Innovation—not euros, yen, or dollars—is the currency of today's global economy.
Innovation fuels productivity, attracts investment, and stimulates economic growth.
Where innovation thrives, the successful enterprises of the 21st century will, too.

Florida is such a place. As talent, ideas, collaborations and connectivity have become the main competitive advantages in business,
Florida has emerged as the place where these elements combine to fuel an Innovation Economy unrivaled in its growth and vitality.

# 1 Florida's Technology Leadership

• Florida has a robust base of technology-driven business, with 19,838 high-tech companies employing 265,484 high-tech/high-skill workers (AeA 2006 Cyberstates)

            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; Aviation/Aerospace,Homeland Security/Defense;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 work force 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. 
• Ra

• nks 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's universities and colleges produce high quality graduates eager to make a difference
• 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 (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: Florida Aviation Aerospace Alliance, BioFlorida, Florida Defense Alliance, IT Florida, and Florida Space Authority.

# 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.

• Florida has earned top rankings in Harris Poll's "most desirable places to live" since the survey's inception.

#9 Florida's Economic Development Partnerships

More than any other state, Florida's economic development goals and initiatives have been developed and embraced as a statewide vision .  Economic development organizations regularly combine forces to help existing and prospective businesses find the right location(s) to match their needs.

#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 19th 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.

   

 Top 10 Reasons to Locate or Expand in Florida.pdf

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