Top Locations for Launching a Business in Florida

Discovering Florida's Hidden Business Gems

When you think of Florida, palm trees swaying in the breeze, sun-soaked beaches, and the magic of Disney often spring to mind. This vibrant state, where temperatures typically range between a comfortable 60 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit, entices nearly 100 million visitors each year, as noted by Florida's economic development agency.

The Diverse Economic Landscape

While the tourism sector is a significant contributor, Florida’s economy boasts a rich tapestry of industries. It is home to crucial sectors such as aviation, aerospace, life sciences, manufacturing, defense, and information technology. Major corporations like Office Depot, Publix Super Markets, and Carnival Cruise Line have also established their roots here. In addition to these giants, the flourishing small business scene is a cornerstone of the state's economic vitality.

Small Businesses: The Heart of Florida

With approximately 2.2 million small businesses—many of which are solo ventures—Florida is a hub for entrepreneurship. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the amount of small-business loans under the SBA’s 7(a) program soared by 38% between 2014 and 2015, indicating a robust growth trajectory for local enterprises.

Business Success in Small Towns

Interestingly, size doesn’t dictate success when it comes to business opportunities in Florida. Our research, which assessed 268 locations with populations over 10,000, highlighted that many of the best places to establish a business are smaller cities with populations often under 20,000. These towns benefit from their proximity to larger metropolitan areas such as Miami and Orlando, providing access to a broader workforce and customer base.

Robust Resources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Supportive resources for aspiring business owners are abundant in Florida. Enterprise Florida plays a vital role in connecting small enterprises to training, development, and financing opportunities. Moreover, over 40 Small Business Development Centers are available across the state to provide guidance and resource access.

Top Spots for Business Success

Maitland stands out as a leading destination for business success, with an astonishing average revenue of $4.5 million per business. Its strategic location near Orlando—just under 10 miles away—grants entrepreneurs access to invaluable resources such as the National Entrepreneur Center, offering free coaching and entrepreneurship seminars. The University of Central Florida also extends a hand with its Small Business Development Center, providing free consultation and essential startup resources.

Doral: A Thriving Economic Hub

Doral, just 15 miles from Miami, boasts a diverse economy anchored in tourism, logistics, finance, and trade, all fueled by its close connection to Miami’s bustling port. Major players like Perry Ellis International and Miami Herald Media Company set up shop here, and entrepreneurs can seek free business consulting at the Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida International University.

Naples: A Tourist Magnet

Known for its stunning white sand beaches and luxury shopping, Naples thrives on tourism, with an impressive ratio of 50 businesses for every 100 residents—the highest on our list. The Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District actively promotes local businesses, while the Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University provides free consulting services to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Affordable Opportunities in Palatka

Palatka, located between Jacksonville and Orlando, claims the title of our most affordable location with the lowest median housing costs at just $618 monthly. It hosts significant employers like the St. Johns River Water Management District and is supported by the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida, offering free advising services.

Sebring: Agricultural Stronghold

In Central Florida, Sebring's economy revolves around agriculture, particularly citrus farming, nurseries, and beef cattle products. Here, 53% of businesses employ paid staff, the highest percentage on our list. The Small Business Development Center at South Florida State College is available to guide local business owners.

Coral Gables: The Upscale Business Hub

Coral Gables, the largest city on our list, is known for its affluent residents, boasting the highest median income at $69,375 annually. Home to the University of Miami, the city offers a skilled workforce to local businesses, along with the headquarters of MasTec, an engineering and contracting firm. With its Mediterranean-style architecture, Coral Gables is also rich with upscale dining and shopping choices.

Longwood: A Gateway to Growth

Part of the Greater Orlando Area, Longwood thrives on its proximity to a major Florida city. Businesses benefit from resources available through the University of Central Florida and an incubator kitchen for food startups. Top employers in the area include FedEx and UPS, creating a vibrant business environment.

Stuart and Orange City: Community-Centric Economies

Stuart, located about 40 miles north of West Palm Beach, is a quaint port city known for its historic downtown filled with local businesses and community events. Orange City, a short drive from Daytona Beach, attracts visitors year-round, particularly for the Daytona 500. With a steady influx of new business licenses issued each year, both cities provide promising landscapes for budding entrepreneurs.

Lake Mary: Family-Friendly Business Hub

Just outside of Orlando, Lake Mary offers a nurturing community for families while fostering a tech-friendly business ecosystem. Companies like Fiserv Inc. and SunGard thrive here, along with the nearby Florida High Tech Corridor Council, which supports tech entrepreneurs through grants and research opportunities.

Methodology Behind Our Rankings

In our analysis, we evaluated 268 towns in Florida with populations exceeding 10,000, excluding those with fewer than 500 businesses or without survey data. Each location was scored based on its business climate and local economic health, derived from metrics provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Our criteria included average business revenue, the proportion of businesses with paid employees, and the business-per-resident ratio, all of which contributed to our assessments.

Ultimately, whether you’re dreaming of starting a quaint bakery or launching a tech startup, Florida offers a wealth of opportunities ideal for entrepreneurs ready to dive into the business world.