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Florida's economic growth is surpassing national trends, a development celebrated by the Haines City Economic Development Council. Haines City's strategic location in the Central Florida region, positioned between Tampa and Orlando, establishes it as the Heart of Florida. This prime location offers businesses the perfect opportunity to capitalize on Florida's economic boom and the ongoing infrastructure expansion in Polk County.

Path to Economic Success

Florida's economy continues to outshine national averages, with substantial increases in the private sector and labor force, particularly in January 2024. The state has seen a growth rate increase of 0.4%, which resulted in 37,900 new jobs, doubling the national rate. The labor force has also expanded by 2.2% (+243,000), including 16,000 new workforce participants. This progress is a clear indicator of economic stability and confidence among Florida’s workforce, with significant job additions in the education, professional services, and leisure & hospitality industries.

Path to Lower Unemployment

Maintaining a lower unemployment rate than the national figure for over three years, Florida's January 2024 unemployment rate stood at 0.6 percentage points below the national average of 3.7%. This enduring trend reinforces Florida’s commitment to robust economic policies that support fiscal responsibility and foster a conducive environment for business growth. It reflects the state’s dedication to cultivating a thriving economic landscape, attracting both job seekers and investors to areas like Haines City and throughout the state.

Path to an Efficient Infrastructure

Work has begun on the Central Polk Parkway project, an initiative set to introduce a four-lane divided toll road to enhance the region's transport infrastructure. Spanning from the existing Polk Parkway to Highway 60, the project aims to bolster Haines City's role as a central hub for commerce and community life. As reported in the Polk News-Sun and emphasized by Polk County Commissioner Bill Braswell, the parkway is expected to streamline traffic flow, providing efficient travel routes that will alleviate congestion on key arteries and shorten commutes, particularly benefiting those bound for Tampa. The projected early completion of this venture underscores its long-term benefits, despite the temporary adjustments that travelers will encounter.

Path to Opportunity

Haines City is ready to embrace the influx of businesses, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers drawn by Florida's economic prowess and infrastructural improvements. Career seekers and businesses are encouraged to connect with the CareerSourcePolk at www.careersourcepolk.com for a gateway to economic opportunities.

Take the Path to Haines City: Your Business's Next Destination

• Offer strategic access to major highways, railways, airports, and seaports.
• Foster a vibrant, welcoming community that champions innovation.
• Provide direct access to talent through job training programs and workforce development initiatives.
• Deliver tailored support for new and existing businesses to ease relocations, expansions, and to foster a thriving economic base.
• Supply city-owned rail spur connection to the CSX mainline and the competitively priced Haines City industrial park.

Florida’s proactive economic strategies have earned top rankings in new business formations, talent development, and entrepreneurship, further bolstering Haines City’s appeal.

As we gear up for the opportunities brought by this economic expansion, the Haines City Economic Development Council extends an invitation to businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs to discover all that Haines City has to offer. Join us in charting a shared course toward prosperity and becoming an integral part of Florida’s success story. Our commitment is steadfast—we are here to support your business journey every step of the way, for when you thrive, so do we all.