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Economic, Trade, & Tourism Development

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Choose Orange County

Orange County is actively shaping a vibrant future by championing economic growth and positioning itself as one of the most dynamic and high-performing regions in Florida and beyond.

Ideally Located

Orange County is in the center of it all, a stone’s throw from a launchpad for growth and the choice of companies including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Orlando, KPMG, and Lockheed Martin. With a robust talent pool and unmatched quality of life, you’ll quickly see what we’ve always known—Orlando is the premier location in Florida. 

Orange County Map New

Visit OrlandoOrlando Economic Partnership

Explore Orange County

Orange County Landmarks

  • Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is in the heart of Central Florida's tourism district and serves as the perfect event destination.
  • Central Florida Research Park has provided world-class research and product innovation since its inception in the 1980s.
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO) serves as a major gateway for global travel and economic growth.
  • Lake Nona Lake Nona is a rapidly growing, innovative community in Orlando known for its focus on technology, wellness, and sustainable living.
  • Medical City at Lake Nona is a premier destination for health and life sciences with of state-of-the-art medical facilities, leading research institutions, and world-class educational centers.
  • Creative Village, planned for downtown Orlando, will provide a location for digital businesses and their employees to live and work.
  • Downtown Orlando is a vibrant urban center known for its cultural attractions and business districts, anchored by Lake Eola Park and the Kia Center.
  • I-Drive District is a bustling hub of entertainment, dining, shopping, and attractions, serving as a key tourist destination near major theme parks like Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld.

Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Provides your Business with a Robust Infrastructure all within 100 Miles

  • 5 deepwater ports, including Port Canaveral and Port Tampa Bay
  • 9 international airports, including Orlando International Airport, Sanford International Airport, and Orlando Executive Airport
  • 3 space launch ports
  • Nonstop flights to more than 140 destinations across the United States
  • Direct flights to more than 50 international destinations

Source: OEP Top 30 MSA Comparison Tool, derived from U.S. Census

Commuting

  • SunRail is Central Florida's intermodal rail system. It serves a 61-mile stretch of existing rail freight tracks in a four-county area.
  • LYNX public transportation system serves Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties.
  • Brightline is a high-speed passenger train that runs between Miami and Orlando.

Events


The Future of Economic Development
Friday, October 24, 2025
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Full Sail Live

Learn More  



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International Trade and Investment



Central Florida International Trade Office (CFITO)
Founded in 2014 with the support of Orange County Government and J.P. Morgan Chase, CFITO serves as a business launchpad to the global market. Providing services to regional businesses, the organization is dedicated to educating and preparing them to grow internationally.   The CFITO is located in the National Entrepreneur Center. For more information, visit www.nationalec.org/cfito.

Scheduling Form for Visiting Dignitaries and International Guest Protocol

To assist with planning, all requests to meet with Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings must be submitted in writing at least three weeks before the proposed visit date.

Please note that all visitors meeting with the Mayor will undergo screening by the U.S. Department of State or federal and state agencies. Visitors are required to present appropriate credentials upon arrival. It is important to note that any member of the delegation who has not been pre-screened, including U.S. citizens, will not be allowed to participate in the meeting. Additionally, the meeting space has a capacity limit for participants.

To streamline your request, we encourage you to complete and submit the necessary information using the form below. Our team will review your submission and reach out to you.  Thank you for your interest in meeting with Mayor Demings and exploring Orange County, Florida.

Apply Now

Key Industries

From the established industries such as Travel and Tourism and Modeling and Simulation, to new and emerging sectors such as Life Sciences, Aerospace and Defense, and Semiconductors, Orange County provides a well-balanced economic base that is poised for future growth. You’re invited to explore what lies beyond our leisure and hospitality activities.

Digital Media

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Digital Media Orange County's thriving digital media sector has developed from the collaboration between established and emerging industries such as modeling, simulation and training, film and television production, theme park rides and shows, and interactive and immersive entertainment. Industry players include Full Sail University, UCF’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, Orlando’s Creative Village Project, and Electronic Arts Tiburon Studio.

Modeling, Simulation
and Training
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Modeling, Simulation and Training The MS&T Industry in Orange County is a critical driver of the region’s innovation economy, anchored by a robust ecosystem of defense contractors, the National Center for Simulation, Central Florida Research Park, academic institutions like the University of Central Florida (UCF), globally recognized medical simulation centers such as the Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement and Veteran Affairs Medical Simulation Center of Excellence, and private businesses specializing in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and immersive learning platforms.

Advanced Manufacturing

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Advanced Manufacturing Orange County is home to a growing number of headquarters and regional offices, driven by its strong business climate, world-class infrastructure, high quality of life, and strategic location that enhances operational efficiency. The region attracts national and international companies across a wide range of sectors, such as technology, finance, hospitality, and healthcare.  Notable corporate headquarters based in Orange County include AAA, Darden Restaurants, and Travel + Leisure.

Headquarters and Regional Offices
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Headquarters and Regional Offices Orange County is home to a growing number of headquarters and regional offices, driven by its strong business climate, world-class infrastructure, high quality of life, and strategic location that enhances operational efficiency. The region attracts national and international companies across a wide range of sectors, such as technology, finance, hospitality, and healthcare.  Notable corporate headquarters based in Orange County include AAA, Darden Restaurants, and Travel + Leisure.

Aerospace and
Defense
Aerospace and Defense

Aerospace and Defense Orange County stands out as a national powerhouse in the Aerospace and Defense sector, characterized by a distinctive ecosystem that boasts a dense concentration of military, academic, and corporate resources. The region hosts industry giants such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris Technologies. This synergy among various stakeholders fosters innovation and development within the industry and positions Orange County as a critical hub for next-generation defense technologies and aerospace advancement.

Life Sciences and
Health Care
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Life Sciences and Health Care Orange County’s Life Sciences and Health Care industry cluster is driven by a combination of world-class research institutions, a growing talent pool, and strong public-private collaboration. The county is home to the Lake Nona Medical City, the Nemours Children’s Hospital, the Orlando VA Medical Center, the University of Florida Academic and Research Center, and the University of Central Florida College of Medicine.

Semiconductors

Semiconductors

Semiconductors Thanks to strategic investments and collaborative efforts, Orange County is increasingly positioning itself as a key participant in the national semiconductor industry. The region aims to play a pivotal role in the reshoring of chip manufacturing within the United States, contributing significantly to the sector's growth and resilience.

Travel and
Tourism
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Travel & Tourism Orange County is considered a premier travel destination, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024, with world-famous theme parks, attractions, accommodations, airports, and one of the largest convention facilities in the nation, the Orange County Convention Center, which in recent years has averaged nearly 200 events. More information is available at Visit Orlando.




Economic Development Programs


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Film Incentive Program
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Main Street Program

Business Assistance

Find the assistance you need through our network of partnerships.

Small Business
Economic Support Organizations
Workforce and Talent Development
Incentives
Additional Resources

Whether you are launching a new venture, or already have your business up and running, Orange County provides a wide range of small business assistance through our network of partners.

The National Entrepreneur Center offers free training and counseling on starting and managing your business. Some of the resources made available at the NEC include:

The Business Resource Office, conveniently located on the first floor of the Orange County Administration Center within Planning, Environmental & Development Services (PEDS), is a resource for navigating the County’s business requirements. Whether you need help with zoning, permits, licensing, or connecting with partner organizations, the team can provide you with guidance and support.

Take advantage of this valuable resource. Walk-in customers are welcome. Visit the Business Resource Office today or learn more about available resources and training to get started.

Business Resource Office
201 S Rosalind Ave., 1st Floor
Orlando, FL 32801
Email: BusinessResourceOffice@ocfl.net
Phone: 407-836-2859

Orange County boasts a dynamic workforce supported by strong talent development initiatives and a robust educational ecosystem. With institutions such as Rollins College, University of Central Florida, Valencia College, Full Sail University, and Orange Technical College, as well as a network of technical and vocational schools, the region cultivates a pipeline of skilled workers across key industries.

Additionally, Orange County partners with CareerSource Central Florida, the region’s workforce expert that connects employers with the largest talent pool in the area. They also provide resources and training for workers to address local business demands now and in the future.

Orange County partners with the Orlando Economic Partnership and the State of Florida to attract, retain, and grow companies within our targeted industries. Benefits to businesses include:

  • A favorable tax structure.
  • A diverse, growing high-tech workforce.
  • The presence of mature, as well as groundbreaking, industry sectors.
  • High quality of life.
  • Incentive packages: tax incentives, workforce training funds, and infrastructure grants.
  • Programs geared toward both new and growing companies.

For more information on incentives, visit the Orlando Economic Partnership website.


Sister Cities

Orange County has sister city relationships with two international partner cities and regions around the world. The relationship becomes official with a signing ceremony among the top-elected officials of the two local jurisdictions. Orange County’s sister cities include Hart van Brabant, Netherlands; Medellín, Colombia.

Hart van Brabant
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North Brabant is a South Central mainland province of the Netherlands.

Orange County and the region of Hart van Brabant have diverse commonalities as they share the same key industries and objectives of attracting investment, cultivating innovation and promoting collaboration between education institutions. This sister city agreement has already enabled alliances between higher education institutions in Orange County and in the City of Tilburg.

  • Date of agreement: November 13, 2012
  • Key industries in sister city: Tourism, healthcare, life sciences, aerospace, and higher education.

Medellín
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Officially, the Municipio de Medellín is the second-largest city in Colombia. Similar to Orange County, Medellín’s economy heavily relies on the tourism industry. Medellín is attractive to entrepreneurs and large corporations due to the region’s strides to become the innovation hub of South America. Like Medellín, Orange County continues to be a seedbed for innovation and entrepreneurship, allowing the region to diversify its economy. This sister cities agreement will foster opportunities for both regions to exchange best practices in their goal to become an innovation hub.

  • Date of agreement: November 13, 2012
  • Key industries in sister city: Services outsourcing, software and it, tourism, and manufacturing.

Economic Development Team

Dennis Holste

Dennis Holste
Economic Development Director

Jessica Kinkle

Jessica Kinkle
Administrative Assistant

Jen Pennypacker

Jen Pennypacker
Film Incentive Administrator

Alyssa Baracat

Alyssa Baracat Ryals
Economic Development Program Coordinator

Lee Peters

Lee Peters
Sr. Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator

Renuka Sastri

Renuka Sastri
Sr. Professional on Call

Contact Us


Office of Economic, Trade, and Tourism Development

Orange County Government Administration Center
201 S Rosalind Ave., 5th Floor
Orlando, FL 32801

Email: EconomicDevelopment@ocfl.net
Phone: (407) 836-7370

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.

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