Florida Rural Economic Development Association

A growing workforce and strategic location make Jackson County a smart place to do business. More than 1 million people live within a 60-mile radius, and with a civilian labor shed topping 520k, businesses are primed and ready for the future. Discover what Jackson County and the rest of Opportunity Florida have to offer.

Access to quality healthcare has long supported the vitality of communities in Madison County and across the North Florida Economic Development Partnership region. Facilities like Madison County Memorial Hospital, which opened in 1950, play an important role in providing care close to home for residents and families.

Gulf County's seafood heritage plays an important role in the economy and identity of the Opportunity Florida region.
Gulf American Shrimp, a five-generation family business, is carrying that legacy forward, supplying high-quality, farm-raised shrimp while earning a green rating (Best Choice) from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Such businesses help strengthen Gulf County and support the economic growth that continues to define rural Florida.

With one of the longest coastlines in the state and the North Florida Economic Development Partnership region, Taylor County boasts year-round saltwater fishing tournaments. Centered around the scenic Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach areas, these competitions attract anglers from far and wide to take part in this premier fishing area.

Taylor County's timber industry boasts immense economic impact through timber in the North Florida Economic Development Partnership region and beyond. In 2024, the county has supported a sustainable harvest of over 3 million tons of pine timber over the past 70 years.

As a part of Fla Heartland, Glades County features premier nature-based tourism. The area's vast waterways come in many forms, like 30 miles of Lake Okeechobee shoreline, 60 miles of Caloosahatchee River frontage, and 52 miles of paddling trails on Fisheating Creek. Glades County offers a connection to the outdoors for every birder, biker, hunter, boater, fisherman, and enthusiast.

Fun in the sun takes on a new color in Madison County. Named “Best Swimming Hole in America” by USA Today, the Blue Springs promise a memorable dive into relaxation and adventure. Head to Madison County and the rest of North Florida Economic Development Partnership to find out what other outdoor wonders await.

In Fla Heartland, DeSoto County's cowboys and rodeos continue a heritage generations in the making. Here, ranching is a way of life, a culture that reflects skill, resilience, and community pride. From local arenas to annual traditions like the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, these gatherings bring people together and preserve a legacy that continues to shape the region. There are rodeos across Florida, but DeSoto County boasts "the grandaddy of 'em all."

In Florida Heartland Economic Region of Opportunity - FHERO, Glades County's water is more than a natural resource. Located within the greater Lake Okeechobee watershed, the county plays a key role in water management systems that support agriculture, protect ecosystems, and sustain communities throughout South Florida.