Talent & Workforce
The Theme here is success
Orlando’s workforce is young, well-educated, and diverse with more than 1.2 million people. With an annual growth rate of 2.3 percent, the Orlando population is among the nation’s fastest growing. And with a labor force growth rate of 3.5 percent, Orlando talent is coveted by companies wanting a strong and stable labor pool for well into the future.
• 1.2M+ Workers in the Existing Labor Pool (Florida Dept. of Economic Opportunity, LAUS, 2020)
• No. 1 in the Country for Job Growth (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015-2018)
• 550K+ Higher-Education Students Within 100 Miles of Orlando (IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics, 2021)
The Orlando talent pipeline includes more than 500,000 students within a 100-mile radius. Our exceptional university and college system combines with a vibrant quality of life that ensures a strong and stable labor pool. Orlando’s workforce finds the lifestyle, amenities, and tax climate that make people want to plant roots here.
Taxes & Incentives
KNOWN FOR OUR BRIGHT AND SUNNY Business Climate
When considering state taxes, Florida business incentives, payroll, utilities, construction and real estate, Orlando tax rates and overall business costs serve up savings like sunshine. Plus, with an affordable cost of living in Orlando as well, a dollar goes further here than many other more expensive metro regions. The state of Florida and our region’s leaders have made it a priority to have a low tax burden for our businesses and residents.
• No. 2 Best State for Business (Chief Executive Magazine, 2021)
• NO State Property Tax
• No. 4 Best Tax Climate in the U.S. (Tax Foundation, 2020)
• Cost of Living is 6.3% Below National Average (The Council for Community and Economic Research, 2020)
Living here means watching your dollar go far beyond where it goes elsewhere. From housing and healthcare to groceries and beyond, nothing compares to the incredible cost of living in Orlando.
Transportation
RIDE, DRIVE, CYCLE OR SOAR…NO PIXIE DUST REQUIRED.
Orlando has been in the business of moving people around for a long time. As the nation’s only quinti-modal hub, the Orlando region accelerates connectivity options via road, sea, air, rail and even space. The region sits at the crossroads of Florida’s highway network, serving as a hub for distribution for residents and visitors.
Orlando is proving itself to be among the most progressive, forward-looking regions in the country with approximately $10B transportation investment projects underway in the region.
• $10B+ Transportation Infrastructure Investments
• 3 Major Ports Less Than 2 Hours Away
• 9 International Airports Within 100 Miles
A CENTRAL DESTINATION. AIR ACCESS, ANYTIME.
The seven-county Orlando region is home to seven international airports as well as a community of general aviation airports including Orlando Executive Airport and Kissimmee Gateway Airport.
• 175+ Non-Stop Destinations: Orlando to the World
• MCO is No. 3 For Origin and Destination Traffic in U.S.
• Orlando International Airport (MCO) Ranked No. 1 Airport in U.S. (USA Today, 2020)
Entrepreneur Resources
THE PLACE WHEREBIG IDEAS REALLY DO TAKE OFF
There’s a whole side of Orlando most people don’t know. The region has the fastest growing job market and population in the country, outpacing other fast-growing metros like Dallas, Atlanta and Austin and propelling innovation forward. From its roots as a university town built to win the space race, Orlando is on the cutting edge of new technology innovations – advancements that will create a brilliant future for not only the region and its residents, but the entire world.
• No. 14 Large Metro for Self-Employment (U.S. Census Bureau, 2017)
• 550K+ Higher-Education Students Within 100 Miles of Orlando (IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics, 2021)
• 500+ People Per Week Added to the Population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019)
• 80% of Orlando’s Employment is Outside of Hospitality and Tourism
GET FUNDED. AVAILABLE FINANCING.
Companies at every stage have numerous resources available to finance their business, from government funding to regional matching grants to bonds. Both Florida and Orlando are also home to venture capitalists, angel investors as well as commercial banks.
FROM START-UP TO SCALE UP BUSINESS GROWTH PROGRAM.
Orlando’s community is enthusiastic about partnership and collaboration, and there are many resources that entrepreneurs can take advantage of to grow and scale their businesses in the region.
Utilities
NEED POWER? WE’RE ALL EARS.
Orlando’s utility services are noted for reliability. Progressive, modern systems—and backup systems—enable utility companies to deliver uninterrupted service to customers at highly competitive prices. Eight electric companies produce or bring power to the region.
• Lake Nona is One of the Nation’s First Gigabit Communities
• Orlando Sits Atop One of Florida’s Largest Fresh Aquifers
• 100% of Fiber Optic Systems are Fully Redundant and Self-Healing
• City of Orlando Government Pledged to Run on 100% Renewable Energy by 2030
A DIVERSE ENERGY SELECTION. NATURAL GAS OPTIONS
Natural gas is clean, safe, domestically produced, and abundant, and is distributed by a host of reputable outlets.
ADVANCED ASSETS TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Orlando has the most advanced telecommunications assets in the southeast. All our telecom central offices are fiber-based with digital switching, and 100 percent of our fiber optic systems are fully redundant and self-healing.
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