Florida understands what it takes to do business and stands ready to welcome businesses with a talented workforce, top-ranked infrastructure, global connectivity and great quality of life. Its business-friendly legislature, favorable tax climate, and large market can help businesses get up-and-running quickly. The state supports a multi-modal infrastructure for more than 19.5 million residents and nearly 95 million tourists each year. Also, Florida consistently ranks among the best states for business, thanks to its pro-business state tax policies, competitive cost of doing business and streamlined regulatory environment.
Florida’s government and economic development leaders work together to ensure that the state’s business climate remains favorable to companies of all sizes, including some of the nation’s leading corporations. Florida is working on legislative, fiscal and marketplace initiatives such as insurance tort reform, targeted industry incentives and many more. The state is also one of only a few right-to-work states in the U.S.
“Florida has a strong and successful economic development strategy in place, and we’re hitting our stride. Our 67 state-wide partners along with the Department of Economic Opportunity and CareerSource Florida, are laser-focused on winning competitive projects and bringing jobs to the state,” said Gray Swoope, Florida Secretary of Commerce President & CEO, Enterprise Florida, Inc. “Governor Scott and the Legislature have done an incredible job of cutting taxes on businesses, eliminating burdensome and restrictive regulations, and making it easier for businesses in Florida to get to market quickly. Companies and industry professionals across the nation have taken notice. It’s a great time to do business in Florida.”
Florida offers a cost-efficient alternative to other competitive high-tech states. Put simply, land, labor, and capital are more affordable in Florida than in California or New York, for example. In addition, for businesses in certain targeted industries or specialized locations, the state offers additional financial incentives. Businesses looking for workforce training, road infrastructure or specialized locations, may also qualify for specific incentive programs.
“Florida makes a very compelling case as a state that businesses and site selectors must look at for location and expansion opportunities,” said Swoope. “Florida’s highly-skilled and diverse talent pipeline is second to none. Companies want to know they can attract a strong workforce and they can absolutely do that in Florida. Additionally, Florida has the top-ranked tax climate in the Southeast, unmatched International access, and a modern and well-funded infrastructure. Regardless of the industry, Florida has the resources necessary for businesses to be successful and reach their evolving markets.”
International
Florida is home to the regional and hemispheric headquarters of companies from across the globe. The world-class leaders are attracted by a vibrant international banking center, a highly- educated and ethnically-diverse talent pool, and a Consular Corps representing some 80 nations. Many international firms base other facilities, such as warehousing, distribution and manufacturing, in Florida to take advantage of its easy access to global markets.
No other site in the Western Hemisphere can match Florida’s unique combination of strategic geographic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, multilingual workforce, and concentration of corporate and financial resources. From Florida, companies can effortlessly conduct business around the corner or around world.
Recent Wins
Navy Federal Credit Union. On October 29th, 2014, Governor Rick Scott announced that Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) will create 5,000 jobs and a $350 million capital investment at its Pensacola campus. This makes the second expansion announcement in two years for the world’s largest credit union.
Governor Scott said, “Navy Federal will create 5,000 more jobs for Floridians and is a huge win for Florida families. Because of companies like Navy Federal, we have created 651,300 private-sector jobs since December 2010, and we will continue working hard to create jobs so that every Floridian can live the American Dream.”
Embraer. October 9th, 2014, Governor Scott celebrated the groundbreaking of Embraer’s new assembly facility at Melbourne International Airport. The company’s Legacy 450 and 500 planes will be manufactured at the expanded site. Embraer will add 600 jobs and a capital investment of $15 million in the region.
Governor Scott said, “Embraer’s creation of 600 jobs is great news for Melbourne families and the surrounding community. With the creation of 643,100 jobs since December 2010, it’s important that we remain focused on continuing Florida’s economic momentum. By removing the sales tax on manufacturing equipment, Florida’s businesses, like Embraer, will have a more competitive advantage over other states and countries, which will help businesses create more jobs for families.”
General Electric Oil & Gas. On September 26th, 2014, Governor Scott announced Fortune 500 Company, GE Oil & Gas, will open a new advanced manufacturing facility in Jacksonville. The project will create at least 500 jobs over the next three years and a capital investment of more than $50 million in Duval County.
Governor Scott said, “The new GE Oil & Gas facility in Jacksonville will bring at least 500 jobs. Last year we eliminated the sales tax on manufacturing equipment in order to build up manufacturing in our state, and now businesses like GE Oil & Gas can save money and be more competitive. Florida businesses have already created more than 640,000 private-sector jobs since December 2010, so let’s keep working to provide even more opportunities for Florida.”
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