Whether your clients need a little land to build-to-suit or want a lot of property with room to spread their wings, DeSoto County offers many opportunities. We work closely with Career Source Heartland to help businesses identify their appropriate workforce and create any necessary job training.
With hundreds of acres of industrial land, DeSoto County stands ready to welcome a variety of industries. Agri-business, manufacturing, distribution, and clean energy are ripe for growth here.
Because there are no impact fees, businesses save tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars right from the start.
At the intersection of talent and transportation, you’ll find DeSoto County.
In addition to our strategic location, DeSoto County is incredibly business-friendly. In a state with zero personal income tax, a corporate tax rate of only 4.458%, and a sales tax rate of only 7.5%, we’re also generous with business tax credits, refunds, and exemptions.
No Impact Fees: We like to think this is even better than an incentive! DeSoto County does not have impact fees, which is an automatic savings for companies developing in our community. No application necessary.
Rural Jobs Tax Credit: For eligible businesses, a $1,000 to $1,500 tax credit for each qualified employee, taken against either the Florida Corporate Income Tax or the Florida Sales and Use Tax.
Sales Tax Exemption on Electricity for Manufacturing: Qualifying businesses will be granted either a 50% or a 100% exemption of the sales tax on the charges for electricity or steam used in manufacturing.
Quick Response Training: Administered by CareerSource Florida, this program provides funding to qualifying businesses to train their new full-time employees.
Business Incentive Grant (BIG): The DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners created the Business Incentive Grant (BIG) program to incentivize businesses to locate or expand in DeSoto County and to bring high-wage jobs and/or invest in property and equipment. Each BIG agreement is customized to the business and will be reviewed and approved by the Board.
The team in DeSoto County will be your business concierge to help you navigate the entire process, from choosing your ideal location to everything it takes to get your doors open. We are here to see you succeed with the resources needed for your operation.
With high-quality public and private educational options, we’re confident that you’ll find the right educational match for your child(ren).
We value our teachers here in DeSoto County. As of the 2024-25 school year, teacher salaries start at $50,000, beating the state average of $47,500. We also offer competitive raises based on experience and tenure with the district to attract and retain top educators.
At 72.6%, our high school graduation rate has shown improvement compared to pre-pandemic levels (2019 and prior). We are continuing to implement policies and incentives to attract high-quality teachers to our district to help our students succeed.
At 72.6%, our high school graduation rate has shown improvement compared to pre-pandemic levels (2019 and prior). We are continuing to implement policies and incentives to attract high-quality teachers to our district to help our students succeed.
With high-quality public and private educational options, we’re confident that you’ll find the right educational match for your child(ren).
Global reach and competitiveness in the true heartland of Florida: DeSoto County is now opening great opportunities for your business.
Multi-modal logistical assets open easy access to domestic and global markets.
DeSoto County offers swift movement, inbound or outbound, and fast arrival at domestic and global destinations, thanks to Florida’s first-class infrastructure, our own extensive multimodal connections, and our strategic location outside urban congestion zones.
High-Powered Highway Network:
Uncongested 360˚ highway access to all parts of the state on I-75, I-4, I-95, and on the expanded US 17 Corridor. Florida’s investment in our region’s roads puts your business in the lead.
Global Air Connections:
Dual Rail Accessibility:
CSX and Seminole Gulf Railway connect to Florida’s statewide rail network, stretching from Jacksonville to Tampa, Palm Beach to Pensacola.
One-Stop Global and Domestic Shipping through the “Wharf of America,” Florida’s Peninsula-wide Port System:
Fast access to 14 Florida ports, including proximity to two ports dredged and prepared for post-Panamax vessels:
Logistical Support: As Florida readies to compete aggressively for Southeast Asia import/exports, DeSoto puts your company in prime position to benefit.
Nearest Airport
I-75 and excellent state road access to I-95 and I-4, US-17, SR 31, SR 70, SR 72
Arcadia Municipal Airport, Punta Gorda Airport
Port Manatee (49 miles), Port of Tampa (89 miles)
Lumen-CenturyLink, Xfinity-Comcast, HughesNet, ViaSat, Earthlink, T-Mobile Home Internet, Rapid Systems, IBT Group .
Florida’s Broadband Initiative: floridajobs.com/broadband
Local Technology Planning Team: Contact [email protected]
DeSoto County has entered into a Master Water Supply Contract with the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority (PRMRWSA) to supply the County with potable water at an allocation which established the County as an ‘exclusive provider customer’ which will guarantee all of our future water needs.
DeSoto County Water/Wastewater:
DeSoto County Sewer:
Physical Address:
Economic Development Office
Turner Agri-Civic Center
2250 N.E. Roan Street
Arcadia, FL 34266
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
