Rural Florida, despite its vast area, is characterized by a number of common challenges. The per capita personal income gap between Florida's metro and non-metro areas has widened in recent years, falling from 75.9 percent to 72.1 percent as a percentage of the state average.
Florida's three emerging rural regions may share a number of challenges and equity gaps, but they agree that they share common industry cluster foundations and play a pivotal role in the growth of the total Florida market.
The 2004 statewide strategic plan for economic development is a "Roadmap to Florida's Future" and is being used by all agencies in state government. The long-term benefits and results from such an effort are a positive catalyst and provide a significant return on the state's investment. It is also consistent with recommendations contained within the Florida Chamber's "New Cornerstone" report. Rural Florida, at the October 2004 Statewide Rural Economic Development Summit, embraced a new approach to the way it conducts business by choosing regionalism.
You may download or view a complete copy of the 2006-08 Statewide Strategic Plan for Economic Development: Rural Priority