Innovators
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The 10 regions in this year's Economic Yearbook share three common problems: High property insurance premiums, burdensome property taxes and a slowdown in residential real estate activity. Naples, for instance, has reported a 50% drop in home sales from 2005 to 2006.
There are many bright spots around the state, however. A pickup in commercial/industrial real estate activity has offset the residential decline in some areas. In Broward County, analysts expect the taxes generated by Vegas-style Class III slot machines to be greater than expected this year.
The banking sector is performing strongly in southwest Florida, along with leisure, hospitality, construction and manufacturing. In the central region, the computer simulation/digital media industry is continuing to grow -- there are 1,200 digital media companies now employing 30,000 in Orlando.
The Burnham Institute will give the region an increased medical/biotech presence. And in the northeast, business leaders are girding for an explosion of imports when Jaxport's direct shipping lines to Asia open next year.
Along with highlights of economic conditions around the state, this year's Economic Yearbook issue focuses on the innovators who are playing such an important role as Florida's Marc Sarnoff economy evolves.