Florida Historic Preservation Resources

Supporting Orlando and Historic Communities Across the State of Florida

From Orlando’s early 20th-century bungalows to Tampa’s Mediterranean Revival homes and St. Augustine’s colonial-era structures, Florida’s architectural heritage is among the most diverse in the United States. Preserving it requires a clear understanding of state and local guidelines — especially for windows, doors, shutters, and character-defining features.

Austin Historical provides homeowners, architects, and contractors with expert guidance to ensure restoration projects align with preservation standards, permitting requirements, and grant opportunities across the state.

For Homeowners

City of Orlando – Historic Preservation Office

Orlando maintains several local historic districts, each with specific design guidelines and approval processes for exterior work.

Useful Links

Design Review Guidelines

Historic District Maps & Listings

Certificate of Appropriateness Requirements

Visit the site: City of Orlando – Historic Preservation Office

Florida Division of Historical Resources (DHR)

The DHR maintains Florida’s statewide preservation programs, including grants, surveys, tax incentives, and the Certified Local Government (CLG) program.

Visit the site: Florida Division of Historical Resources

Homeowner Incentives

Florida offers various programs, including historic tax exemptions for rehabilitated properties and hurricane mitigation incentives for historic structures.
🔗 Florida Property Tax Exemptions for Historic Properties

Visit the site: Florida Property Tax Exemptions for Historic Properties

City of Tampa – Architectural Review & Historic Preservation

Tampa has some of the most active preservation districts in Florida, especially Seminole Heights, Hyde Park, and Ybor City.

Useful Links

ARC & Barrio Latino Design Guidelines

COA Application & Process

Historic District Maps

Visit the site: Tampa Historic Preservation Program

Florida Main Street Program

Supports historic downtown revitalization through grants, planning, and architectural guidance.

Visit the site: Florida Main Street Program

For Preservation Professionals

Florida State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

Located within the Division of Historical Resources, the Florida SHPO provides statewide guidance, Section 106 compliance, tax incentive processing, and technical expertise.

Visit the site: Florida State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

Resources for Professionals

Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
Federal Historic Tax Credit Program
Florida Grants & Funding Opportunities
Statewide Architectural Surveys

Regional Preservation Partners

St. Augustine – Historic Architectural Review Board

Key West – Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC)

Palm Beach County – Historic Resources Review Board

Explore Orlando & Central Florida Historic Districts

These links open directly in Google Maps:

Lake Lawsona Historic District (Orlando)

Lake Eola Heights Historic District (Orlando)

Hyde Park (Tampa)

Seminole Heights (Tampa)

Each district has unique requirements regarding window profiles, sash materials, divided lite patterns, and glass specifications. Austin Historical’s craftsmen ensure strict adherence to these standards while elevating performance and longevity.

Partner with a Certified Preservation Expert

Austin Historical works closely with preservation boards, architects, general contractors, and homeowners throughout Florida. From wood sash restoration to steel window rehabilitation and hurricane-resistant solutions for historic properties, our team delivers work grounded in craftsmanship and historical accuracy.

Serving Orlando, Tampa, St. Augustine, Key West, Jacksonville, and historic districts statewide.

Contact Austin Historical – Orlando/Tampa Branch

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