Economic Development
Open for business
DeBary’s strategic location makes it the perfect place to establish, relocate or expand your business. DeBary leads other cities in accessibility with Volusia County’s only Sunrail station and is within 30 minutes from three major airports. DeBary is also accessible by two exits of I-4 and is bisected by federal Highway 17-92. Over 35,000 vehicles traverse the City daily along 17-92, our main commercial district.
In terms of value, DeBary has a strong competitive advantage with the lowest ad valorem tax rate in the County, modern industrial park facilities, road and stormwater infrastructure improvements, an educated workforce, and user-friendly pro-growth management practices that make doing business in DeBary efficient and cost-effective.
DeBary Statistics:
- DeBary population: 23,336 (2023)
- Households: 9,037 (2021)
- Average household income: $80,712
- Tax millage: 2023: 2.9247
- Area: Approx. 25 sq. mi. (9,433.6 acres)
- Hospitals: AdventHealth, Halifax Health/UF Health Medical Center of Deltona, Florida Hospital-DeLand
Opportunity
We are reinventing DeBary to be a destination location, incorporating our unique assets: An historic river front city with the only Sun Rail stop in Volusia County, straddling Volusia and Seminole Counties. Our demographics, moderate tax climate, and low crime rates all contribute to making DeBary a great place for business. Our focus is to create a Main Street, with opportunities for living accommodations and small specialty businesses, such as restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, salons, and other businesses that prosper in these settings. All this along space where community wide events and festivals can take place.
Development of Main Street is due to begin in 2023! A video at this link provides a general look at what half of main street will look like, along with the pictures at the bottom of this page.
Uniquely, DeBary incorporates another one of our treasures, Eco-Tourism. Within minutes of our Main Street project, residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, disc golf, camping, kayaking, canoeing, biking and walking trails, and parks. And our recent purchase of beautiful Alexander Island, just one 1.5 miles from Main Street, provides DeBary residents an additional 170 acres of riverfront access to enjoy.
Operating a business in DeBary
Businesses within City of DeBary limits are required to obtain a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) from the City. This applies to home-based businesses as well as businesses with physical location within the City. The process is on-line but staff is available to answer any questions. In addition to a City Business Tax Receipt, you will also need a Volusia County Business Tax Receipt.
For more information please visit our Business Tax Receipt page
The City also a number of resources for our businesses, including a business newsletter, ribbon cuttings, and more. Sign up for the DeBary Business Beat at this link .
Hurricane Preparedness
Florida businesses face a high level of risk from hurricane and tropical storm. To adequately prepare, the US Department of Homeland Security has created a step by step guide to help businesses with their emergency planning. The Ready Business Program for Hurricane and the Preparedness and Mitigation Project Plan allow users to take action to protect employees, protect customers, and help ensure business continuity. You can download the plan here.
Education
DeBary has an educated workforce. Grades K-12 are served by the School District of Volusia County as well as several private educational institutions. Volusia Schools' Career and Technical Education program and Career Academies offer career pathways from high school to post-secondary education including dual-enrollment and articulated credit as well as over 45 industry certification credentials. Key components of CTE Programs and Career Academies are work-based learning (internships, pre-apprenticeships, on-the-job training, job-shadowing and career planning), participatory learning, school-based businesses and Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSO's). Through CTE Programs and Career Academy courses students gain pathway-specific technical, academic and employability skills necessary for success in the workplace, continued education and lifelong learning.
Nearby colleges and universities include: Advanced Technology Center; Bethune-Cookman University; Daytona State College; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Keiser College; Palmer College of Chiropractic; Stetson University; and University of Central Florida.
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Live Local Act: As of October 1, 2023, the City of DeBary does not own any property that is appropriate for the development of affordable/workforce housing
