Monday, June 11, 2012

FLORIDA COST OF LIVING

Florida is among the most populous states in America. Each year, tens of thousands relocate to the Sunshine State peninsula. Not only for the sun, sand and surf but for its cost friendly living. In comparison to other heavily populated states, Florida is among the least expensive. Florida is a tax friendly state for individuals and businesses both. The cost of groceries and utilities is relatively smaller across the state than in the northeast of the country and west coast.

Utility Costs in Florida

Say goodbye to heating oil, snow plows and other expensive must haves residents in the northeast must incur every year. There are months during the year when air conditioning and heating aren't even necessary. Those who live in the Keys and southern tip of the peninsula best know this. A tropical sea breeze winds between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.  Along Florida's coast lines, the night air is crisp with warm mornings and balmy afternoons. Here, there is no winter maintenance. No shoveling snow or warming up the car twenty minutes before driving.

Taxes in Florida

Many businesses relocate their headquarters or their entire operation to the Sunshine State--and for good reason. Corporate taxes are low and Florida boasts a business friendly environment. That goodwill is also afforded to private residents. Homestead exemptions are the norm in the state and there is no income tax. Unlike the northeastern and west coast of the country, there are no county and city income taxes. Property taxes are low when also compared to the west coast and northeast.

Living Expenses

Food and clothing top out at country wide average prices. On the medium to low price point, food and clothing aren't outrageously expensive. And forget about paying confiscatory rates to have your own parking space. In the majority of township across the peninsula, parking spaces aren't rented or sold.  Garage parking is somewhat of a novelty in the Sunshine State. Crowded subways, white knuckle taxi rides are nowhere to be found. All in all, the state of Florida is a cost friendly place to live. Low taxes, tax exemptions, inexpensive living expenses make the peninsula one of the best places to live in the United States.

Friday, June 01, 2012

FLORIDA BUSINESS ADVANTAGES

Florida is one of the most business friendly states in America. Low corporate taxes and an expansion minded regulatory and tax structure is why many corporations establish themselves or move to the Sunshine State. Florida has more to offer than low business taxes and hands-off regulation--it has an ever-expanding infrastructure which makes doing business in Florida just good business sense. There are a number of other factors which make Florida a business friendly state. A big and increasing consumer population exists--meaning businesses have no shortage of customers.

Florida Corporate Taxes

As stated, Florida is a tax friendly business location. The taxes are low or nonexistent in some instances. What's more, the state of Florida actually encourages businesses to expand. The Sunshine State lets corporations use excess capital to fund growth initiatives instead of dedicating such monies to tax outlays.

International Business Presence

Throughout the state of Florida, particularly in south and central portions of the peninsula, there are a number of foreign corporations which choose to call Florida their home. What's more, these international corporations take advantage of the many seaports and airports throughout the state. Businesses wanting to further their reach can also take advantage of these shipping resources.

Employee Pool

Florida has many fine universities of higher education. Those attending and graduating students help to bolster Florida's business friendly environment. A deep pool of interns, bright young hires and out-of-the-box thinkers lives in the Sunshine State. In addition, skilled workers relocate to the state by the thousands each year. In short, Florida has the best of both worlds, young talent and experienced workers.

Organizations

Florida is proud of its business driven economy. And it shows. On the state level, in the majority of counties and municipality have business advocacy groups. These include groups which provide both financial and informational assistance for businesses large and small. Florida is one of the most small business friendly environments with a strong presence by the Small Business Association and the National Retail Federation, just to name two of many. And there is certainly more. Some municipalities have even adopted tax rebate incentive packages. This makes Florida one of the most ideal state in which to launch, relocate and/or grow a business. For help finding Florida Keys Commercial Real Estate contact Gary Smith at www.keywestlifestyle.com