Innovation -- not Euros, Yen, or Dollars -- is the currency of today's global economy. Innovation fuels productivity, attracts investment, and stimulates economic recovery. Where innovation thrives, so will the successful enterprises of the 21st century.
Nowhere else is the spirit of innovation more evident than in the State of Florida -- a location quickly getting a reputation as the "Innovation Hub of the Americas". The region's pro-business, pro-technology climate, combined with easy trade access to key growth regions of the Americas, provide a fertile environment for establishing and growing businesses.
Learn why businesses are awakening to a side of Florida that's much more diverse than orange juice, theme parks and beaches…
#1: Florida's Technology Leadership
Florida has a robust base of technology-driven business, with 22,000 high-tech companies employing 282,000 high-tech/high-skill workers.
Among U.S. states, Florida ranks as the…
- 4th largest "cyber-state" for high-tech employment
- 3rd largest state for high-tech companies
- 3rd largest exporter of high-tech goods and services
Florida has a significant and growing presence in "new economy" sectors, such as: Life Sciences, Information Technology, Space/Aviation/Aerospace, Homeland Security/Defense and Financial/Professional Services.
#2: Florida's Global Gateway
Florida is the strategic and economic center of the Americas. Geographic location, combined with economic and political stability, put Florida at the center of trade and finance throughout the hemisphere.
South Florida, in particular, boasts a multi-cultural and multi-lingual workforce that's skilled in facilitating international trade throughout the region. In fact, the Miami area has often been called the business center of Latin America.
#3: Florida's Entrepreneurial Environment
Florida provides businesses an environment conducive to the entrepreneurial spirit.
The state hosts a variety of tech incubators, accelerators and university-based research hubs.
Florida ranks high on the “Small Business Survival Index”, which rates the policy environment for entrepreneurship across the nation.
#4: Florida's Global Connectivity
Florida's connections to the world run deep, both literally and figuratively…
Florida has one of the world’s most extensive multi-modal transpiration systems, featuring international airports,
deep-water shipping ports, and an extensive highway and rail network.
Florida is "wired for success." The state has multiple hubs that allow for high-speed data transmission from around the U.S. to Europe, Latin America and Africa.
#5: Florida's Business Climate
Recognizing the need for global competitiveness, Florida's invitation for investment includes:
Incentives for job creation, investment and training.
Additional incentives for rural, urban core, enterprise zone and brownfield investment.
Expedited permitting.
Capital availability and assistance, such as: enterprise bonds, micro-loans, and venture capital.
#6: Florida's Workforce Talent
As the 4th most populous U.S. state, Florida offers a diverse and available workforce.
Florida receives the largest in-migration of all U.S. states.
Florida's "A+ Program for Education" dramatically boosts the State's investment in education.
State-sponsored workforce training programs give new and incumbent workers access to skills training for the demands of "new economy" jobs.
#7: Florida's Business-Friendly Government
State and local governments have automated access to many of government's most vital business-oriented functions (visit www.myflorida.com).
Florida has a pro-business, pro-technology agenda for policy-making and business climate improvement.
Business sector associations advise legislators on the issues impacting global competitiveness. Some key players in "new economy" stewardship are: the Aviation/Aerospace Alliance; the Defense Alliance; Bio-Florida; and IT Florida.
#8: Florida's World Renowned Quality of Life
Florida has NO PERSONAL INCOME TAX.
Already the world’s #1 travel destination, many visitors recognize the "play here, stay here" philosophy and choose Florida as their permanent home.
Since 2001, Florida has earned top rankings in Harris Poll’s "most desirable place to live" survey.
#9: Florida's Economic Development Partnerships
#10: Florida's Growth Economy
While many regions struggle just to maintain the status quo, Florida’s economic engine continues to surge forward. To put Florida’s size and momentum into focus, consider the following:
If Florida were a country, it would have the 20th largest economy in the world.
Florida has the 8th largest economy in the Western Hemisphere.
Beyond the State’s own output, it also serves as a platform for trade and investment throughout the Americas.