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Florida Resources
The following links contain volumes of information about Lee County.
Lee County Special Characteristics
Already half a million strong, Lee County's population is expected to grow nearly 50% between 2000 and 2010. Lee County is now dominated by working-age people. Forbes, Inc. and Money magazines have recognized Fort Myers as one of the top places to live and do business in the country.
The County, including its cities of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs, is one of the top 50 fastes-growing metro areas in the country and ranks as the #1 "hottest" housing markets, according to U.S. Housing Markets. Residents, visitors and companies are attracted by the area's mild climate, beautiful beaches and boundless business opportunities. Located along the balmy shores of the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, Lee County is home to 50 miles of sandy beaches. An outstanding quality of life, an abundant and growing labor supply and an innovative and entreprenurial business sector. All combined, these factors translate into Lee County being an ideal place for companies to locate or expand. Join us, and discover for yourself why you and your business belong in Lee County.
Lee County by the Numbers
804 sqaure miles along I-75 and the Gulf of Mexico 550,000 year-round population Eight higher education and technical schools 4.6% - average annual population growth 18% - employment growth projection through 2013. More than 14,000 businesses
Lee County Quality of Life
No state personal income tax $269,200 median resale home price 50 mile of beaches with public access 90 + golf courses 75 degree (F) - annual average temperature
Lee County Real Estate
Industrial/warehouse: Lease rates ranging from $5.56 to $9.91 per square foot. Office space: Lease reates ranging from $10.25 to $16.83 per square feet. Industrial land value: Ranging from $1.00 to $7.50 per square foot. 50 + Office and Industrial Parks.
Lee County Business Infrastructure
Lee County is commetted to providing its business community the tools needed to succeed. Connectivity, utilities and commercial sites combine to form the basis of a thriving business community.
Lee County Commercial Sites
Many commercial site options exist in Lee County today with additional opportunities that are being further developed, creating an array of options to help businesses find the right fit. From redeveloped historic downtown districts to centrally located executive office suites and outer lying campuses with space to grow, Lee County has the right fit for you. Explore the Lee County Economic Development Office's free searchable property database to search current listings, including vacant land.
Lee County Utilities
The country is seved by two electric utilities, Florida Power & Light and Lee County Electric Cooperative. Both utility companies work with commercial customers, offering a vairety of programs to effectively manage power needs. Natural gas is also available throughout most of the county through TECO Peoples Gas.
Lee County Connectivity
A leading edge telecommunications infrastructure with high-speed reliable connectivity is essential to business. Lee County's advanced telecommunications options include SONET rings with extensive survivable fiber optic backbones, state-of-the-art wireless Internet access including a Network Access Point, broadband service and aggressive coaxial cable options. Industry leaders such as Sony Electronics, LYNX Services from PPG Industries and Gartner Group depend on these systems to stay one step ahead of the competition.
Lee County Business Climate
If you think the climate outdoors is refeshing, wait until you experience the warm reception business receives from Lee County's government and community. Corporate headquaters, technology companies and many others have been welcomed as valued new members of the Lee County business community.
Lee County Workforce Information
The quality and growth of Lee County's labor force, bolstered by Florida's status as a right-to-work state, is a major draw for businesses. The county is consistentlly ranked as one of the nation's job growth leaders.
The county's labor force, over 260,000 strong, increases each year due in large part to new residents who are attracted to dynamic job opportunities, as well as outstanding quality of life. Working-age people dominate the population with the 18- to 64-year old segment projected to increase 18% by 2010.
Lee County Taxes Information
The absence of personal income taxes draw many people to Florida. Businesses benefit from low corporate income taxes as well. Florida's tax rate of 5.5% is far below the average 12% levied by most states.
Lee County Transportation
Whether you need transportation across town or around the globe, Lee County has the technology and transportation systems to support your success. By land or by air, we are committed to helping business succeed in today's fast-paced global marketplace.
Lee County Business Incentives
Lee County offers three business incentive programs under the Lee County Job Opportunity Program: 1) High Wage Business Incentive Program; 2). Community Business INcentive Program (LCCIP);and 3). The Florida Qualified Targeted Industries Tax Refund Program (QTI).
1. Lee County High Wage Business Incentive Program. Lee County will provide an incentive for relocating or expanding hig-wage companies in targeted industries. Incentives as much as $2,000 for each full-time, permanent job created up to $200,000 maximun per award may be ggranted to qualified companies. (Average wages should at least eq1ual 115% of the Lee County average area wage.)
1. Lee County High Wage Business Incentive Program.
Lee County will provide an incentive for relocating or expanding high-wage companies in targeted industries. Incentives as much as $2,000 for each full-time, permanent job created up to $200,000 maximun per award may be granted to qualified companies. (Average wages should at least equal 115% of the Lee County average area wage.)
An additional incentive of up to $1,000 (maximum of $100,000) for each full-time, permanent job may be provided for a locating or expanding company in the Fort Myers/Lee County Enterprise Zone.
Criteria: The company must create at least 20 full-time, permanent jobs (minimum 10 jobs in the Fort Myers/Lee County enterprise Zone) within 12 months in manufacturing, warehouse and distribution, research and development, back-office and business services, corporate or regional headquarters. or other non-retail operations. Wages for new jobs should be 115% of the Lee County of Florida average area wage, whichever is lower ($39,927). The company's share of sales or revenues of products or services derived from out of the region should exceeed 50%. The company must be financially solid. Economic impact analysis demonstrates significant contribution to the area economy, including the indirect jobs created as spin-offs from the company's investment and new jobs. The incentive must be an inducement for the company to locate or expand in Lee County; application must be made prior to the company's making a decision.
2. Lee County Community Business Incentive Program
Lee County will provide an incentive for relocating or expanding companies in the Fort Myers/Lee County enterprise Zone. Incentives as much as $1,000 for each full-time, permanent job created up to $100,000 maximum per award may be granted to qualified companies. (Average wages should at least equal 100% of the Lee County average area wage.)
Criteria: The company must create at least 20 full-time, permanent jobs within 12 months in manufacturing, warehouse and distribuiton, research and development, back-office and business services, corporate or regional headquarters, or other non-retail operations. Wages for new jobs should be 100% of the Lee County of Florida average area wage, whichever is lower ($34,719). The company's share of sales or revenues of products or services derived from out of the region should exceeed 50%. The company must be financially solid. Economic impact analysis demonstrates significant contribution to the area economy, including the indirect jobs created as spin-offs from the company's investment and new jobs. The incentive must be an inducement for the company to locate or expand in Lee County; application must be made prior to the company's making a decision.
Eligible Uses of Funds for High-Wage and Community Business Incentive Programs
Incentives will be paid in the form of reimbursements for one or more of the following types of costs: Payment of impact or permit fees assessed by county cities an/or special districts. Infrastructure costs. Company-sponsored day care facilities. Existing facility improvements or rehabilitation Land improvement costs. Employee training costs (excluding ongoing staff development training). Other types of expenses that my be approved by the Lee Conty Industrial Development Authority.
Application, Program Administration and Approval Process
The Lee County Indstrial Development Authority (IDA) administers the Job Opportunity Program. Applications should be submitted to the IDA and approval by the IDA Board will be required for an award to the Comapny. The Compnay will sign a performance agreement. Expenses are submitted to the IDA for remibursement and will be paid at the end of each quarter based upon the perfomance of the company in creating the new jobs and wages agreed upon.
3. Florida Qualified Targeted Industries Tax Refund Program (QTI)
The Florida QTI program provides a tax refund incentive for new or existing businesses to create quality value-added jobs. Key elements of the program include: Pre-approved applicants who create jobs in Florida receive tax refunds of $3,000 per new job created; $6,000 in an Enterprise xone or Rural County. For businesses paying 150% of the average annual wage, add $1,000 per job; for businesses paying 200% of the average annual salary, add $2,000 per job. Eligible Businesses (effective 11/01/01): Manufacturing Facilities, Financne and Insurance Services, Wholesale TradeInformation Industries Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Management Services, Administrative and Support Services Go to edo@leegov.com for more specific information or call 239-338-3161
Lee County IDA Qualification Guidelines
Only businesses serving multi-state and/or international markets are targeted. Business must be able to locate in other states. Retail activities, utilities, mining and other extraction or processing businesses, and activities regulated by the Divison of Hotels and Restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation are statutorily excluded from consideration.
To qualify for a refund, a business must apply to Enterprise Florida prior to making a decsion to locate or expand in Florida. Be a target industry or a corporate headquarters; Demonstrate that the tax refund is necessary for the business to locate or expand in the community. Create at least 10 new Florida jobs and; if an expansion project, increase employment by at least 10%. For a project located in a rural community or and enterprise zone, the net increase in employment may be less than 10% in special circumstances. Pay an average wage that is at least 115% of the state, metropolitan statisitical area (MSA), or the local average wages. For a project located in a rural community or an enterprise zone, the wage requirements may be waived in special circumstances. Show that the jobs make a significant economic contribution to the area economy. Provide a resolution from the city or county commission recommending the the applicant for the incentive and committing the community to the 20% match required for local financial support will be available each year as refunds are due.
Lee County IDA Application, Program Administration and Approval Process
The Lee County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) administers the Lee County Qualified Targeted Industries Tax Refund Program (QTI). The application form and administrative regulations for this program have been developed by the State. A completed application form will be submitted to the IDA The IDA Board will make a recommendation to the Boards of County Commissioners requesting approval for a reolution committing the local 20% match as required by the State.
For additional information, contact the Lee Country Economic Development Office at 239-338-3161 or email edo@leegov.com.
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