Economic Development

Bob Grammig Discusses Economic Incentives

Florida Chamber Regional Chair Bob Grammig shares his perspective on how Florida can continue creating a competitive business climate that attracts new businesses. “Not getting the $250 million (economic incentives) I think has hurt our reputation among businesses and site selectors and it’s created some uncertainty and made it more difficult I think, to compete with other states. However, from the [Florida] Chamber’s perspective, we still look at this as an opportunity. Even though the…

Read More »

New Proposed Rule on Florida R&D Tax Credit

Yesterday, the Florida Department of Revenue announced proposed changes to the rule implementing the Florida R&D Tax Credit. If written notice is received, a rulemaking workshop will be held on November 22, 2016. The proposed changes to the rule include the following: Addresses the process if the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) denies to certify a company as being in a targeted industry and the company protests. Removes the requirement that the Florida Department of…

Read More »

2016 Future of Florida Forum: The Economic Impact of Tourism, Will Seccombe

Read More »

Rural Economic Development Summit

Rural Florida will be key as Florida continues to grow and  hopes to remain competitive.  Share your recommendations for rural Florida and pave the way for Florida’s future successes.

Read More »

Diversifying Florida’s Economy

> DOWNLOAD Our Economic Development One Pager Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created nearly one million private-sector jobs. Although more than 98 percent of all jobs in Florida are created by businesses that didn’t receive incentives, the fact is that several states and nations are targeting the same high-wage industries Florida is targeting. In order to continue to diversify our economy, the Florida Chamber will continue to support Enterprise Florida’s (EFI) efforts to attract…

Read More »

Federal Overtime Rules Cause for Concern in Florida’s Small Business Community

Outlook Uncertain as Businesses Face Unstable Economy > DOWNLOAD the Florida Small Business Index Survey Quarter 2 Results TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (June 23, 2016) – The most recent Florida Chamber Foundation Small Business Index Survey shows 22 percent of Florida’s small businesses say government regulations are their top concern, up from 10 percent last quarter. Florida small businesses are particularly concerned with recent changes to Federal overtime regulations. Economic uncertainty was reported as the second highest…

Read More »

Central Florida Super Region Has the 10th Largest Gross Regional Product in the Nation

Last week, all eyes were on Central Florida for all the wrong reasons. This week, we want to focus on the enormous growth and opportunities in that region. Representing more than 7.1 million people in 15 counties, the Central Florida “Super Region” has an estimated economic impact of $300 billion and accounts for the 10th largest gross regional product in the United States. Contributing to the super region’s growth are the public, private and philanthropic leadership of the…

Read More »

Faster Internet Speeds Can Result in Increased Economic Growth

A recent study showed that cities with fast internet speeds had 1.1 percent higher per-capita GDP than their slower counterparts. If you had a choice of locating your business or residence in a city where online activity took 9 seconds versus 30 minutes, which would you prefer? In a world where global connectivity is key to personal and business communication, Florida is leading the charge to create new opportunities for Floridians. Many of Florida’s larger…

Read More »

Innovation is New Driving Force in Central Florida’s Economy

Say “Florida” and images of a famous mouse and citrus come to mind. While it’s true that tourism and agriculture are responsible for more than 2 million jobs in Florida, innovation is quickly becoming a key driver in Florida’s economy. Florida’s growing high tech industries have been getting a boost from new local projects promising a more diverse economy and jobs. Florida’s High Tech Corridor Council is proud to partner with Osceola County, the University…

Read More »

Florida’s Military Installations Account for Nearly 775,000 Jobs

Florida’s military and defense industry is a key driver in the state’s economic growth, creating billions of dollars in economic activity and hundreds of thousands of jobs. Installations from Pensacola to Jacksonville and down to Key West place Florida among the most strategically important states for the U.S. armed forces. With every Florida business located within 100 miles of a military installation, how has your community been impacted by this vital industry?            …

Read More »

Military & Defense Industry Contributes Nearly $80 Billion to Florida’s Economy

Florida’s military and defense industry not only keeps us safe, it also drives the state’s economic growth by contributing an estimated $79.8 billion to the economy and providing nearly 775,000 jobs for Floridians each year. Every business in Florida is within 100 miles of a military installation, providing growth opportunities for defense companies and creating a robust network of businesses in the military and defense supply chain. Is your job tied to the military economy? As highlighted in…

Read More »

Find Out How to Qualify for R&D Tax Credit

The Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) will begin collecting applications for the R&D Tax Credit against the Corporate Income Tax for tax year 2015 on Sunday, March 20, 2016. The application will be live online until March 26, 2016 at 11:59 PM. During that time, the amount of credits that will be awarded is $23 million, and if applications exceed the cap, will be awarded on a pro-rata basis. Prior to applying through DOR, companies must…

Read More »

Rep. Jim Boyd Urges Members to “Make Those Calls”

“Make those calls. We still have two weeks in session.” Representative Jim Boyd (R- Bradenton) House Deputy Majority Leader and Majority Whip Representative Boyd has led the Florida Chamber-backed charge on economic development in the Florida House with a bill that passed 79-39. “It was a great effort by many people, first of all,” said Rep. Boyd. “The speaker was instrumental in getting that across the finish line… Between the House, and the Senate and…

Read More »

Syd Kitson Discusses Florida’s Growth

“Generally, growth like this will be good for our state… But the key for us is to be prepared for this growth and to make sure that we do it the right way.” Syd Kitson, Chairman and CEO, Kitson & Partners   The Florida Chamber Foundation estimates that by 2030, six million more residents will call Florida home- making it more important than ever to create smarter growth initiatives. From economic development and Babcock Ranch,…

Read More »

Free Enterprise and Economic Development Go Hand in Hand

Last week, I had an opportunity to speak at The Federalist Society meeting in Orlando to discuss how free enterprise and economic development go hand in hand. The Federalist Society, an organization that seeks to promote legal order and individual liberties, provided an opportunity for us to share our state’s success story. In Florida, you cannot discuss free enterprise without pointing out the economic development successes we’ve seen. Consider the following: Since December 2010, Florida…

Read More »