Research
Beyond Sunshine
A new strategy to build on our strengths, maintain our quality of life, and win in the modern global economy.
Southwest Florida’s pristine natural beauty inspires a growing CleanTech economy, complemented by ongoing investments in life sciences expertise.
Population: 1.5 million residents
GDP: $70 billion
Employment landscape: 800,000 jobs
Average per capita income: $79,000
Largest Cities: Fort Myers
Includes the following counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, and Lee.
Note: All regional summary data is from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Best Bets
Distribution & eCommerce: GDP ($3.1 billion); Direct Jobs (10,200); Economic Multiplier (3.0); High productivity
Health Services + MedTech
Health Services: GDP ($6.9 billion); Direct Jobs (71,000); Economic Multiplier (2.3); High geographic concentration; High productivity; 2022 Venture Capital ($32.2 million)
MedTech: GDP ($439.4 million); Direct Jobs (2,400); Economic Multiplier (2.6); High geographic concentration; Positive growth during recessions; 2022 Venture Capital ($32.2 million)
Emerging Clusters
CleanTech: GDP ($496.8 million); Direct Jobs (3,700); Economic Multiplier (2.6); 2022 Venture Capital ($12.5 million)
Foundations
Transportation & Logistics: GDP ($1.9 billion); Direct Jobs (11,400)
