The Division of Historical Resources: Who We Are and What We Do
Florida APA Conference
January 30, 2026
State Historic Preservation Office
• Each state is federal mandated by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to have a State Historic Preservation Office
• Division of Historical Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office
• Director of the Division of Historical Resources is the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), Alissa Slade Lotane
• Located in the R.A. Gray Building and nearby locations
R.A. Gray Building, Tallahassee
Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, directs the Division of Historical Resources (DHR) to identify, document, protect, preserve, interpret and promote Florida's historical, archaeological, and folklife resources.
Bureau of Historic Preservation
Bureau of Archaeological Research
Bureau of Historical Museums
Bureau of Historic Preservation
• Florida Master Site File
• Survey and Registration
• Grants
• Architectural Preservation Services
• Main Street
• Historic Cemeteries
Division of Historical Resources
Alissa Lotane, Division Director and State Historic Preservation Officer
Bureau of Historical Museums
• Museum of Florida History
• Mission San Luis
• Grove Museum
• Knott House Museum
• Union Bank Museum
Bureau of Archaeological Research Direct Programs
• Compliance & Review State Historical Markers
• Historic Cemeteries
• Development & Construction Projects
• Outreach
• Task Forces
• Collections and Conservation
• Public Lands Archaeology
• Underwater Archaeology
DHR Programs for Planners
Identifying, Documenting, Evaluating, and Preserving Historic Places
The Florida Master Site File
Florida’s Cultural Resource Inventory
National Register of Historic Places
The nation’s list of places worthy of preservation.
Historic Preservation Grants Program Email: DHRgrants@dos.fl.gov
Cemeteries Program General Email: HistoricCemeteries@dos.fl.gov
Department of State Online Application and Grants System: DOSgrants.com
Historical Marker Program
Sharing Florida’s Heritage
Maintenance of Markers
The State maintains a contract for the upkeep of Florida Historical Markers including painting, remounting, welding, and fixing minor text issues.
If you know of a damaged Florida Historical Marker or have any further questions Please contact me:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/clg/index.htm
CLG@dos.fl.gov
MAIN STREET
Economic Development within the Context of Historic Preservation
Questions?
Florida Main Street
MAIN STREET: Economic Development within
the Context of Historic Preservation
“People stay longer and spend more money in places that attract our affection … but no place in America will stay special by accident.”
Ed McMahon National Main Street Board of Director
Economic Development within the context of Historic Preservation
What does Main Street do?
Florida Main Street is a program of the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources which provides training and technical assistance to local organizations in support of their efforts to revitalize their traditional downtown and/or business district.
At the local level… Main Street communities identify needs, raise funds, apply for grants, take on projects, foster community engagement, plus a whole lot more more.
Economic Development within the context of Historic Preservation
Main Street Projects
Why is Downtown Important?
• Downtown is a major employer! A surprising number of jobs, at all salary levels, are located downtown.
• Downtown infrastructure is a major public investment. Healthy businesses in buildings assessed at full value help reduce the tax burden on homeowners.
• Downtown has an impact on the property values of surrounding residential neighborhoods.
• Downtown is the heart of the community for a mix of goods and services: government, professional, technical and retail.
• Downtown is an important public space where all members of the community can meet and interact. Downtown is where monuments are located, speeches are made, and parades are held.
Main Street is…
• Historic Preservation
• Economic Development
• Community Engagement
• Design and Beautification
• For everyone!
The Four Point Approach is…
• Design
• Organization
• Promotion
• Economic Vitality
Florida Main Street Communities
Havana Historic Goldsboro
Chattahoochee Stuart Vilano Beach
Historic Cocoa Village Crystal River
Okeechobee
Total reinvestment in Florida Main Street
Net Gain in jobs
Net Gain in businesses
Number of Volunteer Hours
Economic Impact of Florida Main Street Programs since 1985 $7.2 Billion 36,718 11,491 1,755,949
Katherine Beck State Coordinator Katherine.beck@dos.fl.gov 850-245-6345 www.floridamainstreet.com
Garrett Walsh Main Street Planning Assistant Garrett.walsh@dos.fl.gov 850-245-6346
