Southwest Florida is The Place to Be!
Forget Southwest Florida’s reputation as a retirement haven. Young companies and experienced businesses looking for a fresh start in a sunny setting are changing the landscape—and they’re finding a warm welcome.
Expansions in and relocations to Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties are adding young, tech-savvy professionals, high-powered executives and others lured by the area’s quality of life. Businesses are enticed by the region’s population, which now surpasses the 1 million mark, the state’s lack of personal income tax and the 5.5 percent corporate income tax rate, which is lower than those of other states.
The region stretches from Port Charlotte south to Marco Island, and from the Gulf of Mexico eastward to Lehigh Acres and Immokalee.
Year-round sunshine, world-class beaches and reasonable living costs have garnered Lee County in southwest Florida much acclaim an 804-square-mile metropolitan area of some 600,000 residents
nestled along the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida.
Including the cities of Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, and Naples
Lee County
Cape Coral
With the largest population in Lee County, and as Florida’s third largest city in land mass at 114 square miles, Cape Coral is one of Southwest Florida’s best kept secrets. Cape Coral was developed around some 400 miles of canals (more than Venice), offering abundant waterfront living for residents. An active community, Cape Coral has something for everyone including: golf, tennis, fishing, community parks and even Sun Splash Family Water park. The past few years have seen tremendous growth in the business community with the development of a number of commercial and manufacturing sites. Reasonable labor costs, available land, a qualified workforce and unsurpassed quality of life, will continue to fuel Cape Coral’s residential and commercial growth in the coming years.
Fort Myers
Established in 1886, the City of Fort Myers is the historical and governmental hub of Lee County. Nestled along the scenic shoreline of the Caloosahatchee River, the City has become an interesting blend of young and old. Sporting the youngest population in Lee County with a median age of 32, the City of Fort Myers is also home to the historic winter residences of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Extensive renovation of Fort Myers’ historic, waterfront downtown is underway, with new restaurants, nightclubs, apartments and artistic venues providing energy and growth. Throughout the year, Southwest Florida residents and visitors enjoy cultural events overlooking the River at Centennial Park and the Yacht Basin.
Fort Myers Beach
A vacation mecca, Fort Myers Beach is a seven mile long island with plenty of sand, surf and fun. No more than one mile across at its widest point, its 7,000 residents are a mere drop in the sand-bucket compared to the million-plus people that visit each year. The lifestyle is casual, but business is serious, even when conducted in shorts and sandals. Tourism fuels the restaurant, hotel and amenities industries on the island. With Gulf of Mexico water temperatures ranging from a balmy 74 degrees in January to 91 degrees in July and August, Fort Myers Beach will continue to be a choice vacation destination.
Bonita Springs
Bonita Springs is one of Southwest Florida’s newest and fastest growing cities. Located between Naples and Fort Myers, Bonita Springs offers a lifestyle for just about everyone. From award winning planned golf communities to serene waterfront living, Bonita Springs exudes an urban setting with small-town charm. As Gulf breezes merge with the winds of change, a dynamic business environment is emerging. Commercial parks, office space and retail services are keeping pace with residential growth, always with an eye towards preserving the community’s outstanding quality of life.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel is recognized worldwide as a vacation destination. Outstanding shelling and a deep concern to preserve the island environment have positioned Sanibel as a jewel on the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. Sanibel is home to pristine white beaches, balmy gulf waters, and an unsurpassed lifestyle for both visitors and the island’s some 6,300 residents. Art galleries, theatres, upscale resorts and restaurants dot this island getaway. For nature lovers, the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a protected estuarial ecosystem of mangroves and mud flats, where exotic birds, alligators and a variety of fish can be enjoyed by all.
Charlotte County
Charlotte County’s land area covers approximately 694 miles on Florida’s southwest coast. Included in Charlotte County’s boundaries are the City of Punta Gorda and several towns, such as Port Charlotte, Englewood, Harbour Heights, Gulf Cove and Rotonda. The County’s 156 miles of shoreline and 165 miles of canals make it a boater’s paradise.
Established in 1921, Charlotte County is ideally situated on southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. At an altitude ranging up to 25 feet above sea level, Charlotte County’s 694 square miles also includes 165 miles of canals, 219 miles of shoreline, 70 parks and recreation areas and 12.5 miles of Gulf Coast beaches.
Possibly the best-kept secret in America, in terms of a potential corporate base, Charlotte County offers a setting that is both business-hospitable and family-friendly. While Charlotte County boasts an unhurried, unspoiled, and undeniably beautiful environment, its greatest assets are unparalleled quality of life and unequaled business opportunities.
Collier County
Naples
Collier County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation! Low unemployment, an expanding skilled labor force, an exceptional tax structure, a pro-business environment and a great climate all give Naples the "total package". Pristine beaches, world-class golf and recreation amenities, and a variety of entertainment and cultural events provide Collier County residents with limitless activity options. This unique functional paradise also offers comprehensive civic resources - from renowned medical facilities to dynamic cultural venues, from esteemed educational institutions to convenient transportation options.
Collier County continues to have one of the strongest economies in the State of Florida, with one of the lowest unemployment rates, highest rates of job creation, and average wages in the top quartile of all Florida counties. Supplanted by extraordinary wealth, and maintained by an ever-growing working population, Collier County is poised to become the ideal market to introduce new goods and services and expand product offerings.