Pinellas tech company considers expansion
April 28, 2020 - A Pinellas County information technology company that plans to hire 20 new workers is asking for $100,000 in state and local tax refunds under Florida's Qualified Target Industry tax refund program. The company, which has not been publicly identified, plans to pay the new workers an average annual wage of at least $56,235, or 115 percent of the average annual wage in the county, according to a report filed with the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. The earnings would result in an economic impact of $1.3 million and a total of 28 direct and indirect new jobs. In addition, the company plans a capital investment is $332,668. The company also is considering sites in Washington, D.C. and New York City, the report said. The company is asking for a tax refund of $5,000 per job, which includes a high-impact sector bonus. The state would be responsible for 80 percent of the refund, with Pinellas County and Clearwater splitting the remaining 20 percent, or $10,000 each. The refund, awarded over several years, would not be paid until the company meets its job creation and wage commitments. Pinellas commissioners will consider the request at their May 5 meeting.