Rural Northwest Florida: Closer Than You Think

Rural Northwest Florida isn’t what you expect. We’re closer than you think to everything that matters—airports, medical centers, colleges and universities, ports, and major metro areas.

The Northwest Florida Rural Area of Opportunity, known as Opportunity Florida, borders both Georgia and Alabama, spans 136 miles along Interstate 10 from Gadsden County to Okaloosa County, and reaches all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

Certified Sites, Ready for Business
Our region offers an abundance of certified, shovel-ready sites. Ten sites and parks—covering more than 4,200 acres—have been reviewed and verified as “site ready” by Quest Site Solutions in partnership with Florida Power & Light. These stretch along the I-10 corridor from the Shoal River Ranch Gigasite in Okaloosa County, to the Spanish Trail Commerce Park in Jackson County, and south into Bay County at VenturesCrossing, next to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

The Start of Everywhere
Rural doesn’t mean remote. Thanks to our robust highway, rail, and air connections, Opportunity Florida is your gateway to everywhere. Our highway network puts you within a day’s drive of major markets such as Dallas, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Richmond, and Miami. We have direct access to Port Panama City, commercial airports in Pensacola, Panama City, and Tallahassee, and rail lines that move goods nationwide.
 

State Support to Move Faster
Florida’s Governor and Legislature actively support development in rural Florida, offering special funding like the Rural Infrastructure Grant to expand infrastructure at key sites. State agencies can also waive certain rules—while still complying with state law—if they hinder job creation in rural Florida. That means projects move faster, and your profits start sooner.

A Skilled Workforce Pipeline
Opportunity Florida’s workforce is 140,000 strong and growing, with training programs shaped by local industry needs. Across our 12 counties, we have 11 colleges, multiple technical schools, and more than 120 high school career academies preparing students for real-world careers.

High school programs start with micro-certifications and can lead directly into the workforce or into advanced training at community colleges and technical schools. Programs include:

• Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics
• Auto, Diesel, and Marine Mechanics
• Building Technology & Construction Trades
• Engineering Technology & Robotics
• Welding, CDL Training, and Logistics
• Medical Services, Hospitality, and Culinary Arts

Our regional universities—Florida State, Florida A&M, Embry-Riddle, and University of West Florida—offer bachelor’s, graduate, and research programs, including engineering and advanced technical studies.

Employer Training at No Cost

Through our local CareerSource network, businesses can access qualified employees and assistance with customized training. CareerSource connects employers with talent, provides skills training, and helps workers increase their earning potential.

Less Actually Does Mean More

In Opportunity Florida, less really is more. 

Florida’s business-friendly tax climate is one of the best in the United States. In addition to low corporate tax rates, the state also offers sales exemptions for manufacturers on electricity, manufacturing equipment purchases, and other tax reductions. Florida’s business tax structure means you pay less in taxes and put more in your bottom line. 

Florida’s lack of a personal income tax also means your employees keep more of their paycheck in their pocket, helping you attract the workforce you want. 

Certified for Success
With a strong labor pool draw, special infrastructure funding, fast-tracked certified sites, and state-level business support, you are Certified for Success in Northwest Florida’s Rural Area of Opportunity.

Opportunity is here—you should be too!
📞 Call (850) 633-4119 or visit www.opportunityflorida.com.