State Steering Committee |
State Quick Facts |
Barney BishopOwner, Barney Bishop Consulting; immediate past President, Associated Industries of Florida; former Executive Director, Florida Democratic Party Larry BarineauOwner, Barineau Heating & Air Thad BeshearsCo-Owner, Simpson Nurseries Julio FuentesPresident, Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Cynthia HendersonFormer President, Florida Federation of Republican Women, Owner, Cynergy Consulting Carole Jean JordanOwner, Jordan Sprinkler System; Tax Collector, Indian River County Ashley MayCo-Owner, May Nurseries Ed MoorePresident, Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida Sandra MorthamChairman, Maggie’s List, Former Florida Secretary of State; Former House GOP Minority Leader Holly Merrill RascheinState Representative, Florida House of Representatives |
Nickname:Sunshine State Capital:Tallahassee 2015 Population:20,271,272 Gross State Product:$926 Billion Total Nonfarm Employment:8,552,500 Governor:Rick Scott (R) Senators:Bill Nelson (D), Representatives: 27 |
Support For Local Business
Senator Bill Nelson (D) “Small businesses are the cornerstone of our local economies.”
(Senator Bill Nelson, “Senators offer tax bill aimed at helping small businesses,” http://origin-nyi.thehill.com. 3/28/17.)
Representative Carlos Curbelo (R) “American small businesses are at the heart of the American economy and free-market system. With their dedication to innovation and success, small business owners have led to the development of emergent technologies, sparked competition, and provided livelihoods for millions of Americans. They also employ low and middle income Americans trying to get ahead.”
(Representative Carlos Curbelo, “issues, Small Business,” https://carloscurbelo.com/issues/small-business)
Business Highlights
Florida’s 2.4 million small businesses represent 989.8% of all employers in the state and employ 3.2 million workers.
Women-owned businesses make up 807,700 of Florida businesses.
Veteran-owed businesses make up 185,600 of Florida businesses.
A total of 61,307 companies that operate internationally, competing in global markets on a daily basis for inputs, capital, and customers, exported from Florida.
Florida exports reached $52 billion in 2014, with products and services going to 226 countries.
Fifteen Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the Sunshine State.