Florida is Open for Business
Businesses Large and Small are Welcome to Florida
As the economy rebounds from the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Florida Chamber of Commerce is encouraging employers to make the move to Florida with its new “Open for Business” campaign. Recent trends show major employers and corporations are considering relocating employees and operations from high-cost states like New York and California to high value locations with a low-cost of living. Florida is a prime location for consideration with its competitive offerings and pro-business, pro-jobs climate.
Constantly ranked one of the best states for business, Florida is committed to keeping regulatory requirements and business taxes low. That, along with a strong economy and zero personal state income tax, makes it a better state to do business.
1. Size of the Economy
17th Largest in the World
2. Growing Population & Economy
More than 4 million residents expected by 2030
3. Top-Quality Education
Florida is ranked among the top 5 states
4. Lower Taxes
Florida has NO state income tax
5. Job Creation & Diversity
More than 1 out of every 11 jobs created in the U.S.
6. Infrastructure
Florida is a Top State for Infrastructure
7. Accessability
Florida is a Gateway to Emerging Markets
8. Growing Business is a Priority
9. Fiscal Stability
Unlike New York, Illinois and California
10. Quality of Life
Florida is known for great weather, recreation and culture
Build For Opportunity Awareness Campaign
Our partner at Enterprise Florida has launched the Built for Opportunity Awareness Campaign to highlight businesses that are prospering because Florida is open for business and avoiding lockdowns. These highlights include diverse industries such as tourism, agriculture and transportation, as well as Florida’s manufacturing industry which accounts for more than $55 billion in output to the state’s economy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor and his administration ensured that businesses could still operate by keeping industries open. From being the first to open schools, to fighting for Floridian’s right to work, along with a broad range of policies, Florida is open and ready for business.
Here are some of their stories:
J HENRY’S BARBER SHOP
J. HENRY, ORLANDO
When the pandemic hit his barbershop J. Henry felt helpless. But with Florida having the back of small businesses, he was able to turn helpless into hope and is thriving today.
ASTIN FARMS
MADISON ASTIN SALTER, PLANT CITY
Astin Farms is a fourth-generation farm in Plant City, Florida that keeps on growing. With more than 1,400 employees, it’s committed to keep fresh, Florida produce on tables across the nation.
TERVIS
ROGAN DONELLY, SARASOTA
As the nation’s favorite tumbler, Tervis had a responsibility to its customer to keep production moving. With support from the state of Florida, Tervis kept its assembly line going safely for its employees and customers.
BACKWOODS BRIDGES
HENRY CARL, FREEPORT
Backwoods Bridges is a Veteran-owned company with 28 employees that runs like a family. Today, Backwoods Bridges is thriving due to the support and direction from the state of Florida.
RETRO FITNESS
ANDREW ALFANO, WEST PALM BEACH
Health clubs around the country closed during the pandemic and some never reopened. But for Retro Fitness, clear and concise communication from the state of Florida allowed it to reopen safely and help its franchisees reopen too.
MARTIN’S COUNTRY MARKET
DURRELL MARTIN, ARCADIA
Even when sandwich and coffee sales slowed down at the beginning of the pandemic, Durrell Martin was hopeful and continued to invest in his business because Florida was serious about keeping the state open.
FOR THE TABLE HOSPITALITY
MATT THOMPSON, TALLAHASSEE
For the Table Hospitality successfully opened a restaurant during the pandemic thanks to Florida’s clear communication and unparalleled support for small businesses.
AMWAT MOVING WAREHOUSING STORAGE
GLORIA PUGH, TALLAHASSEE
Business is always on the move. And when organizations needed to quickly relocate to Florida, AMWAT Moving Warehousing Storage kept them going.
CULHANE’S IRISH PUB
MARY JANE CULHANE, JACKSONVILLE
When COVID threatened to close doors, Culhane’s Irish Pub kept theirs open by starting a new spirit line called 5 Sisters Spirit Vodka.
RB ADVISORY
REGINE BONNEAU, WINTER PARK
School closures during the pandemic was a challenge felt by everyone. As a small business owner, Regine Bonneau was grateful for Florida’s leadership to safely reopen schools.