Why North Florida?

The 15 counties of North Central Florida are diverse in their own way. However, they all offer the same great reasons for moving your company here: strong infrastructure, strong workforce programs and affordable options in one of the most business-friendly states.

Cost of Doing Business

North Central Florida has a lot of undeveloped land that is affordable and has a strong infrastructure already in place. The State of Florida also offers excellent tax advantages and incentives to all types of businesses locating in Florida.

Transportation Infrastructure

With excellent options for rail, road, air or sea, North Florida is highly accessible. U.S. Interstates 10 and 75 crisscross the region, and CSX and Norfolk Southern have rail facilities throughout the region. International and regional airports are within an hour’s drive of each county, and seaports are readily accessible and available.

Higher Education

North Florida is home to world-class higher education institutions, including Florida’s two leading Tier 1 research universities -- Florida State University and the University of Florida; these two institutions bookend the North Central Florida region to the west and east. North Florida is also home to several excellent state colleges and technical and trade schools, offering targeted degree and certification programs.

Workforce Development

Workforce Florida, the investment board charged with overseeing Florida’s workforce development and training, was ranked number one in the nation in 2011 by the U.S. Chamber. Florida is also the pioneer of the industry-specific Employ Florida Banner Centers. Each center provides on-going access to research and educational development for skilled workers in some of the state’s key industries. Five excellent regional workforce development boards also serve the region.

Business Climate

Florida is one of the friendliest states to do business, offering state incentives, as well as responsive local governments who are willing to quickly expedite the permitting process and other government functions. Affordable, high quality developable land, an extremely competitive cost of living, and a world-class quality of life provide an attractive region for immediate and sustained economic growth.