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Sebring Business and Industry

Sebring and Highlands County is a community where progress is at the center of attention by local civic, business and government leaders. It is a community that is planning for its future rather than letting the future just happen as it will. The Economic Development Commission of Highlands County (EDC), in cooperation with the Heartland Workforce Investment Board, the One-Stop Community Program and the Highlands County Planning Department, works diligently to support the interests of expanding and new business and industry in the area.

Within the past decade, the EDC commissioned PHH Fantus Corporation, a Chicago-based independent marketing firm, to perform a community assessment of the county’s business climate. The study charted the course for planning for future growth and development consistent with the objectives of local elected officials and business leaders. Fantus concluded, “the state of Florida offers an outstanding business climate for manufacturers.” That is still true today, and Highlands County has much to offer companies looking to relocate their business to an “Economic Development Friendly” community.

In 1998, after a national search, the EDC commissioned the national economic development consulting firm of Lockwood-Greene, based in Atlanta, to assist in developing a Strategic Marketing Plan for Highlands County that was compatible with the county’s comprehensive land use plan and the desires of local leaders. Eleven top markets were identified as targets for economic development efforts, providing a plan that the EDC can follow well into the future.

Key Location Assets

• Considerable cost savings for labor-intensive business and industries.
- accommodating tax structure
- low cost of living, particularly for land and housing
• Employer satisfaction with employee work ethic.
- strong agricultural work ethic
- ample, trainable, productive workforce
• Labor potential from sizable retirement population.
• Proximity to other Florida markets.
• Local Enterprise Zone and Foreign Trade Zone.
• Strong public/private cooperation for business attraction.
• Wealth of civic pride.

Industrial Properties
A current inventory of available buildings and land is maintained by the EDC. Local developers will build to suit with attractive lease or purchase options.

Land Use
Within the municipalities of Avon Park, Lake Placid and Sebring, land is regulated by the respective governing body guided by appointed advisory planning and zoning agencies.

Land use in the unincorporated areas of Highlands County is regulated by the Board of County Commissioners. The Planning and Zoning Board, with offices located at the county government center complex, is an advisory board with members appointed by county commissioners. Of the 701,709 acres in Highlands County, over 3,500 acres are zoned for industrial development.

Industrial Parks
The Sebring Industrial Park, with a land area of 2,000 acres, is a prime location for manufacturing and distribution. Operated by the Sebring Airport Authority, it is a full-service park with rail service available. The entire 2,000 acres are also designated as Foreign Trade Zone #215.