an extension of the CRA implementation periods for all subareas.

This amendment, adopted pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 163.362(10), extends the implementation period for each CRA subarea plan. These changes do not affect existing boundaries or alter increment percentages currently in place.

The modifications are intended to support the continued revitalization of blighted areas as the City transitions from the 2035 Vision to Vision 2050.

Approved Sunset Extensions

Resolution 2026-8: CRA Sunset Extension

The updated sunset dates for each CRA subarea are outlined below:

CRA Subarea	Created	Previous Sunset Date	Current Sunset Date
Downtown	1988	2038	2048
North Magnolia	1988	2038	2048
West Ocala	2015	2045	2055
East Ocala	2016	2045	2055

 

This extension reflects the City’s commitment to long‑term investment in community redevelopment and ensures that resources remain available to improve housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities in Ocala’s CRA subareas.

In addition to the required annual CAFR report to the State of Florida, many CRAs publish an annual report for business owners and citizens, highlighting key facts and accomplishments of the CRA.

ADA Accessible - Downloadable

FY2024 Ocala CRA Annual Report

FY2023 Ocala CRA Annual Report

FY2022 Ocala CRA Annual Report

FY2021 Ocala CRA Annual Report

FY2020 Ocala CRA Annual Report

FY 2019 Ocala CRA Annual Report

FY2018 Ocala CRA Annual Report

 

In the fall of 2022 the City of Ocala brought on consultant firm, Purvis Gray, to audit the financial statements of the governmental activities and the major fund of the Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency. 

 

The final audit document can be found here: 2022 Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency Financial Statements and Independent Auditor's Report

The Community Redevelopment Agency is responsible for developing and implementing the Community Redevelopment Plan that addresses the unique needs of each subarea. The redevelopment plan provides guidelines and strategies for removing physical and economic blight and provide a vision, goals and timetables for generating growth and new opportunities. Redevelopment plans are created with political, business, and community participation. The plans are the roadmap for spurring growth and improving the quality of life and general welfare of the people who live and work in and around redevelopment areas.

In addition to the overall goals for redevelopment in the area, the plan identifies the types of projects planned for the area. Examples of traditional projects include streetscapes and roadway improvements, grants for building renovations, parking facilities, and parks. The redevelopment plan is a living document that can be updated to meet the changing needs within the Community Redevelopment Area. In order to find the redevelopment plans and other documents for each subarea, please visit the subarea pages below.

The Florida State Legislature passed new reporting requirements in 2024 for special districts. The intent of the new reporting requirements is to increase the accountability and effectiveness of special districts throughout the state of Florida. Section 189.0694 of the Florida Statutes specifies that special districts must establish goals, objectives, and performance measures for each program and activity. At the end of the fiscal year, the CRA will assess its performance against the desired standards. 

The CRA will publish an assessment of its performance during Fiscal Year 2024-25 by December 1, 2025. This new reporting requirement is in addition to Section 163.371 of the Florida Statutes stipulations, which dictate that the CRA Annual Report and Audit documentation are due by March 31. 

CRA Goals and Objectives - Fiscal Year 2024-25

 

Like most CRAs, the Ocala CRA is funded primarily through tax increment financing (TIF). Tax increment financing is a unique tool available to cities and counties for redevelopment activities. Tax Increment funds are based on ad valorem property taxes. The CRA is not a taxing authority, nor does it set millage rates or assess property. Tax increment funds come through existing taxing entities, including the City of Ocala and Marion County but not including the school district or the water management district.

The CRA tax increment revenues can be used immediately, saved for a particular project, or can be bonded to maximize the funds available. Any funds received from a tax increment financing area must be used for specific redevelopment purposes within the sub-area, and not for general government purposes.