| Florida is a state that forms a part of the southeastern region of the United States of America. Its landmass basically comprises of a large peninsula, with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The state stands bordered by Alabama in the northwest and Georgia in the northeast. Discovered by Ponce de León in 1513, Florida was initially under Spanish and British occupation, before being sold it to the United States, in 1819. Today, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture are the main industries of the state.
In addition to being a prime location for business and tourism, Florida provides an economical place to live when compared to similar destinations in the USA. Florida ranks low in terms of the tax burden placed on residents. Based on income, property and other state and local tax collections, the Tax Foundation research organization ranks Florida among the lowest tax states (Florida ranks #45 among the 50 states in 2004; only five states have a lower tax burden).
State Sales Tax - 6%
Corporate Tax - 5.5%
State Income Tax - None
Average Annual Temperatures:
Summer:
80.5 (F) degrees (26.9 C) (North Florida)
82.7 (F) degrees (28.2 C) (South Florida)
Winter:
53.0 (F) degrees (11.7 C) (North Florida)
68.5 (F) degrees (20.3 C) (South Florida)
Florida Universities:
As one of the warmest and most beautiful states in the union, it is no wonder that Florida is probably the most popular destination for incoming college freshmen each year. Home to schools like the University of Miami, Florida State University and the University of Florida, Florida has a rich college history and a variety of athletic programs as well.
Economy Strengths:
- International Trade (40% of all U.S. exports to Latin and South America pass through Florida)
- Tourism - with 76.8 million visitors in 2004 (a record number), Florida is the top travel destination in the world. The tourism industry has an economic impact of $57 billion on Florida’s economy.
- Space Industry - The space industry represents $4.5 billion of the state's economy. The average annual wage of aerospace workers is approximately $52,000. The number employed at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) alone is 15,000 and Florida ranks 4th among the states in overall aerospace employment with 23,000 jobs.
- Agriculture – Florida leads the southeast in farm income. Florida produces about 75% of the U.S. oranges and accounts for about 40% of the world's orange juice supply.
- Construction - This industry's strength results from the steady stream of new residents and visitors who are welcomed to Florida each year.
- Services - growth in high tech, financial & back office operations
- Software - many small, entrepreneurial companies
- Health Technology (medical, biotech, laboratories)
- University Research - more than $500 million per year in sponsored research at Florida universities
Information and statistics taken from stateofflorida.com located here. |
