Community Information
If you could do business anywhere, why would you do business anywhere else? After all, Inc. Magazine called us one of the Best Business Climates in the U.S. So why wouldn’t you want to do business in a location where the climate outdoors is just as refreshing?
Consistently ranked one of the nation’s job growth leaders, Lee County is graced by 50 miles of white-sand beach, mild weather, palm-lined boulevards, and an amazing choice of shopping, dining and recreational options. All of which makes this a very attractive location for the new creative class – those active, highly skilled, well-educated employees your business needs.
From Bonita Springs to Cape Coral, Fort Myers to Sanibel Island, Lee County is where business is moving.
For more information, contact the Fort Myers Regional Partnership at 800.493.4396.
Employers
Lee County is home to hundreds of businesses in every industry imaginable – from the corporate headquarters of Chico’s, the woman's apparel company, to the new fulfillment operations for Gannett Company, publisher of USA Today and more than 82 other daily newspapers. IT, telecommunications, biotechnology, aviation, manufacturing – major employers of every shape and size have chosen Lee County for its robust workforce, solid infrastructure and superior quality of life.
To view a select list of Lee County employers:
Community Profiles
Lee County is an 804 square-mile metropolitan area of more than 600,000 residents, including the cities of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs.
To find our more about the individual communities that make up our county, visit our Map Center.
Click here to download community profile information.
Education
Highly skilled, well-educated employees are a premium in today’s high-tech world. That’s why Lee County is so focused on the education of our youth, beginning with our nationally rated public school system. We work together with area businesses to ensure that the quality of our children’s lives – and the future of our county – is safe and secure.
As one of the nation’s largest school systems, Lee County serves some 80,000 students in 73 public schools, including 25 charter schools. Fort Myers High School’s International Baccalaureate program is recognized worldwide, and the district is emphasizing career education to give students an edge in their preparation for college and the world beyond.
The Lee County School District operates two high-tech campuses to prepare students for employment by providing quality, technology-oriented education in areas such as computer and network support, inter/intranet services, business, drafting, engineering, construction, and health sciences and services. The district also offers specialized training for the area’s new and existing employers.
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), a growing part of the state’s university system, offers degrees in arts and sciences, business, environmental science, computer science, education, engineering and nursing/allied health, as well as new degrees in engineering and biotechnology. FGCU works with the business community to provide custom training and opportunities for professional development, including an Executive MBA program. For years, Edison State College has been popular with area residents seeking degrees, continuing education courses or career training in a variety of professions, including health, business, computers, electronics and liberal arts. The college works closely with area businesses to facilitate custom training programs and student internships.
For more about Lee County's educational system:
Click here to download education information
Infrastructure
Between Southwest Florida International Airport – one of America’s busiest – and our pivotal position on Interstate 75, you can quickly get from here to anywhere around the world and back again. So whether you’re tapping the fast-paced global marketplace or visiting your old hometown, it’s easy to stay in touch.
Advanced Connections
Staying connected in our electronic world is more important than ever and Lee County’s telecommunications options are as advanced as any in the country. Our expanding telecommunications infrastructure with high-speed reliable connectivity helps ensure the constant contact both homes and businesses demand.
Click here to download infrastructure information.
Workforce
Boosted by Florida's status as a right-to-work state, the quality and growth of Lee County's labor force is a major asset to any company planning to locate or expand in the area. Consistently ranked as one of the nation's job growth leaders, our workforce continues to increase because of the county's dynamic job opportunities and outstanding quality of life. It's another one of the reasons why Expansion Magazine ranked us 2nd on their list of "Top Large Counties for Recruitment and Attraction."
To find out more about Lee County's expanding workforce:
Business Environment
Long-known for attracting tourists and retirees to our beaches and natural beauty, Lee County has emerged as a dynamic destination for business expansions and locations.
In 2009, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area was rated “One of the Best Places for Small Businesses.” And companies as diverse as Gannett – the nation’s largest newspaper company – and 21st Century Oncology – a national provider of radiation therapy services have come to call Lee County home.
For more about our thriving business environment:
Click here download business environment information
Lifestyle
The harder you work, the harder you play, and Lee County has more opportunities to pursue your passions than most. It’s what makes this one of the best places to live in the United States, attracting both companies and employees to the county. And it’s one of the reasons why we’re the perfect climate for your business.
Lee County is home to more than 100 parks, beaches and wildlife refuges, drawing nature lovers from far and wide. Dozens of freshwater lakes and streams, miles of coastline, and the Gulf of Mexico, make fishing, boating and water sports a year-round adventure.
Golfers have nearly a thousand public and private courses to choose from. And every March, baseball fever grips the region as thousands of fans flock to Lee County’s two Spring training facilities to watch the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins.
The area is also rich in cultural experiences, from fine arts galleries and festivals to the Southwest Florida Symphony. Each city offers unique boutiques as well as national chains, outlet centers and upscale malls. And from fresh seafood houses to hip bistros, there’s a wealth of dining choices in Lee County.
For more about all the things to do here in Lee County:
Click here to download lifestyle inforamtion
Real Estate
After an industry-wide collapse, the market here in Southwest Florida is beginning to recover, and both commercial and residential Real Estate are showing real signs of growth.
This is a good time for businesses to expand and locate here in Lee County. What's more, it's a great time for employers and their employees to move into our region.
