HARD-WIRED FOR TECH

Florida's Space Coast is the birthplace of space exploration and has grown to be the home of several rapidly expanding industries. Our economy features cutting edge communications, electronics, aerospace, advanced security and emerging technologies.

Applied High-Tech Ready Workforce

Florida’s Space Coast boasts 48 engineers per 1,000 workers; more than any other Florida metro, or indeed any of the 25 most populated metros in the country. We also have the most concentrated high-tech economy in the state of Florida and the 16th most concentrated in the nation. BizJournals ranked the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville MSA 8th in a list of the country’s Top 100 Tech Centers in 2009. Out of those 100 Tech Centers listed, just one (San Jose) has more high-tech related jobs per 1,000 private-sector jobs than the Space Coast.

World's Only Quadramodal Transportation Hub LAND | AIR | SEA | SPACE

With our unique aerospace history, we have a special appreciation for transporting people and goods in the most efficient and cost-effective ways. Our central location on the Atlantic seaboard of Florida situates us in the middle of major space, air, sea, highway and rail corridors. In addition, many of our transportation hubs are part of Foreign Trade Zone 136, which enables qualified businesses to defer or eliminate U.S. Customs' duties on imported goods.

Innovators Properly Positioned

Our high-tech workforce fuels innovation, attracting 13 patents for every 10,000 workers – more than double the national average of 6.4 patents per 10,000 workers.

Palm Bay, Florida ranks 11th on Forbes' first-ever ranking of America's Most Innovative Cities. Rankings were based on a combination of data including patents, venture capital investment, and ratios of high-tech, science and "creative" jobs.

Good Company

Just to name a few, Florida's Space Coast is home to Boeing, DRS, General Electric, Knight Armaments, L3, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and Rockwell Collins – and the world headquarters of Harris Corporation.

Education Leader

Brevard Public Schools is a model of innovation and excellence and is regarded as one of Florida's finest. Ranked third in the state with 98% of Brevard schools receiving a grade of A or B, the district received a Grade Point Average of 3.8, or an overall grade of A.
We are home to nine colleges and universities including the renowned Florida Institute of Technology. Our universities are joined by such technical institutions as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and satellite campuses of the burgeoning University of Central Florida.

Attractive Tax and Wage Climate

Florida’s attractive tax code includes:
-    No State Personal Income Tax
-    No State Level Property Tax
-    No Business Inventory Tax
-    No Corporate Income Tax on Limited Partnerships and S-Corporations

While Florida’s average high-tech wage is lower than 62% of all 50 states, the wage structure in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville MSA is generally lower than other population centers around the state.

Business-Friendly Government

The EDC acts as a liaison between legislators, key business sector associations and companies developing incentives and policies to strengthen Brevard County's business environment. This, coupled with our work uniting local and state government entities to create Performance-Based Incentive Packages, offers a competitive environment in which our businesses can thrive.