Why More Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Florida to Start Their Business

Thinking about launching your own business? You’re not alone — and if you’ve been considering where to set up shop, Florida might just be the place for you.

No, it's not just about the sunshine and palm trees (though that doesn’t hurt!). Florida has become a go-to destination for entrepreneurs and companies looking for a place that welcomes growth, supports innovation, and keeps tax burdens light. Whether you’re starting a small family-run operation or a high-tech startup, incorporating your business in Florida comes with a bunch of advantages that are hard to ignore.

Let’s break it all down and see why so many people are packing their business dreams and heading to the Sunshine State.

A Workforce That’s Ready to Go

First things first: a business is only as good as the people behind it. Florida stands out here thanks to its strong, skilled, and available workforce. The state’s unemployment rate is regularly lower than the national average, which is a pretty solid indicator that people are working — and businesses are hiring.

From hospitality and construction to aerospace and finance, Florida has a large and diverse talent pool. Whether you need software engineers or logistics managers, there’s a good chance you’ll find the right people here.

A Hub for Growing and High-Tech Industries

When you think of Florida, beaches probably come to mind before business parks — but don’t be fooled. The state is a serious player when it comes to cutting-edge industries.

Florida is home to booming sectors like:

Aerospace and aviation
Biotechnology and life sciences
Information technology
Microelectronics and optics
Financial services
Real estate development

In fact, the state is often a top contender for venture capital, especially in industries with high growth potential. Startups and investors alike are beginning to see Florida as more than just a vacation spot. They see it as fertile ground for big ideas.

Venture Capital Is Flowing In

Here’s something that might surprise you: even after natural disasters like the four hurricanes that hit Florida within six weeks in late 2004, venture capitalists didn’t back off. In fact, they leaned in.

By the first quarter of 2005, venture capital investment in Florida-based companies had already reached nearly $100 million. Why? Because investors recognized that Florida had something most states didn’t — a clear plan for recovery, and a business-friendly environment that didn’t crumble under pressure.

That kind of resilience is exactly what business owners and investors want to see. It sends a message that Florida is a place where growth is possible, even in tough times.

Low Taxes? Yes, Please!

Let’s talk about something every business owner thinks about — taxes. Florida’s stance here is a big win for entrepreneurs. The state is known for having one of the lowest overall tax burdens in the country. That means more of your profits stay where they belong: with you and your business.

Here are just a few tax-related perks:

No state income tax for individuals (which also applies to many business owners)
Reasonable corporate income tax rates
A range of tax incentives and credits for qualifying businesses

If you’re moving from a high-tax state, the difference can feel like night and day. And let’s be real: anything that helps you save money while building your business is worth considering.

State Support That Actually Makes a Difference

Low taxes are great, but Florida doesn’t stop there. The state has created several programs and partnerships designed to help businesses start, grow, and thrive.

One of the major players in this effort is Enterprise Florida, Inc., or EFI for short. This organization was formed in 1996 to take over the role of the old Florida Department of Commerce — but with a modern, more collaborative twist.

EFI is a public-private partnership, which means both the government and private businesses work together to support economic development. Their main goals are:

Diversifying Florida’s economy
Creating high-quality jobs for Floridians
Attracting and growing businesses in innovative industries

And they’re not just talking — they’re doing. EFI helps businesses with everything from site selection to determining whether they qualify for tax incentives or grant programs. It’s like having a guide through all the red tape that often comes with starting a business.

Whether you’re in IT, aviation, defense, or finance, EFI has resources designed to help you move faster and smarter.

A Governor’s Commitment to Business Growth

When political leadership aligns with business interests, things tend to run more smoothly. And Florida’s leadership has made it clear: the state is open for business.

Back when Jeb Bush was Governor, he emphasized policies that were clearly pro-business — low taxes, smart regulation, and long-term investments in economic development. Those values have continued with successive leaders, creating a consistent message that Florida is committed to helping businesses succeed.

The support isn’t just lip service. It’s embedded in the state’s infrastructure and strategy. That kind of consistency makes it easier for business owners to plan ahead without worrying about sudden policy changes or unexpected costs.

More Than Just a Great Place to Work

We’ve focused a lot on business, but let’s not ignore the obvious — Florida is just a great place to live.

The weather? Pretty much perfect year-round.

The lifestyle? Laid-back but full of opportunities.

The cost of living? Often lower than major business hubs like New York or San Francisco.

So when you’re not closing deals or pitching ideas, you can actually enjoy your surroundings. Beaches, parks, great food, and vibrant cultural scenes — Florida has it all. And that’s important, because a balanced life makes for better leaders and healthier businesses.

Final Thoughts: Is Florida Right for Your Business?

Every business is different. What works for one entrepreneur might not be ideal for another. But if you're looking for a place with:

A solid, ready-to-work talent pool
Supportive state programs
Access to funding
Low taxes
Resilient infrastructure
And a pretty amazing quality of life…

…then Florida deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Incorporating your business here isn’t just a strategic move — it’s a lifestyle decision, too. One that could help your company grow and give you the kind of life you’ve been working toward.

So take a deeper look. You might find that the Sunshine State has everything your business needs to shine.