Clermont Business, Industry
and Economic Development
Warm Business Atmosphere
With a business atmosphere as warm and welcoming as its year-round temperate climate, South Lake County is a place where economic development and businesses of every size and sort are thriving.
The communities of South Lake County offer all that is needed for a corporation, mid-size company or small or family-owned business to succeed. The area’s increasing population is another reason why companies find the area an appealing place to grow their business.
The South Lake Area is conveniently located close to major highways and airports, has a range of high-quality properties and facilities, an active Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Authority, & Regional Marketing Commission, opportunities for business incentives and employee training, and a cooperative spirit between companies and local county governments.
Many well-known companies choose to have a place in South Lake County. These include Dunkin Donuts, Circuit City, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Marriott, Domino’s, Carroll Fulmer Trucking, American Hotel Register, Sprint North Supply and Maritec Industries. They have taken note of the county’s convenient location and other positive attributes and have established a range of facilities including manufacturing plants, distribution centers and corporate headquarters.
One of the county’s success stories has been the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park, which has attracted major corporations and created high quality employment. It is strategically located on U.S. Highway 27 at the crossroads of state Route 19 and the Florida Turnpike.
The county is a magnet for entrepreneurs. Anyone with an idea, some capital, and a good plan can take advantage of the dynamic business environment that is Central Florida. Standout businesses include Green Machine, that provides video production to clients like Trane Air Conditioning Inc.; and Restor Telecommunications Inc., that tests and refurbishes circuit boards for clients such as Verizon.
The Chamber and other organizations provide support for start-up as well as incumbent businesses. From educational courses, to seminars, to business consulting, there are public and private resources available to build your team and grow your business. The goal of the Business Resource Center (BRC) is to provided small business training and mentoring at little or no cost, and to nurture existing businesses. The BRC is located at Lake Sumter Community College in nearby Leesburg.
Businesses interested in expanding their current operations or relocating to the area can take advantage of a number of incentive programs. The Jobs Growth Investment Trust Fund has been one of the most effective of these incentive programs. It pays cash incentives to companies that create quality jobs in the county.
Another valuable incentive is the Impact Fee Deferral Program which allows companies to defer payment of impact fees from the date building permits are issued to the date a certificate of occupancy is issued. They may be used for new construction or for expansion of industrial/manufacturing facilities.
The county’s Fast Track permitting process for industrial and manufacturing projects means businesses are not bogged down by red tape as they go about expanding or creating business facilities. The program, which was recognized with an award from the National Association of Counties, is credited with expediting the planning and review process for plan and building permits. The program has saved companies time and money in getting their projects started.
Individual communities in South Lake offer additional incentives for relocating and/or expanding businesses. The City of Groveland offers qualifying companies that expand or locate in the city up to a 10-year exemption of city ad valorem taxes on buildings and equipment. Companies that locate or expand in the City of Mascotte may qualify for property tax abatement.
The state also offers numerous tax incentives such as exemptions for sales tax on food and medicine, personal income, state-level ad valorem taxes and inventory taxes. There are also tax refunds (up to $3,000 per job created for qualified target industries) and a number of state financing incentives, including Industrial Revenue Bonds and Enterprise Bonds.
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- Chamber Letter
- Introduction
- History
- Location and Transportation
- Real Estate
- Shopping and Dining
- Tourism
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- Arts and Entertainment
- Four Corners
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- Education
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- South Lake Chamber of Commerce
- South Lake, FL Participating Advertisers
- South Lake Florida Map
- South Lake Chamber Website
