Research
Beyond Sunshine
A new strategy to build on our strengths, maintain our quality of life, and win in the modern global economy.
Composed of three Rural Areas of Opportunity, Rural Florida’s historic agricultural roots have broadened into other higher-wage industries focusing on the manufacturing and transportation of goods.
Population: 1.1 million residents
GDP: $32.8 billion
Employment landscape: 460,000 jobs
Average per capita income: $47,000
The following counties include areas meeting the statutory definition of being “rural communities”: Baker, Bradford, Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, DeSoto, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Nassau, Okeechobee, Putnam, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.
Note: All regional summary data is from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Best Bets
Manufacturing: GDP ($2.6 billion); Direct Jobs (18,400); Economic Multiplier (2.8); High Tradability
Distribution & Logistics
Distribution & eCommerce: GDP ($1.6 billion); Direct Jobs (16,300); Economic Multiplier (3.0)
Transportation & Logistics: GDP ($3.1 billion); Direct Jobs (17,800); Economic Multiplier (2.6); High geographic concentration; High Productivity
Emerging Clusters
Agri-business: Value-added agriculture provides new ways for farmers to add value to their products and increase their revenue. Transforming raw agricultural products into finished goods with a higher value diversifies income streams and reduces dependence on a single crop or industry. This approach has helped reinforce regional economies against changing market conditions and created additional jobs in the processing, packaging, and marketing industries.
Foundations
Business Services: GDP ($815.1 million); Direct Jobs (22,300)
Health Services: GDP ($2.1 billion); Direct Jobs (28,000)
Hospitality & Tourism: GDP ($2.1 billion); Direct Jobs (38,900)
