Florida's large economy is one of the success drivers for businesses that choose to locate in the state. With its large market, expanding talent pool, and supportive government, Florida offers companies the right conditions for long-term success.

Strong Economic Performance:  If it were its own country, Florida would be the 20^th largest economy in the world. It is one of the largest states in the U.S. in terms of population, personal income, and other statewide indicators. Some economic facts about Florida:

• Florida’s economy supports a high standard of living. The state's total personal income ranks 1^st in the Southeast, and its 2009 per capita income of $37,780 ranks 2^nd  in the Southeast.
• Florida's economy encourages the growth of high tech companies. Florida led the Southeast and ranked 4^th nationwide in high tech employment in 2008.
• Florida leads in international trade and investment. The total value of merchandise trade flowing in and out of the U.S. via Florida has nearly doubled in the last decade, reaching $103 billion in 2009. Similarly, total foreign direct investment (FDI) in Florida amounts to $33.6 billion, making Florida one of the top states for FDI and FDI-related employment.

Favorable Business Climate: Florida is consistently ranked as one of the top pro-business states, and for a number of good reasons. It has a favorable business environment, with a low corporate income tax rate and no state personal income tax. In addition, Florida offers competitive cost-of-doing-business, especially when compared to other high tech states. The state is also one of only a few right-to-work states in the U.S.

Proactive, Pro-business Government: Florida’s government and economic development leaders are working together to ensure the state’s economic growth and competitiveness by implementing needed legislative, fiscal and marketplace initiatives. From tort reform targeting rising insurance and worker compensation rates, to building a strong culture of preparedness, and providing targeted industry incentives, Florida offers businesses the right conditions for success and growth.

Competitive Edge in Innovation: Florida is one of the emerging forces in the Innovation Economy due to the state's sustained efforts to create the right conditions for creative, knowledge-based businesses. The state is strategic about its economic development activities, which include funding research & development, attracting venture capital, building state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering innovative high tech firms, and preparing the qualified workforce to work in them.