Workforce Talent
Workforce availability and quality are unsurpassed in Florida, one of
the few states with a constitutional right-to-work provision. Florida
is the 4th most populous state with a workforce of more than 8 million
people. Thanks largely to the state university and community college
systems, the workforce is superbly prepared.
Business Potential
Florida led the nation in job growth for the 12 months ended mid-2003,
creating more than 85,000 new jobs. The state's overall economy
is the fastest growing among the 10 largest states, and Florida
has one of the highest rates of new business formation.
Cost Competitiveness
Per constitutional provision, there is no personal state income tax,
and Florida was recently rated one of the most tax-friendly states.
Florida has numerous incentives for job creation, investment, training
and transportation for businesses that locate to or expand within
the state.
Global Gateway
Florida's strategic geographic location means that residents can
take advantage of direct flights to almost any destination. A million-plus
Floridians, including a large multilingual workforce, are employed
in international business activity. Florida is leading U.S. states
in attracting foreign direct investment and hosts some 2,000 companies
from other countries, including 300 regional corporate headquarters
of multinational firms.
Diversity
Florida has one of the most culturally diverse populations with more
than 2.5 million Floridians born outside the United States and
about 1.2 million Floridians born in the U.S. to foreign-born parents.
Also, almost 100 languages are spoken by Floridians. About one-third
of people moving to Florida come from other countries, and overseas
family ties and personal contacts are an invaluable asset for conducting
business internationally.
Worldwide Connectivity
Florida has a state-of-the-art transport system and one of the globe's
most advanced telecommunications networks. The state's broadband
policies are also very highly ranked.
eGovernment
Florida government is a model for using technology to provide citizens
and businesses with efficient, customer-friendly, convenient service
online. Streamlined online permitting is one reason why Florida
ranks 3rd for electronic commerce in the Digital States survey.
Partnerships
In Florida, public-private partnerships among government, academia
and business foster growth. For example, Enterprise Florida Inc.,
the state's lead economic developer is chaired by the governor.
Other key players include the Aviation/Aerospace Alliance, the
Defense Alliance, Bio-Florida and IT Florida.
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