Business and Industry��
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2019 | 53
Charlotte County’s business climate is strong and vigorous, meeting
the needs of one of the fastest growing areas in the country. It’s no
secret that the county has the finest “quality of life” as evidenced by
the repeated recognition in MONEY and other national magazines.
The magnificent location on Florida’s gulf coast, superb recreation,
low crime rate, cultural/educational alternatives and a pro-business
outlook continue to enhance the county’s stature. Charlotte County
offers a productive work force, business incentives, support services,
low labor costs, right-to-work state and proximity t o market s
. Financial incentives, no personal income tax, strong financial
institutions, labor force and employee training facilities, as well as
air, rail and interstate road transportation capabilities all compliment
the favorable business climate. See www.CharlotteCountyFL.com for
access to the permitting process for commercial construction and
numerous permitting forms. The county’s geographic information
system at www.ccgis.com provides aerial photographs, location of
utility lines, easement and a myriad of details on county property.
The county’s business and industry potential is almost limitless –
a unique and promising opportunity for businesses considering
expanding or relocating.
THE FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER in
Port Charlotte is a satellite center of the Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf
Coast University region serving aspiring and existing small businesses in
Charlotte County with no-cost consulting, low-cost training, and access
to business data and research resources. In addition to its core service
offering, the Florida SBDC also offers specialized services to qualifying
companies, including capital access, market growth, government
contracting, international trade, business continuation, cybersecurity,
disaster planning and recovery, and more. Call 941-627-2222 or visit
www.floridasbdc.org.
PORT CHARLOTTE SCORE is a chapter of The SCORE Association
dedicated to the formation, growth and success of the nation’s small
businesses by educating and counseling entrepreneurs. SCORE
volunteers are real-world professionals with time-tested knowledge
are experts in accounting, finance, marketing, sales, management,
business plan preparation, manufacturing, and intellectual property.
Port Charlotte SCORE volunteers provide free, confidential business
advice tailored to meet the needs of your small business, both startup
and existing entrepreneurs. 941-743-6179. https://portcharlotte.
score.org
CHARLOTTE COUNTY ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Your Business. Cleared for Takeoff.
You can feel momentum in the air in Charlotte County, Florida.
Things are happening. Just announced: A $1.7 million grant for
an Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Certification
program. Punta Gorda Airport recently completed a multi-million
terminal expansion. Sunseeker Resort broke ground on a nearly half
a billion dollar resort destination. The economic climate is as sunny
as the weather and the landscape looks like a tropical paradise. With
a pro-business attitude, leaders willing to invest in the community
and fast track approvals, your business can be cleared for takeoff in
no time.
Whether you need to relocate your business, expand your facility,
recruit or retrain a team, or make business connections to further
your growth, we’ve got the people, resources, and information to help
you. The Charlotte County Economic Development Office (EDO)
wants your business and is committed to making sure Charlotte
County remains a place where both business and employees can
flourish in paradise.
To learn more about expanding or relocating a business in
Charlotte County, contact the EDO, located at: 18501 Murdock
Circle, Suite 302, Port Charlotte, Florida 33948. Call the EDO at:
941-764-4941, or visit us at: www.cleared4takeoff.com, Email: info@
Cleared4Takeoff.com.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY DEMOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS 2019
POPULATION
Unincorporated ........................................ 154,580
City of Punta Gorda .................................... 18,656
County Total ............................................. 173,236
POPULATION TRENDS
2030 projected ........................................ 226,487
2020 projected ........................................ 192,857
2010 census............................................. 159,901
2000 census............................................. 142,266
1990 census............................................. 112,821
REGIONAL COST OF LIVING
COMPARISON
Miami-Fort Lauderdale &
West Palm Beach MSA .......................... 119.3
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton MSA ............. 103.2
Orlando Kissimmee MSA................................. 93.8
Jacksonville MSA ............................................ 92.0
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA ............ 89.2
Charlotte County MSA ..................................... 99.2
Cape Coral/Ft. Myers MSA .............................. 95.3
HOUSING (2018)
Home Value
Charlotte County ................................. $165,200
Punta Gorda ....................................... $267,200
Total Housing Units
Charlotte County ..................................... 87,368
Punta Gorda ........................................... 15,289
NUMBER OF SCHOOLS
High Schools
Public ..........................................................4
Private .........................................................8
Middle Schools
Public ..........................................................4
Private ...................................................... 10
Elementary Schools
Public ....................................................... 10
Private ...................................................... 12
Centers & Technical Schools ..................................6
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY
Retail Trade .................................................. 9,810
Education & Health Services ....................... 12,315
Construction, Mining &
Natural Resources ................................ 5,354
Public Administration .................................... 3,178
Leisure & Hospitality .................................... 8,008
Professional & Business Services ................... 3,568
Financial Activities ........................................ 1,652
Other Services .............................................. 2,476
Manufacturing ................................................ 948
Wholesale Trade .............................................. 866
Information .................................................... 487
Transportation/Warehousing/Utilities ........... 1,445
LABOR FORCE STATISTICS
Labor Force ................................................ 52,405
Average Annual Salary ............................. $39,128
Unemployment Rate ......................................3.5%
SOURCE: “JOBS EQ” - CHARLOTTE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
/www.CharlotteCountyFL.com
/www.ccgis.com
/www.floridasbdc.org
/portcharlottescore.org
/www.cleared4takeoff.com
/Cleared4Takeoff.com
