For the most up to date information on Duval County economic development, visit www.jaxdevelopment.org or contact the Chief Economic Developer.
Economy
More than 30,000 new jobs have been created by companies expanding or relocating to Jacksonville since 2000. The continual influx of new business into Jacksonville is driven by the positive economic climate the city boasts. Jacksonville's deep-water port is the 14th largest in the United States and handles shipments from around the globe. Jacksonville's appeal as a premier place to do business has been reinforced by national media attention, including a steady ranking among the "top ten best places to live" by Money magazine. Plus, for the past nine years, Jacksonville has been ranked among the top 10 of "America's Hottest Cities," according to Expansion Management magazine, including a # 1 ranking a record three times . Many large employers, both manufacturing and non-manufacturing, have established strong footholds in Jacksonville. This past year has brought major announcements from companies like Fidelity Investments, Merrill Lynch, Washington Mutual, Bridgestone Firestone, Fidelity National Financial and many others. The result is an open market of thriving competition that recruits more new business to the Jacksonville community on a daily basis.
Top of Page
Lifestyle
It's easy to see why so many people are moving to the Jacksonville area each year. Jacksonville has one of the lowest overall costs of living in Florida and the United States. Affordable, high-quality housing, ample recreational opportunities, proximity to the beach and short commute times are just some of the reasons why so many people choose to relocate to Jacksonville every year.
Northeast Florida offers many recreational events and cultural opportunities. Jacksonville is headquarters to the PGA TOUR, the World Golf Hall of Fame and the Association of Tennis Professionals. The city's most exciting sporting attraction is the Jacksonville Jaguars, the NFL's 30th franchise, who played its 1995 inaugural season in a new world-class stadium.
Favorite annual events include the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, the Kingfish Tournament and Festival, the River Run, PGA's THE PLAYERS Championship, and several other festivals, concerts and shows. Classical music enthusiasts enjoy the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, recognized as one of the finest orchestras in the country.
Families enjoy the Jacksonville Zoo, art galleries and museums, the Museum of Science and History, the Alexander Brest Planetarium, nature preserves and parks, and more than 50 miles of white, sandy beaches.
Jacksonville's cost of living index is 98.2 out of a national average of 100, due in large part to relatively low housing costs. Residents enjoy low prices for grocery items, utilities, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services, all of which enhance a quality lifestyle.
Jacksonville's moderate year-round climate affords residents an environment in which they can continually enjoy outdoor opportunities for exercise, recreation or relaxation, making them more-productive, happier and healthier employees.
Top of Page
Government
Jacksonville and Duval County enjoy a single, consolidated government. This greatly simplifies the legislative process and ensures Jacksonville's pro-business environment for the long term.
The City of Jacksonville formed the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) to oversee all economic development programs for Duval County's consolidated government. Their team of professionals offers a streamlined, one-stop service approach to identify infrastructure needs, customize assistance packages and guide businesses through the permitting process. In addition, the JEDC partners with the Jacksonville Regional Chamberof Commerce to market the city's economic development programs and services on a national and international level.
Top of Page
Chief Economic Developer
Ron Barton
Jacksonville Economic Development Commission
1 West Adams Street, Suite 200
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 630-1858
barton@coj.net
www.jaxdevelopment.org
Top of Page