Florida Economic Update

Spending some time here in Florida has me looking around at what's happening with the Florida economy. Click here for the latest BLS update, which includes a useful metro area trends picture.

Here is what the latest Enterprise Florida strategic plan has listed as top-line priorities:

o Establishing Florida as a leading state for entrepreneurship, innovation and venture capital, with a continued commitment to university-based Centers of Excellence and strategies for seed and venture capital;

o Facilitating excellence in education and workforce preparation;

o Maintaining the competitiveness of Florida's business climate with low taxes, non-burdensome regulations and targeted incentives;

o Designing and implementing a market-driven stimulus strategy for regions the governor designates "rural areas of critical economic concern;"

o Retaining and strengthening business sectors threatened by external trends and decision-making, including Florida's manufacturing base and defense industry sector;

o Transitioning growth management to a more flexible and comprehensive planning mindset for "smart growth;" and

o Competitively investing in economic development and emerging industries/technologies with innovative strategies.

The state said the plan will now enter an implementation phase, with progress reports periodically posted on the Enterprise Florida Web site.

To view the plan, go to www.eflorida.com/strategicplan.