• Florida ranks #4 in the nation for overall business tax competitiveness (State Business Tax Climate Index 2024, Tax Foundation).
  
  
• Florida has the 4th largest economy in the U.S. and ranks among the top states for GDP growth.
  
  
• Florida ranks #2 in the nation for Best States for Business (Chief Executive Magazine, 2024).
  
  

Florida ranks #1 in the nation for job growth and #1 for workforce development (Lightcast, 2025).

• Florida is ranked #1 in the U.S. for Higher Education (U.S. News & World Report, 2024), recognizing affordability, graduation rates, and degree attainment.
  
  
• Florida has the 3rd largest civilian workforce in the nation (Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, 2024).
  
  
• Bay County’s workforce includes 92,800+ workers (2025), with access to over 280,000 within a 90-minute commute (Florida DEO, 2025).
  
  
• Bay County’s average annual wage is approximately $53,740, and wages continue to rise as advanced industries expand (Florida Office of Economic & Demographic Research, 2024).
  
  

Local higher education institutions include Florida State University–Panama City, Gulf Coast State College, Haney Technical College, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, ensuring a steady talent pipeline.

• Bay County is home to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) — the newest international airport built in the U.S. (opened 2010) with a 10,000-foot runway and adjacent development sites.
  
  
• Port Panama City is a deep-water port handling over 2 million tons of cargo annually, supporting global trade and logistics.
  
  

Florida ranks #1 in the nation for infrastructure (U.S. Chamber Foundation, 2023), thanks to world-class airports, ports, rail, and highway connectivity.

• Bay County is known worldwide for its beaches — Panama City Beach was ranked among TripAdvisor’s Top U.S. Beaches in 2024.
  
  
• Bay County offers an unmatched lifestyle balance with sun, sand, cultural amenities, strong schools, and outdoor recreation, making it easy to attract and retain top talent.
  
  
• Population growth remains strong: Bay County now exceeds 200,000 residents (2025), with projections to surpass 225,000 by 2040 (World Population Review / Florida EDR).
  
  

With a pro-business climate, nationally ranked workforce, modern infrastructure, and unmatched quality of life, Bay County and Florida together provide a competitive edge for companies seeking to relocate, expand, and prosper.