1. It’s Business Friendly, with a Strong Workforce. Fort Lauderdale is one of the top locations in the country for entrepreneurs with new startups emerging every year. In addition to new companies on the rise, American Express, AutoNation, Alcatel-Lucent, Citrix Systems, DHL Americas, Embraer, Ford, Microsoft and Motorola, all have headquarters or major operations in the Fort Lauderdale area. CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business named Florida in the top 3, most of that attributed to South Florida.
2. Ease of Travel Not only does Ft. Lauderdale have it’s own international airport, but it also has one of the largest sea ports in the country. More cruise ships leave out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami than any other ports in the country. Looking to Drive? Recently $1.8 Billion was spent to make Broward County’s 595, one of the most efficient and effective highways in the nation. This makes getting to the beach, or any of Fort Lauderdale’s main attractions extremely easy. Don’t forget, Disney World is only a few hours away!
3. No State Income Tax Florida is one of only 7 states not to charge it’s residents an income tax. Pairing that with South Florida’s flourishing economical environment, means more money in the pockets of it’s workers, which means more money put back into local business. With California having state taxes as high as 10% for some residents, and Hawaii with 11%, this is one advantage that can’t be overlooked!
4. Beaches South Florida has over 23 miles of Beaches with some of the nicest parts in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale by the Sea, Hollywood, and Hallandale. These beaches are laid out with incredible restaurants and accommodations. Weather you are looking for new state of the art hotels like The W, and the Ritz Carlton, or small chic hotels with a local feel, South Florida beaches have it all.
5. The Weather What could be better paired with those incredible beaches, than gorgeous weather? When the rest of the country is dealing with arctic blasts that bring blizzards and sub zero temperatures, Broward County still has it’s trademark beautiful blue skies and temperatures best suited for shorts and a t-shirt. Broward County only has 3 months a year with average temperatures below 70 degrees, and the average in any one month is never below 66 degrees. Spend less time shoveling snow, and more time enjoying Broward Counties numerous outdoor activities.
6. Las Olas Broward County has Las Olas Boulevard, known for it’s trendy shops and restaurants, along with it’s one of a kind charm and feel! Las Olas has over 30 al fresco dining options, 10 major international art galleries, 2 world class museums, a historic hotel, 65 shops, luxury homes, and even yacht charters. This fantastic street is always changing, with new unique spots to eat and shop, popping up every year.
7. Sawgrass Mills Mall Not often is a mall an international tourist attraction, but Sawgrass mall is not your ordinary shopping experience, laid out to look like a giant alligator when viewed from above,. Sawgrass Mills Mall is the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States. It has over 350 stores, with such brand names as Saks Fifth Avenue, Burberry Factory Outlet, Ron Jon Surf Shop, and more. The mall area is lined with a range of restaurants, a giant version of Barbie’s dream house, a state of the art movie theater and more!
8. Hollywood Beach Boardwalk Named one of America’s Best Beach Boardwalks by Travel and Leisure magazine, this brick paved boardwalk stretches 2 and a half miles, along the Atlantic ocean. In addition to 28 Superior small lodges, dozens of restaurants and shops, this boardwalk hosts 3 oceanfront parks featuring playgrounds, paddle-ball courts, ping pong tables, interactive water fountains, and more. The boardwalk is also home to the Hollywood Beach Theater which gives free outdoor concerts to it’s residents and visitors.
9. Sports and Activities South Florida’s unique climate, allows for year round play of any outdoor sport or activity. Broward County has over 75 golf courses, many with PGA quality courses and club houses. Prefer water activities? Take a ride on the famous water taxi or try out a water powered jet pack that will send you 30 plus feet into the air. South Florida also has many great professional sports teams, all within 30 minutes of Broward County. The Marlins, Panthers, Heat, and Dolphins, all contend for the playoffs regularly. Looking for a more intimate view? Baseball’s spring training “Grapefruit League” plays its games in South Florida, with most of the stadiums in or not too far from Broward County.
10. Schools Broward County has one of the nation’s highest rated school systems filled with progressive alternatives for students of any level or educational need. Excellent public schools. Outstanding private alternatives. Challenging curriculum and standards. Broward County has the school program for every type of student. Looking for higher education? The University of Miami, FIU, FAU, Borward College, Nova Southeastern all have campuses in or near Broward County.