DOING BUSINESS IN FLORIDA

FloridaCommerce
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Doing business in FloridaFlorida continues to be the nation’s top destination for new businesses, workforce development, and tourism, and streamlining our economic development programs in the Florida Department of Commerce will further support Florida’s thriving economy.

— Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Doing business in Florida
Large import / export terminal island in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo: Adobe Stock / Neflo Photo)

  TARGETED GROWTH SECTORS

Aviation & Aerospace: Home to the renowned Kennedy Space Center, Cecil Spaceport, and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida’s aviation and aerospace industry is the world’s gateway to space. As the birthplace of commercial aviation, Florida has 130 public-use airports and 20 commercial airports to move goods and people around the globe.


Manufacturing: Ranked among the nation’s top 10 states for manufacturing, Florida is home to over 24,000 manufacturing companies that employ more than 400,000 workers. Manufacturing companies choose Florida for its pro-business policies, strong workforce, and access to domestic and global markets.


Cleantech: From solar energy to bioplastics to bioremediation, Florida powers all facets of the cleantech industry. Floridians understand the undeniable link between sustainability and the economy and are harnessing innovation and the state’s strong entrepreneurial spirit to build one of the nation’s leading clean technology hubs.

  NOTABLE PROJECTS

As Florida focuses on international relations, Israeli security company Cybecs will establish a headquarters in Tampa, bringing 150 jobs to the state over three years. Global manufacturer Saint-Gobain North America will invest $235 million over the next two years to expand its manufacturing facility in Palatka in Putnam County. Bauducco Foods also plans to bring 600 jobs to Pasco County.

FEATURED LOCATIONS

 

Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Broward County, Florida

As the official economic development partnership for Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County, we work to help companies create and retain high-wage jobs and encourage capital investment in high-value targeted industries. We also work to create a strong business climate, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life.

Hernando County Florida

Discover Hernando County, a vibrant Tampa Bay community, where sunny weather shines on a pro-business climate. Here you’ll find a unique blend of top-notch logistics and livability, ideal for new facility development. And the new Wilton Simpson Technical College ensures a talent pipeline for your future workforce.
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Indian River County Florida

Indian River County has a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. Centrally located 70 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center and an hour’s drive north of West Palm Beach, our 543 square miles contain 26 miles of unspoiled beaches, groves of renowned Indian River grapefruit, immaculate oceanfront estates and riverfront communities – free from urban sprawl and congestion. We are located within a three-hour drive of 17.9 million potential customers – 90% of Florida’s population.

 

Putnam County Chamber of CommercePutnam County, FL offers economic opportunities and an abundance of natural amenities attractive to businesses and development with access to major markets and a high standard of living. Located halfway between major hubs of Atlanta and Miami, Putnam County boasts access to regional transportation networks. These factors are balanced by a small-town charm and many festivals and outdoor recreational opportunities that entice residents and visitors alike.

  FAST FACTS

Population (July 2022 est.): 22,244,823¹
Largest Cities (2020): Jacksonville (950,463); Miami (441,889); Tampa (383,980); Orlando (307,603); St. Petersburg (258,658)¹
Real GDP (2022): $1.07 trillion²

¹U.S. Census Bureau
²Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Dept. of Commerce

  TAX CREDITS

Research and Development Tax Credit: Corporate income tax credit for eligible businesses for certain qualified research expenses. The Florida Corporate Income Tax Credit is contingent, in part, on the eligible business having received the federal research and development tax credit.
Rural and Urban Job Tax Credit Programs: The programs offer a job creation incentive for eligible businesses located within one of the 36 designated rural areas or within one of the 13 designated urban areas.

  TOP BUSINESS FACILITIES RANKINGS

#1 Fastest Growing (Population)
2023 State Rankings
#3 Solar Power (Installed MW)
2023 State Rankings
Top 5 EV Charging Infrastructure
2023 State Rankings
Top 5 Best Business Tax Climate
2023 State Rankings
Top 10 Aerospace/Defense
2023 State Rankings
Top 10 Life Sciences
2023 State Rankings
#1 Fastest Growing Metros: The Villages
2023 Metro Rankings
#2 Best Business Climate (Mid-Sized): Fort Lauderdale
2023 Metro Rankings
Top 5 Top Performing Container Ports: Port Everglades
2023 Metro Rankings
Top 10 Logistics Leaders: Miami
2023 Global Rankings

From the July / August 2023 issue of Business Facilities

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