The numbers are in, and Florida leads the nation in job creation.
Governor Rick Scott says the state is continuing to see tremendous economic growth with more than 266,000 new jobs created in the last 12 months.
Orlando International Airport -- and others in the state -- are factors in economic growth, according to Dominic M. Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. While many other airports and seaports around the country are much older and need substantial renovations, the nonpartisan research institute based in Tallahassee found that Florida's youth works in its favor. Florida has newer airports that are better-ranked nationally. That propels economic growth.
“I think one of the best directors was the means of transporting to get people in and out of Florida, particularly have them come to Florida," said Calabro. "So, Florida has done a really good job with the airport, seaport investments, and that helps in terms of job creation. It helps in terms of manufacturing, and international sales and trade.”
Closer to home, Central Florida has done well with research and development, a large portion based around Medical City in Lake Nona. Business and professional leadership working with the University of Central Florida has helped to bring high-end, innovative technology jobs to the region.
Not to mention, of the more than 266,000 jobs created in Florida over the past year, 46,000 are within the Orlando area. The region now ranks third in the nation for the largest over-the-year percentage increase in employment at 4.3%. The bigger picture for the state is equally optimistic.
“Of course everything depends in Florida upon the nation and our international economy, but as long as things continue as they are, Florida is growing disproportionately faster and stronger than the nation as a whole," said Calabro, adding, "And that’s great news for taxpayers.”
Calabro said that the state's growth is diverse, not merely in one or two areas. That growth is considered to be sustained economic growth, as the state's population continues to grow on a long-term basis. With that, and with a continuous growth in tourism, experts forecast Florida will continue to add jobs.
As far as the types of jobs which have been created this year, Calabro said it’s diverse, ranging from jobs in entertainment and retail, to healthcare and education. Manufacturing and construction sectors are rebounding, and the state has also added well-paying jobs, not just low-end salaried opportunities.
“The long-term is that the economy is expanding, it is growing," he said. "We’re largely recovering particularly from our housing crisis. So, I think on a number of different fronts --- manufacturing and construction in particular --- we’re really showing some real signs of recovery and economic growth."
Calabro noted that the reason many companies move or expand to Florida is based upon talent, location of the market, as well as tax incentives. Additionally, the cost of goods and doing business is competitive.
Florida TaxWatch's study projected a sunny outlook for Florida. It found that the state's growth is not based on sand or sunshine alone, but on a sound, diversified economy that’s making investments where it’s paying off.